Review of Conan: Battle of the Black Stone #1 – A Dive into Ancient, Strange Stories

Robert E. Howard, the mastermind behind the iconic Conan the Barbarian, is renowned as the pioneer of sword and sorcery. However, his literary prowess extends beyond this genre, giving birth to a plethora of cherished characters. Many of these characters come alive in Battle of the Black Stone #1, a thrilling crossover and a seamless continuation of the ongoing Conan comic series. It’s also a fantastic gateway into Howard’s non-fantasy works.

The narrative unfolds in 1936 Chicago, where occult detectives John Kirowan and John Conrad cross paths with the seasoned adventurer, Francis Xavier Gordon, also known as El Borak (Arabic for “The Swift”). Gordon’s extensive travels and encounters with the bizarre, including a peculiar sigil that haunts his dreams, coincide with Kirowan and Conrad’s research.

In a time before time, Conan, who has also encountered this sigil, spots it once more on a fallen enemy’s necklace. The same sigil plagues the Puritan witch-hunter Solomon Kane and the French swordswoman, Dark Agnes. Their lives intertwine, not just through the sigil, but also through author James Allison, whose visions of his past lives inspire his writings.

Howard’s heroes beyond Conan: A testament to his legacy

Robert E. Howard was a visionary, crafting shared universes and crossovers in genre fiction long before they became a norm. For instance, the cursed ring from the Kirowan and Conrad mystery “The Haunter of the Ring” is the same one used by Conan’s nemesis Thoth-Amon. Similarly, King Kull of Atlantis time-travels to aid Pict hero Bran Mak Morn against a Roman invasion in “Kings of the Night.”

Jim Zub embraces this spirit, weaving in Howard’s references to the malevolent “black stone” in his narrative. While it may seem like fan fiction, it’s a meticulously researched pastiche that feels like a rediscovered Robert E. Howard tale. The clever inclusion of James Allison, likely a representation of Howard himself, as the story’s linchpin is a particularly nice touch.

The artwork by Jonas Scharf is equally impressive, capturing a range of settings from Conan’s prehistoric era to 1930s Texas with finesse. The action sequences are vibrant, and there’s a subtle sense of dynamic action throughout. Even the still scenes of intellectuals conversing in a club or Solomon Kane praying quietly exude an underlying sense of impending danger. Colorist João Canola’s finishing touches enhance Scharf’s detailed designs, making it one of the most visually stunning books in recent times.

Whether you’re a fan of the current Conan comic series or a newcomer, Battle of the Black Stone #1 is a treat. It’s not just a delightful introduction to Robert E. Howard’s weird tales, but also a fitting tribute to the Bard of Cross Plains, truly honoring his extraordinary legacy.

Grade: 5/5

Mark your calendars! Conan: Battle of the Black Stone #1 hits comic shops everywhere on September 4, 2024.