CONAN THE BARBARIAN #2, from Titan Comics on 8/30/23, finds Conan and Brissa tracking the Lost Tribe with their gruesome haul of corpses to find the source of the land’s infestation.
The Details
- Written by: Jim Zub
- Art by: Robert De La Torre
- Colors by: Dean White
- Letters by: Richard Starkings
- Cover art by: Alan Quah (cover A)
- Comic Rating: Mature
- Cover price: $3.99
- Release date: August 30, 2023
Is CONAN THE BARBARIAN #2 Good?
When Titan announced they won the rights to create Conan comics, regular readers expected Titan would differentiate the Conan comics by leaning into the mature themes long missing while Marvel was publishing Conan’s adventures. CONAN THE BARBARIAN #2 shows those expectations were well founded with a gritty, violent, spicy issue that brings the Cimmerian’s quest for vengeance to the heart of darkness.
When last we left Conan and Brissa, they barely survived the Lost Tribes attack on an outpost town, and all signs pointed to Cimmeria as the next target. Now, Conan and Brissa follow the possessed Picts carrying corpses as fresh soldier material to discover how Cimmeria fared during the attack and where the possessed Picts received their orders.
Be forewarned. This issue is marked mature for a good reason. The battles are peppered with beheadings, dismemberments, and gore aplenty. Meanwhile, Brissa and Conan’s stealthy travels lead to at least one night of passion not suitable for young readers. If you wanted a return to Conan’s roots, you got it.
What’s great about this comic? Practically everything. So far, Zub’s turn on the title is a return to form for the famed barbarian, with brutal battles, stoic passion, mythic narration, and an intriguing mystery. in every way you could hope for, Zub nails the Conan character and the grim atmosphere that surrounds his adventures.
What’s not so great about this comic? Nothing beyond the minor nitpick. Zub’s take on the character is spot-on. But if you must have a nitpick, a nitpick you shall have. Classic Conan stories usually have at least one or two bawdy side characters to help Conan on his way or hinder his journey. Zub could use at least one or two supporting characters to add a little flare to the adventure.
How’s the art? Perfect. De La Torre nails the Conan aesthetic just as well as Zub’s writing. De La Torre’s Conan is a strong, brooding, stoic, and powerful figure who inspires confidence and determination in every panel. De La Torre’s battle sequences are gritty and brutal, and De La Torre’s use of thick lines and dramatic shadows is outstanding.
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What’s It About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
Check out our CONAN THE BARBARIAN #1 review to find out what happened when Conan first encountered the Lost Tribe.
We begin with Conan and Brissa watching the zombie-like Lost Tribe from a safe distance in the aftermath of the attack on Hauler’s roam. Instead of searching the bodies for loot, the zombies pile the bodies into a bundle and drag the corpse pile northward toward Cimmeria.
Conan and Brissa follow from a safe distance for days. The zombies occasionally stop and look skyward as if searching for a silent command from on high. Brissa’s impatience grows, but Conan stays her hand by explaining he intends to follow the zombies to the source.
We conclude the issue with warmth on a cold night, fallen Cimmerian brothers, and a stone tower spawned from the Earth.
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Final Thoughts
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CONAN THE BARBARIAN #2 delivers brooding, powerful drama, passion, and violence in equal measure to signal Conan’s return to form. The mystery surrounding the Lost Tribe continues to build intrigue, Conan’s character and the atmosphere surrounding him are spot-on, and the art is perfect.
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