CONAN THE BARBARIAN #22 – New Comic Review

Conan the Barbarian #22, by Titan Comics on 7/9/25, throws you right into the thick of it, promising blood, brawn, and barbaric rage. This issue doesn’t just hit hard; it carves its way directly into the heart of what makes Conan awesome.

Credits:

• Writer: Jim Zub
• Artist: Fernando Dagnino
• Colorist: Diego Rodriguez
• Letterer: Richard Starkings, Tyler Smith
• Cover Artist: Dan Panosian (cover A)
• Publisher: Titan Comics
• Release Date: July 9, 2025
• Comic Rating: Mature (gore, nudity)
• Cover Price: $3.99
• Page Count: 36
• Format: Single Issue

Covers:

Analysis of CONAN THE BARBARIAN #22:

First Impressions:

Forget your expectations; this comic immediately shoves you into a gladiatorial arena, and it’s brutally fantastic. The sheer force of the opening fight sets a high bar, making you hungry for more of Conan’s signature savagery.

Recap:

Conan The Barbarian #21 saw Conan joining forces with Bamula tribesmen to rescue Livia, daughter of Ophir, from the Bakalah, battling a winged demon before heading home. They stopped in the seemingly cheerful town of Daynt, where Conan soon discovered the townsfolk were drugging travelers and imprisoning them in a caged pit as slaves for Athyr-Bast. Despite Conan’s fight, he was overwhelmed and captured, eventually finding himself destined for a gladiator arena in Stygia, where he would face the shadowy figure of Thoth-Amon.

Plot Analysis:

“A Nest of Serpents: Part II” opens with Conan already deep in the gladiatorial pits of Kheshatta, a dark city in Stygia. He’s battling Krum-Va the Carver, a colossal warrior who dominates the arena. This isn’t just entertainment for the masses; it’s a display of power for the ruling Black Ring Council, with Thoth-Amon at its head. Athyr-Bast, the enchantress who captured Conan, is eager to prove herself to these mystic elites, and Conan is her latest, seemingly disappointing, acquisition in her stable of fighters.

Despite Krum-Va’s overwhelming might and Conan taking a brutal beating that leaves him battered and bleeding, the Cimmerian’s legendary barbaric rage kicks in. He pushes past the agony, finding a weakness in Krum-Va’s attack. With a surprising move, Conan manages to throw the champion, shocking the entire crowd and even impressing Athyr-Bast. This victory establishes Conan as the new champion, confirming his potential in Athyr-Bast’s eyes.

Conan is then taken to the cells, where he encounters other slaves, including some of his Bamula allies, and Livia. Athyr-Bast visits him, offering him a choice: continue fighting for her or be put to death. Conan, secretly adopting the identity of “Amra” (meaning lion, as in “Amra the Lion,” Belit’s bodyguard, showing Conan’s cleverness in disguise), chooses to fight, but with a warning that he fights on his terms. He asserts that if his allies are harmed, he will cut a bloody path through her and her sorcerers. This defiance, rather than angering Athyr-Bast, only further impresses her, hinting at a complex, possibly manipulative, dynamic developing between them.

The issue closes with Conan continuing his gladiatorial battles, honing his combat skills and becoming a formidable force within the arena, much like his evolution in the 1982 film Conan the Barbarian where he is enslaved and forced into pit fighting, eventually becoming a champion. He observes the power structure of Kheshatta, particularly the Black Ring and Thoth-Amon, understanding that his path to freedom, and perhaps revenge, lies in navigating this dangerous new world. When Conan is escorted to Athyr-Bast’s chambers for a night of pleasure, he seizes his chance to escape, but the Enchantress’s magic is to great to overcome alone. Fortunately, Conan survives the battle of wills when an old ally comes to the rescue.

Story

“A Nest of Serpents: Part II” truly delivers on the promise of action and intrigue. The pacing is relentless, dropping you straight into the gladiatorial chaos and keeping the tension high. The narrative skillfully blends brutal combat with developing political schemes within Stygia’s Black Ring. The parallel to Conan’s early life and training in the 1982 film is a brilliant touch, showcasing his adaptability and savage evolution as he’s forced into gladiatorial combat. The reveal that Conan is operating under the alias “Amra” is a smart move, adding a layer of cunning to his character that goes beyond mere brute strength. Jim Zub’s writing maintains the raw, unyielding spirit of Conan while advancing a compelling plot.

Art

Fernando Dagnino’s art, coupled with Rodriguez’s colors, is a visceral gut punch of Bronze Age style and pulpy power. The action sequences in the arena are dynamic and impactful, conveying every bone-jarring blow and desperate struggle. Conan looks appropriately imposing, and the character designs for Krum-Va and Athyr-Bast are striking. The Stygian setting is rendered with a dark, oppressive atmosphere that perfectly captures its sinister nature, from the shadowy halls of the Black Ring to the blood-soaked sands of the arena.

Characters

Conan, as always, is the magnetic center. His refusal to break, his unwavering defiance in the face of impossible odds, and his quick thinking (like adopting the “Amra” alias) make him incredibly compelling. Athyr-Bast is shaping up to be a fascinating antagonist—or perhaps an uneasy ally—her ambition and magical prowess making her a force to be reckoned with. Thoth-Amon remains a shadowy, ominous presence, his brief appearances hinting at a deeper malevolence. The supporting cast, though briefly seen, serves to emphasize the harsh reality of Conan’s new enslaved life.

Positives

This issue is an absolute powerhouse of pure Conan. The brutal, no-holds-barred arena combat is spectacular, making you feel every impact. The progression of Conan’s character, especially his strategic use of a false identity and his adaptation to his new environment, demonstrates that he’s more than just a muscle-bound barbarian. The art perfectly captures the grim, dangerous atmosphere of Stygia and the ferocity of the battles. The subtle nods to his wider mythology and previous issue’s events ensure a rich reading experience for longtime fans, while still being accessible to new ones.

Negatives

While the issue is strong, some moments feel a little too quick, particularly given the intensity of the fights; a few more panels dedicated to the ebb and flow of combat could have amplified the impact even further.

Art Samples:

Final Thoughts:

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CONAN THE BARBARIAN #22 is a triumphant return to the visceral, action-packed core of the Cimmerian’s legend. It’s sharp, macho, and punches you right in the face with its sheer awesomeness. If you’re looking for a comic that embodies raw power and compelling storytelling, look no further. This issue is a beast, and you’ll love every savage panel.

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