The Chronicles of Conan

(Dark Horse, 2003-2017)
™ and © Dark Horse Comics, Inc.

As it continues to mine the Marvel archives for lost comics treasure, Dark Horse produces its latest find: the 1970s classic Conan. Adapting the fantasy world of Robert E. Howard to the comics form, writer Roy Thomas and artist Barry Windsor-Smith enjoyed a 24-issue run, and the first eight issues are reprinted in this trade paperback.

The story begins with a Cimmerian bandit in the Hyborian Age of Aquilonia who must fight to fulfill his fate to become king. Armed with a sword in one hand and a maiden in the other, this wandering warrior combats winged beasts, warlords, and wizards.

Masterfully refiguring Howard’s original “adventurer” into a “barbarian,” this duo starts with a Kirbyesque flair that gradually matures into a signature style. It is refreshing to see the original depiction of the barbarian as more an impulsive Tarzan than muscle-bound hulk. In the afterword, Thomas retells how close comics history came to not being made. Sporting remastered color throughout, this edition breathes new life into a timeless tale destined to find a new generation of fans.

— Oliver Chin

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