Conan: The Legend

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

While Conan certainly has his fans in the comic-book world, for the most part they haven’t been mainstream (i.e., super-hero) readers, but it’s to be hoped this attractive (and inexpensive) introduction to the character will soon change that.

It certainly helps that Busiek plans on hewing close to the Robert E. Howard source material, because, without that connection, Conan can quickly become just a violent repeat offender who doesn’t like pants.

Smartly, instead of starting with just another generic Marvel-type adventure (which were, basically just Westerns with the inclusion of a giant spider or gorilla in the third act), it puts the character in the context of the legend he is. And it doesn’t hurt one bit that it’s drawn by Cary Nord — sure, it’s beautiful, but he also captures the fire that lies under Conan’s sullen and stoic exterior. This is a solid opening salvo.

— S.A. Bennett
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  NotesWriterArtist
#0

November, 2003
Cover Price: $0.25
18 copies available from $1.00 		Kurt BusiekCary Nord
#0 (2nd Printing Cover by Cary Nord)

May, 2005
Cover Price: $0.25
2 copies available from $4.50 		Kurt BusiekCary Nord