Fans of the comic book Conan The Barbarians have not had anything to complain about in recent years. The Hachette Collection introduces readers to the first adventures of the Cimmerian. Egmont, on the other hand, has already published several volumes of later stories written by Kurt Busiek. Thanks to the same publishing house, the latest history also appeared in Poland, this time straight from Marvel.
I am a nerd. I like Conan the Barbarian. At the same time, I am aware of how little knowledge I have about it. I’m just a fan of the first movie featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger’s daring portrayal. I also remember about the sequel: Conan the Destroyer and series reboot with Jason Momoa – Conan the Barbarian 3Dalthough here perhaps it would be better to deny their existence. At the same time, Robert Howard’s original stories about the Cimmerian still lie in a pile of shame, and the aforementioned comic book adaptations / sequels / variations on the theme have always been beyond my reach of interest. It is enough to write about me (although I could do it for a long time). This lengthy introduction serves to show that the review is from the perspective of a Conan layman. The re-assumption of the rights to this character by the House of Ideas and the restart of the comic book series is the perfect moment to find out if people unfamiliar with the subject (i.e. me) will find pleasure in reading.
Ax on the map
What convinced me to reach for this title was the name of the screenwriter: Jason Aaron. He has already gone crazy in Marvel, incl. in the titles with Thor (it was he who awarded Mjollnir Jane). On the other hand, I value him especially for Skalp by Vertigo, which is one of the best comic book crime novels I know. Is his Conan equally curious? And yes. The screenwriter does not reinvent the barbaric ax. Heroic fantasy conventionit is maintained and there is no point in looking for fictional experiments here. Instead, Aaron transports the reader through different periods in the life of a warrior. In this way, stories are presented both from the times of his youthful characters and from much later years in which he already became king. Everything is tied with a buckle in which a wicked witch tries to sacrifice a Cimmerian on the sacrificial altar of the god Razazel.
This lack of chronology has many positives. The plot does not have to focus on why Conan is in a given place, it just goes straight to the point. These include meeting Picts, whom the barbarian first considers savages and then shows them respect. Could this be a kind of polemic with Howard’s racism? In turn, crossing the South Sea proves that a real tough guy is able to operate a sailing ship himself, while fighting against hordes of tentacle-spawned men. My heart was stolen the most by the story of King Conan, who suffers from a mysterious disease caused by the boredom of reign (was it depression?). The remedy turns out to be putting on a mask and night escapades in order to fight local thugs, which resembles a Hyborian Punisher. And if it was not epic, the lion helps him in all this.
Conan Hardy
If someone expects the main character to be a tough, rough, brave and stubborn slut who is not devoid of cleverness, cunning, but also honor, this is what he will get. It would seem that this character structure is outdated, that today’s heroes are very far from being alpha males (just look at what warm and positive-valued film roles are selected by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson). However, Conan is Conan. This is what it should be like. And praise Aaron for not having to experiment here.
It is also worth mentioning that the plot is very conanocentric. Apart from the witch and accompanying children, all other characters are only a background for the actions of the barbarian. This lack of supporting characters is even emphasized by the fact that almost no one else appears in the comic by name.
The square of the jaw
Conan’s jaw is suitably square, the muscles are flexible, naked and ubiquitous. Everything fits perfectly with the male power fantasy. Mahmoud Asrar, who is responsible for most of the drawings, uses a rather standard line, but it is a high level of craftsmanship. The incarnations of a barbarian over many years are appropriately distinguished from each other. You can also see that the artist enjoys drawing action scenes that are clear and legible. And it is bloody, but without exaggerating the stylistic gore . However, I must admit that I have never encountered such a number of purged tongues before – you can see Asrar really likes this theme.
Conan’s artwork is fine then. However, I have one problem. The fourth issue was illustrated by Gerardo Zaffino (known in Poland, among others from Legion. Chronicles ) and outclassed his predecessor. His line is more visible, it is stricter, darker and wilder. It’s a pity that the whole thing was not created in this style.
The release is standard. Softcover, brownish chalk paper, cover gallery at the end. But I like starting each story by marking it on the map. A small thing that gives you a better idea of the Hybrid Era.
Chop, chop and buy
The Polish reader will find on the fantasy market bolder storylines ( Coda ), more ironic and self-aware ( Ralph Azham ) or more stylistically interesting ( Head Lopper ). And yet it is worth reaching for Conan from Marvel to recall the taste of classic heroic fantasy. I look forward to the second volume and the ending of the story.
