CONAN THE BARBARIAN #17, by Titan Comics on 12/11/124, begins a new arc for the Cimmerian when Conan and Bêlit enjoy time ashore at Kyros for a holiday, but they soon catch the attention of robbers.
Credits:
- Writer: Jim Zub
- Artist: Danica Brine
- Colorist: Jão Canola
- Letterer: Richard Starkings, Tyler Smith
- Cover Artist: Roberto De La Torre (cover A)
- Publisher: Titan Comics
- Release Date: December 11, 2024
- Comic Rating: Mature
- Cover Price: $3.99
- Page Count: 36
- Format: Single Issue
Covers:
Analysis of CONAN THE BARBARIAN #17:
First Impressions:
Writer Jim Zub slides back in time to visit the seafaring era of Conan’s history with a new arc that establishes the romance between Conan and Bêlit before sending them on a quest for wealth and glory. Conan the Barbarian #17 is a fairly decent setup with a new art team to give readers a little variety, but this first issue in a new arc may feel a little soft.
Plot Analysis:
When last we left the world’s greatest warrior in Conan the Barbarian #16, Conan pursued the Frost Giant’s daughter through the frigid wastelands peopled by the Aesirmen and the Vanir, only to be spared destruction by the merciful Ymir. When Conan was found by his Aesir allies and brought back to civilization, he experienced the admiration and the deadly envy of the Aesirmen, who were jealous of Conan’s brush with the divine. The issue ended with Conan choosing a form of faith that works for him.
In Conan the Barbarian #17, a new arc begins by shifting the focus to a time when Conan sailed the high seas aboard The Tigress with his greatest love, Bêlit. The warriors and lovers weigh anchor in the harbor town of Kyros to enjoy a getaway among thieves and crooked politicians willing to look the other way for the right price. Eventually, the lovers reach an inn known as the “Hidden Haven,” where anyone who pays enough gold will be treated like royalty.
Jim Zub pours on the chemistry to establish the passionate connection between Conan and Bêlit, including a brief montage to show readers the circumstances of their first meeting. The opener is light on action and drama, but it works to inform new readers how deeply the two adventurers care for each other. By the way, this issue is rated ‘Mature’ for a sex scene and nudity.
After an evening of passion, Conan and Bêlit engage in pillow talk about the things that make them happy. Suddenly, their char is interrupted by a clatter from the roof above their heads. We see a quartet of robbers sneaking along the roof’s edge, intent on killing the lovers and taking whatever “royal” treasures they carry with them. Unfortunately for the robbers, they have no idea what danger they’re about to enter.
The robbers use ropes to swing into the open balcony, but they’re immediately caught by Conan and Bêlit. After a mild fight, only one robber remains alive. The issue ends with Bêlit preparing to deliver the killing stroke but staying her hand when the robber makes an offer the Pirate Queen of the Black Coast can’t refuse.
Overall, Conan the Barbarian #17 returns to one of the most anticipated eras in Conan’s history to begin a new tale of adventure, thievery, romance, and excitement. Jim Zub continues to prove he understands Robert E. Howard’s creations as well as anyone else, even if this first issue in the arc is light on drama.
Artwork and Presentation:
Danica Brine steps into the guest artist duties for an issue that looks as good as any work you’d find at the Big 2. Brine’s figure work is solid, and the fight choreography and characters’ movements are on point. That said, several panels are lacking in backgrounds, and Brine doesn’t have quite the same oomph as Roberto De La Torre. The art isn’t bad by any means, but this issue lacks the heavy lines and sense of power that typically sets this series apart.
Art Samples:
Final Thoughts:
(Click this link 👇 to order this comic)
CONAN THE BARBARIAN #17 begins a new adventure during Conan’s seafaring era when the Cimmerian and the Pirate Queen of the Black Coast undertake a quest for treasure and excitement. Jim Zub’s script gives new readers a perfect introduction to Conan’s greatest love, even if the adventure’s start is light on drama, and guest artist Danica Brine’s artwork is solid.
We hope you found this article interesting. Come back for more reviews, previews, and opinions on comics, and don’t forget to follow us on social media:
If you’re interested in this creator’s works, remember to let your Local Comic Shop know to find more of their work for you. They would appreciate the call, and so would we.
Click here to find your Local Comic Shop: www.ComicShopLocator.com
As an Amazon Associate, we earn revenue from qualifying purchases to help fund this site. Links to Blu-Rays, DVDs, Books, Movies, and more contained in this article are affiliate links. Please consider purchasing if you find something interesting, and thank you for your support.