Tamara Flores
With their revival of Conan the Barbarian, Titan Comics and Heroic Signatures have not only shattered sales records but also won over the hearts of fans and critics alike. This triumphant comeback continues with the release of the first issue of Savage Sword of Conan. This magazine could arguably be the most impressive work produced under the Conan license in recent times.
Roy Thomas’ introduction sets the tone perfectly for what’s to come. He delves into the history of how the original Savage Sword of Conan came to life. This magazine, known for its mature adaptations of Robert E. Howard’s writings, was a massive success for Marvel. With a respectable run of 235 issues, it has secured its place in the annals of Sword and Sorcery literature. (It’s no surprise that Thomas has been invited back to pen more Conan tales in future issues.)
The majority of Savage Sword of Conan #1 is dedicated to an expansive Conan tale by writer John Arcudi and artist Max Von Fafner. We see a mature Conan, now a general leading his own band of mercenaries. The lure of gold keeps Conan and his followers on the path of a would-be king’s conquest. But Conan also finds himself intrigued by an attractive engineer, who is closely guarded by her employer’s twin bodyguards.
Savage Sword of Conan Honors Original Series
Devotees of the original Savage Sword of Conan will find no fault with this revival. The stories and artwork are as vibrant and raw as one could hope for. Max Von Fafner doesn’t hold back in depicting bare bodies and the bloodshed in the numerous action sequences.
While the book primarily focuses on Conan, it has more to offer. The backup story, crafted by Patch Zircher, sets the stage for a new adventure featuring Solomon Kane. There’s also a brief Conan story, where current Conan the Barbarian author Jim Zub showcases his prowess in writing pure prose as well as crafting comic narratives.
In essence, if you’re a fan of fantasy, mature comics, and thrilling adventures, you should make a beeline to your local comic book store and grab a copy of Savage Sword of Conan #1. This is bound to be the beginning of something extraordinary, and you’ll regret missing out on this one.
Grade: 5/5
Mark your calendars! Savage Sword of Conan #1 hits comic shops everywhere on February 28, 2024.
