CONAN THE BARBARIAN #7 – New Comic Review

CONAN THE BARBARIAN #7, by Titan Comics on 1/31/24, pits Conan against allies possessed by demons while he battles with the demons of past tragedies in his mind.

The Details

• Written by: Jim Zub
• Art by: Doug Braithwaite
• Colors by: Diego Rodriguez
• Letters by: Richard Starkings
• Cover art by: Alex Horley (cover A)
• Comic Rating: Mature
• Cover price: $3.99
• Release date: January 31, 2024

Is CONAN THE BARBARIAN #7 Good?

First impressions: This is another exceptional Conan comic. Titan and Jim Zub, the main writer, have been consistently delivering high-quality content. If you appreciate grim, gritty, and serious portrayals of Conan the Barbarian, this is the pinnacle. It represents a significant improvement over where the title stood with Marvel just a year or two ago.

To recap before delving into CONAN THE BARBARIAN #7, in the previous arc, Conan joined a group of thieves and mercenaries called the Gloryhounds. Their mission was to steal a precious item called ‘Tem’s Touch’ from a local temple. Upon realizing that ‘Tem’s Touch’ is, in fact, a black stone containing the darkness he battled in the first arc, Conan warned his fellow Gloryhounds not to touch it. Predictably, they ignored the warning, unleashing specters that forced them to flee. Eventually, the specters caught up to them, but they disappeared after recognizing Conan from a previous encounter several years ago. This led Conan to question his place and purpose.

Now, in issue seven, Conan is living it up with Chaundra, one of the thieves from the Greyhounds. However, as Conan reminisces about losing his One True Love, Bêlit, at sea many years ago, Chaundra suddenly attacks him, appearing as if she’s turned into a Deadite from the Evil Dead franchise. Conan is left with no choice but to confront and defeat her. He discovers that his fellow Gloryhounds have met a similar fate, turning into Conan’s version of Deadites. The story unfolds as specters emerge from these former Gloryhounds, revealing themselves as avatars working on behalf of another great power, a famous villain from Conan lore.

Notably, this narrative takes place after the intervening years where Conan sails the high seas with his One True Love, Bêlit. It touches upon Conan’s difficult choice between the wealth of stolen treasure and a life with Bêlit, resulting in tragedy.

What we appreciate about the title: For Conan fans, this comic has it all – a deep, gritty, dark, thought-provoking atmosphere, intense swordplay, and ample gore. Jim Zub’s writing captures the essence of a serious, no-nonsense Conan. The last-page reveal promises to be satisfying for long-time Conan enthusiasts.

What we didn’t find appealing: Honestly, there isn’t much to dislike. Jim Zub excels in this title, and we hope for a consistent continuation. The atmosphere, particularly Conan’s despondent personality, may feel a bit heavy for some, but that’s subjective. Overall, this comic is fantastic.

Regarding the art: Doug Braithwaite does an exceptional job. The art features powerful characters, vivid figures, and impactful, bloody action. The judicious use of gore heightens the stakes, emphasizing that Conan is in a serious fight for his life.

Keep scrolling for a closer look at the covers, or Click Here to jump to the Final Thoughts and Score.

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