CONAN THE BARBARIAN #19, by Titan Comics on 3/19/25, finds a grief-stricken Conan wandering the jungles of the Black Kingdoms after the death of his one true love. What dark dangers await?
Credits:
- Writer: Jim Zub
- Artist: Doug Braithwaite
- Colorist: Diego Rodriguez
- Letterer: Richard Starkings, Tyler Smith
- Cover Artist: Roberto De La Torre (cover A)
- Publisher: Titan Comics
- Release Date: March 19, 2025
- Comic Rating: Mature (gore, nudity)
- Cover Price: $3.99
- Page Count: 36
- Format: Single Issue
Covers:
Analysis of CONAN THE BARBARIAN #19:
Recap:
When we last the unstoppable Cimmerian in Conan the Barbarian #18, Conan and Bêlit’s romantic weekend getaway turned deadly when they crossed paths with a thief who promised them great treasures if they promised not to kill her. The couple agreed to spare the thief and undertake the heist of a Stygian relic. Their plans went horribly awry when Conan was seriously wounded during the heist, and the thief got away with the treasure – a mystical, two-pronged dagger.
Plot Analysis:
In Conan the Barbarian #19, Conan’s legend moves ahead two years to the jungles of the Black Kingdoms, just after Bêlit’s death and the burning of The Tigress. Conan stalks away from the conflagration of the floating home he shared with his true love for years into the jungles of the Black Kingdoms. His desire to give up all caring is outweighed by his natural instincts to survive.
As Conan trudges through the jungles, he’s beset by harsh weather, swarms of stinging insects, and hungry crocodiles. The barbarian catches fleeting glimpses of a dark figure in the shadows, watching and tracking his every move. Eventually, Conan happens upon a Kush village where he hopes to gain supplies and a guide, but the locals want nothing to do with the stranger who carries death with him.
Conan departs the village in peace, but he notices the shadowy figure continues to follow from a distance. One night, Conan sleeps by a fire, but his sleep is interrupted by a black panther’s attack. The panther is unusually persistent, cunning, and strong. Conan believes he killed the beast when he savagely hits it with a rock.
The issue ends with the beast revealing itself to not be a beast at all.
First Impressions:
Titan Comics, Hero Initiative, and writer Jim Zub capitalize on the stellar reputation of the series by beginning a new tale that (re)introduces one of Conan’s longtime side characters, Zula, into the mix. If there’s one thing you could say that’s lacking in the series, it’s the lack of familiar faces to accompany Conan on his solo adventures. With Conan the Barbarian #19, Zub shores up that lack in the best way possible.
Artwork and Presentation:
Doug Braithwaite switches back onto art duties for this arc, and his subtle yet powerful details are mesmerizing. Conan has never looked better. His manly, macho trials again an assortment of nature’s trials elevate the indomitable spirit of the character, and the action scenes are terrific.
Art Samples:
Story Positives & Negatives:
The Positives:
Jim Zub has the formula down pat to present Conan as the perfect lone warrior who soldiers on in the face of all challenges, whether from attackers or his ailing heart. As a bonus, readers itching to see Conan partner up with one or more of his more recognizable allies will love how this issue ends.
The Negatives:
In fairness, Jim Zub’s plot is a tad thin. Conan stalks through the jungle, defeating challenges, until he defeats a mystical panther. That’s about it. Sure. Yes. You could say the issue is a story of survival, but it lacks direction and purpose other than to build the readers’ respect for Conan as a character.
Big Picture:
Historical Context:
According to the Conan Wiki: “Zula first appeared in the Marvel comic book Conan the Barbarian #84 in March 1978. He was created by Roy Thomas, John Buscema, and Ernie Chan.”
Final Thoughts:
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CONAN THE BARBARIAN #19 is a taut, grim exercise in survival when Conan ventures into the jungles of the Black Kingdoms, leading to the introduction of a longtime Conan ally. Jim Zub’s tale of woe gives readers a lesson on why Conan is the toughest barbarian around, and Doug Braithwaite’s art is glorious. That said, the action-heavy script is light on plot, so it works best as a setup issue.
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