Dark Horse Comics 2016
Written by Cullen Bunn
Illustrated by Sergio Davila
Coloured by Michael Atiyeh
Lettered by Richard Starkings & Comicraft
After the cataclysmic events that took place in Khauran, Conan of Cimmeria departed Queen Taramis’s broken court to lead his band of Zuagir renegades. Deep in the heart of the desert, the raiders set out on a plunderous—and ultimately doomed—campaign against the Turanians. All his men struck down in an ambush, Conan, alone and half-dead, wandered into the camps of the Kozaki tribesmen armed with naught but a sword . . .
I was sad to see Fred’s run on Conan end that’s true but only being the second issue in Cullen’s run proves to be as equally impressive. I never thought there’d come a day when I became such a fan of Conan the Cimmerian and yet here we are. The writing and characterization that we continue to get from Cullen only serve to strengthen this weird bond I’ve found with Conan. Silent, observing, little talk and let’s his actions speak for him more than his words though they can be just as pointed as his sword.
I can’t say i’m sorry that Conan seems to be a harbinger of doom otherwise there would be no stories to tell. Still he’s the kind of man who once people encounter either instantly admire and respect or fear and plot against. There really is no in-between it’s either one or the other. I kind of relate to that myself and that he’s shown himself to be such a smart man, incredible strategist and unafraid to voice his opinion based upon his observations, which are eerily accurate, remind me of myself sometimes. Speaking the truth they don’t want to hear.
Sergio and Michael wow what a pairing and team these two make. The interiors have that sharp detailed and amazing quality to them that send shivers and excitement down the spine. The flow of the book is fantastic the use of panels and how they are filled out through the pages with perspective, angles, closeups and backgrounds really bring you into the scene with the characters and serve to heighten what they are going through. Plus i’m sorry but that moment we see a bandaged Conan asleep wow yeah okay damn. Not to mention the creativity and imagination in other aspects of characters that we see there’s a whole world for them to explore, bring to life and create.
The premise here is solid, the storytelling exceptional and the characters/characterization, pacing and interiors are well above what one should expect from a Conan Story. Following his continuing adventures and seeing how he handles himself, those around him and when he allows himself to stay with people are some the most interesting aspects and I find myself admiring Conan with each successive issue I read.
This is off to a stellar and dynamic start full of treachery and intrigue. I can’t wait to see how it all plays out in the wonderfully crafted book.