Conan the Barbarian #34 (Titan Comics, 8/26/26): Writer Jim Zub & Artist Fernando Dagnino drop the crew of the Briney Wren on a mysterious island, where strange obelisks, hungry dinosaurs, and cagey cults await. Jim Zub’s latest chapter delivers thrills and chills to challenge the world’s greatest barbarian. Verdict: A winning comic.
Credits:
- Writer: Jim Zub
- Artist: Fernando Dagnino
- Colorist: Diego Rodriguez
- Letterer: Richard Starkings, Tyler Smith
- Cover Artist: Esad Ribic (cover A)
- Publisher: Titan Comics
- Release Date: August 26, 2026
- Comic Rating: Mature
- Cover Price: $4.99
- Page Count: 32
- Format: Single Issue
Covers:
Analysis of Conan the Barbarian #34:
First Impressions:
It’s no secret that I love what Titan Comics and Jim Zub have done with Conan. Here, the writing and artwork work together in perfect harmony to offer a Conan chapter worthy of Robert E. Howard.
Recap:
In Conan the Barbarian #33, Conan sailed the seas as a member of the Red Brotherhood alongside Captain Quinn, Valeria, and Morley, raiding Zinagaran ships and enjoying the freedom of the open water. After a vicious storm struck following a successful raid, Conan sensed an invisible foe aboard the ship, fought it, and was knocked unconscious before Valeria saved him from being swept overboard. When the storm finally subsided, the battered crew made landfall on a mysterious island, where a grotesque obelisk awaited them.
Plot Analysis (SPOILERS):
Stranded on an abandoned island, Conan leads the surviving crew of the Briney Wren to search for water, food, and a place to make camp. The hope for food comes when the group finds a herd of herbivore dinosaurs milling about an open field. When one of the sailors recklessly attacks, Conan is too late to warn him off before a trio of terrible lizards attacks the herd and anyone who gets in their way.
Conan fights one of the lizards to an untimely death at the edge of his sword. Valeria and Morley down the second. The rest of the crew join in to take down the third. That night, the crew draws straws to take night watch while the rest sleep. Valeria and Morley get the first watch.
During the night, Morley ambushes Valeria, revealing is possessed by the red-eyed force that attacked Conan during the storm in the previous issue. With Valeria captured, Morley signals a group of robed, hooded cult members who are acolytes of Joggta-Noga to capture the rest of the crew. Their efforts are frustrated when they learn Conan is not among them.
How is the story in Conan the Barbarian #34?
When Jim Zub is in the zone, he’s in it and on it, through and through. Conan the Barbarian #34 mixes equal parts suspense, action, and supernatural mystery to present a tale that reads like it was ripped from a classic Robert E. Howard anthology. Better yet, Morley’s monologue invokes a classic Howard demon – Joggta-Noga – to sweeten the story with a pleasantly surprising callback. Everything about this issue works.
How is the art in Conan the Barbarian #34?
Likewise, Fernando Dagnino is firing on all cylinders with beautifully rendered junglescapes, terrifying monsters, cinematic swordfights, and a fantastic sense of drama through the use of composition and shadow. Plus, the art is elevated by Diego Rodriguez’s perfect coloring.
Characters
Conan is, naturally, the main protagonist, but the secondary characters get a few moments to shine. Morley’s campfire ghost story masterfully foreshadows the trouble to come. Valeria’s rematch against Possessed Morley showcases her cool head in the heat of battle and her talent with a sword.
Originality & Concept Execution
Despite the references and appearances of established characters, like Valeria and Joggta-Noga, Jim Zub walks a fine line between creating wholly new material and creating a story that comfortably sits within established Conan history. The scenario feels familiar without cutting too close to stories we already know, and that’s quite a compliment.
Pros and Cons
Art Samples:
The Scorecard:
Writing Quality (Clarity & Pacing): 4/4
Art Quality (Execution & Synergy): 4/4
Value (Originality & Entertainment): 2/2
Final Thoughts:
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Conan the Barbarian #34 sets Conan and the crew of the Briney Wren on a mysterious island where danger and the supernatural await. Jim Zub’s tale of woe is as good as it gets, and the art team’s delivery is dead center perfect.
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