CONAN THE BARBARIAN #8, by Titan Comics on 2/28/24, finds Conan, possessed by Thulsa Doom’s spectral minions, searching for a special sword.
The Details
- Written by: Jim Zub
- Art by: Doug Braithwaite
- Colors by: Diego Rodriguez
- Letters by: Richard Starkings
- Cover art by: Ashley Izienicki (cover A)
- Comic Rating: Mature
- Cover price: $3.99
- Release date: February 28, 2024
Is CONAN THE BARBARIAN #8 Good?
In the last issue, we learned that the black stone Conan recovered from the Temple of Bel, known as Tarim’s Touch, wasn’t just any black stone. It was a piece of a larger stone that Conan destroyed way back in issues #3 or #4. This shard still possessed dark energy and spectral demons which possess anyone who comes in contact with it. Thinking he’d destroyed the demons for good, Conan returned the stone. Things quickly went downhill from there. He celebrated with Chaundra, a member of his crew, who then became possessed and tried to kill him. Forced to defend himself, he also found the rest of his crew under the stone’s influence, fighting to the death. The spectral demons who emerged from the stone are now possessing Conan himself.
And did I forget to mention? Those evil spectral demons? They’re minions of Conan’s old nemesis, the sorcerer Thulsa Doom!
CONAN THE BARBARIAN #8 picks up with Conan, fully possessed, lumbering through town. He’s fighting the spirits within, desperate not to succumb completely. The demons want a very special sword Conan used in the first arc to defeat the black stone – they believe wielding it will give Thulsa Doom the power to escape his prison.
This leads to a rampage as they search Conan’s memories for the weapon. Conan’s forced to tear through anyone who ever touched the pick sword after he pawned it, from a pawnbroker, to a blacksmith, a thief, even a little boy! After a trail of bodies, he ends up at the Museum of Antiquities. Possessed, eyes glowing, he demands the sword. But as he does so, he sees visions of Belit, his lost love, and the pain of her death fills him.
Recognizing that letting these demons imbue the sword will bring unthinkable evil, Conan, in an act of pure willpower, impales himself on the weapon. That’s the dramatic cliffhanger we’re left with!
This issue directly ties into original Conan lore by Robert E. Howard. Even though we only see Bêlit in flashback and in Conan’s mind, the story explores their past relationship. To fully understand the pain he feels at her loss, I recommend going back to read those original stories by Howard. It’ll give you a deeper appreciation for this issue.
What we liked about Conan the Barbarian #8
Jim Zub is on fire! He understands Conan, the atmosphere, the gritty essence of this world. His script is sharp, the pacing is spot-on, and the ending is a tense cliffhanger. You question whether this is it for Conan… of course, he can’t die, but how will he get out of this one? There’s intrigue, drama, violence, gore, and the heavy emotional weight that makes a Conan story work.
What we didn’t like about (Insert title)
Honestly? Nothing. If you’re a Conan fan, this is a must-read. The story is perfect, the character development is on point, you get your fix of classic Conan action and it all just…works.
Art Quality
Doug Braithwaite’s art absolutely captures the classic Conan feel. Heavy lines, textures, shadows – everything feels powerful, rough, grounded. It’s the perfect visual style to bring these stories to life.
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Final Thoughts
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CONAN THE BARBARIAN #8 is full of action, violence, drama, and the gritty storytelling we crave in a Conan comic. This is EXACTLY what we’re looking for!
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