CONAN THE BARBARIAN #4, from Titan Comics on 10/25/23, brings the immaculately conceived first arc to a close when Conan receives a helping hand from the Great Beyond.
The Details
- Written by: Jim Zub
- Art by: Roberto de la Torre
- Colors by: Dean White
- Letters by: Richard Starkings
- Cover art by: Roberto de la Torre (cover A)
- Comic Rating: Mature
- Cover price: $3.99
- Release date: October 25, 2023
Is CONAN THE BARBARIAN #4 Good?
Wowza! Talk about ending the first arc on a high note. Jim Zub’s take on the world’s greatest barbarian hits all the right notes to end the arc as strongly as it began in CONAN THE BARBARIAN #4.
When last we left Conan, he led a small group of Cimmerian survivors to confront the cult of Lost picts as they began a mass ritual sacrifice to the dark, watery abyss. Conan charged into the fray and brought the head priest down, but not before tumbling into the murky depths with him. Now, Conan is ensnared by dark tendrils dragging him to a watery grave when Conan receives a spiritual message that gives him the courage to fight on.
If you’re a fan of the series, fret not. The last page makes it clear this is an ongoing series, with issue #5 slated to release on time next month. It’s unclear how long Jim Zub is slated to remain on writing duties, but if this first arc is an indication, Titan would do well to hold onto Zub for a while.
What’s great about CONAN THE BARBARIAN #4? Nearly everything about the plot, pacing, dialog, and action works. Zub even manages to work in the names of other notable barbarians from literature for good measure. As Conan comics go, this one’s got it all.
What’s not so great about CONAN THE BARBARIAN #4? Brissa, Conan’s guide and paramour, exits the story off-panel and without much consideration. Given her importance throughout most of the story, her departure feels like it was cut for time, which is a little bit of a bummer.
How’s the art? Spectacular. De la Torre proves to be the perfect choice for reinvigorating Conan in comics since Titan picked up the license. De la Torre’s figure work is strong, masculine, and powerful. The action scenes are savage, as they should be, and De la Torre doesn’t shy away from gore when it makes sense.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at the covers, or Click Here to jump right to the story description with some spoilers.
What’s CONAN THE BARBARIAN #4 About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
Check out our CONAN THE BARBARIAN #3 review to find out how the Lost Pict priest met his end.
We begin with Conan fighting against the black tendrils dragging him down into the watery depths of the dark green abyss. Conan begins to pass out, but suddenly, the atmosphere is lightened, and he finds himself standing in a space between worlds. A hazy figure approaches.
The figure takes the shape of Brule, the mighty warrior of ancient times. Brule tells Conan a story about the first time he encountered the darkness and how the blade Conan now carries used to be the tip of Brule’s spear that delivered the killing blow. Now, Brule entrusts the task of defeating the darkness to Conan with the promise of great rewards in the afterlife.
We conclude the issue with blasted black stones, a skull, and a sprint.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at preview images of the internal pages, or Click Here to jump right to the score.
Final Thoughts
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CONAN THE BARBARIAN #4 ends the perfectly crafted first arc on a high note with action, mythos, adventure, and excitement. Zub should be proud of his near-flawless take on the world’s most famous barbarian, and De la Torre’s art is an exquisite pairing.
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