CONAN: BATTLE OF THE BLACK STONE #2, by Titan Comics on 10/2/24, projects James Allison’s fate across the eons with a dire warning about a threat that only a gathering of heroes can face.
Credits:
- Writer: Jim Zub
- Artist: Jonas Scharf
- Colorist: Jão Canola
- Letterer: Richard Starkings, Tyler Smith
- Cover Artist: Roberto De La Torre (cover A)
- Publisher: Titan Comics
- Release Date: October 2, 2024
- Comic Rating: Mature
- Cover Price: $3.99
- Page Count: 28
- Format: Single Issue
Covers:
Analysis of CONAN: BATTLE OF THE BLACK STONE #2:
First Impressions:
Amazing! In a year overstuffed with soulless crossover events that make a lot of noise but do very little to get readers excited, Conan: Battle of the Black Stone #2 gets everything right for a pulp action adventure of the highest order. More of this, please.
Plot Analysis:
When last we left the collection of Robert E. Howard adventurers in Conan: Battle of the Black Stone #1, the Eye Sigil of the Black Stone sent out its siren song across time and space, entrancing our heroes to commit acts of violence in the Black Stone’s service. The issue ended with a mysterious green flame consuming one of their own, James Allision, in a shared vision echoing across centuries.
In Conan: Battle of the Black Stone #2, the collective of Robert E. Howard’s heroes hear and see the possessed visage of James Allison speak to them with words of wisdom and warning. El Borak, Conrad, and Kirowan are visited in the middle of The Wanderer’s Club. Black Agnes sees Allison in 1522 France. Solomon Kane receives the vision in 1584 Africa, and Conan eyes the ghostly apparition outside the Pict’s cult encampment during the Hyborian Age.
What is the message? The Eye Sigil is a word that means the heroes across time are marked and hunted because only they stand in the way of what’s to come.
Come on, Jim Zub. Come on, Man! This opening is like crack cocaine wrapped in catnip for Robert E. Howard fans. In script-writing terms, this entire issue is a mega-powerful “call to adventure” that transcends the time and status quo for each hero because it’s presented to let everyone know they either need to fight or flee, and it’s a safe bet none of them will flee.
Suddenly, a Lovecraftian beast as large as an elephant materializes and attacks the attendees of The Wanderer’s Club. Conrad and Kirowan dodge the mammoth attacks and fire with their pistols. El Borak grabs a nearby sword and slashes away. The beast, however, is unphased by the expert defenders.
The tide turns when Brissa, last seen teleporting to her future in the Savage Sword of Conan #4, appears to lend a hand. The beast disappears when it feels the sting of Brissa’s Pict spear, but the beast’s attack killed many and wounded El Borak.
One of the things we love about what Titan and Jim Zub are doing is the interconnectivity across titles. Brissa “disappeared” in the main Conan title. We learned of her fate in Savage Sword. Now, Brissa has returned. The slavish adherence to continuity makes this story feel bigger and grander in scale, which is a must for crossovers.
The beast is gone, but James Allision isn’t. Before his spirit disappears, a burst of light transports all heroes across all times and locations to the very spot where Conan defeated the Pict’s Black Stone cult in the Hyborean Age.
The issue concludes with the return of the beast, another hero lost, and the inescapable call to adventure.
Overall, Conan: Battle of the Black Stone #2 is another winning issue that brings a collection of Robert E. Howard’s characters together in a manner that puts recent offerings for the Avengers and the Justice League to shame. Jim Zub captures a pure spirit of adventure and excitement, and no comic available right now does it better.
Artwork and Presentation:
Somebody give Jonas Scharf a raise, or at least an extra cup of coffee on us. Scharf’s art style nails the grim, pulpy atmosphere. At the same time, the heroes are presented with an otherworldly apparition, and the action sequences are a fantastic mix of classic serial adventures and mystical force.
Art Samples:
Final Thoughts:
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CONAN: BATTLE OF THE BLACK STONE #2 assembles Robert E. Howard’s adventurers to face a threat hunting them across time and space. Jim Zub’s approach to Howard’s characters is spot-on, and you couldn’t ask for a better way to bring an eclectic team together. Plus, Jonas Scharf’s artwork is dead-center perfect.
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