Jared Cohen
Contrary to the stereotypical image of a barbarian hero, Conan is not just a brute with a sword. He is a thinker, a philosopher, and a questioner of the world around him. This is a trait that even the Arnold Schwarzenegger movies acknowledged, with Conan often seen discussing the nature of gods and life with his companions. In this spirit, Conan the Barbarian #16 delves into a profound exploration of these themes.
The issue begins with Conan reflecting on his encounter with Atali, who claimed to be the daughter of the god Ymir. Overwhelmed by desire, Conan reached for Atali, only to be left holding her skirt. His comrades found him in this state, skeptical of his tale until they saw the silken scrap in his hand, a piece of evidence that couldn’t be explained away.
This incident leaves Conan in a quandary. He has always been a man of tangible realities, doubting the existence of gods like Crom, who his father claimed created their people. But now, faced with evidence of the existence of other gods, Conan is forced to question everything he thought he knew.
Jim Zub’s Take on Robert E. Howard’s Conan
Robert E. Howard was often ambiguous about the existence of gods in his Conan stories. Most of the time, the so-called gods were monsters or sorcerers. Even divine interventions could be interpreted as something other than the will of a benevolent god.
“The Frost Giant’s Daughter” is the closest Howard ever came to confirming the existence of gods. Yet, it’s still possible that Ymir was just a magical beast. It’s fitting then that Jim Zub’s “The Hidden World” serves as a continuation of that story, where Conan reevaluates his beliefs. We see him transition from a naive atheism to a pragmatic deism, stating that those who deny the gods are as blind as those who trust them too deeply.
The art team perfectly complements this narrative. Doug Braithwaite’s detailed and dynamic style brings the Hyborian Age to life. Diego Rodriguez’s coloring, particularly the sepia tones used in the flashbacks to Conan’s youth, adds a nostalgic touch.
For those who dismiss Conan as a mere brute, Conan the Barbarian #16 is a must-read. It’s a thoughtful story, beautifully illustrated, that delves into the depths of the character that Robert E. Howard created 90 years ago. It’s sure to delight fans and may even convert some skeptics.
Grade: 5/5
Conan the Barbarian #16 will be available in comic shops everywhere from October 23, 2024.
