Conan: Tides of the Tyrant-King #1 (Titan Comics, 9/23/26): Writer Jim Zub & artist Jesus Merino unleash the Woeful Eye across time and space, and only a Hyborian barbarian and a 20th-century sailor can stop it. Jim Zub has proven he’s the master of Robert E. Howard crossovers, and this issue confirms it. Verdict: A treat for Robert E. Howard fans.
Credits:
- Writer: Jim Zub
- Artist: Jesus Merino
- Colorist: Jao Canola
- Letterer: Richard Starkings, Tyler Smith
- Cover Artist: Roberto De La Torre (cover A)
- Publisher: Titan Comics
- Release Date: September 23, 2026
- Comic Rating: Mature
- Cover Price: $4.99
- Page Count: 32
- Format: Single Issue
Covers:
Analysis of Conan: Tides of the Tyrant-King #1:
First Impressions:
Admittedly, I went into this issue cold, but so far, Jim Zub hasn’t steered the Conan line wrong. Thankfully, my expectations were met with a solidly entertaining first issue.
Recap:
Conan: Tides of the Tyrant-King #1 continues the elements of Conan: Scourge of the Serpent. There, warriors from three eras of time are called upon to resist and battle a Serpent cult, worshipers of an eldritch horror of Lovecraftian proportions, bent on consuming the universe.
Plot Analysis (SPOILERS):
The issue begins with an ancient Pict shaman from the Thurian Age witnessing the imminent approach of the Woeful Eye, a cosmic monster bent on consuming life across time and space. The ancient Picts prepare themselves to do battle.
In the Hyborian Age, Conan sits in a tavern as a sellsword looking for opportunities while he spends his recently acquired coins. Suddenly, he witnesses a strikingly beautiful woman walk out of the tavern. She’s followed by a cloaked figure intent on doing the woman harm. Conan follows and intercepts the figure as it attacks the woman. He discovers the figure is an undead zombie, and fights the thing to the death. When the deed is done, the woman – Zuleika – thanks Conan for his help and explains she’s on a quest to get a vial of “healing potion” to her lover. Conan recognizes the potion as the green fluid that resurrected Thulsa Doom.
In Chinatown, London, 1924, Sailor Stephen Costigan numbs the physical and psychological pain of war in an opium den. Suddenly, a strikingly beautiful woman exits the den. For reasons Costigan can’t explain, he feels compelled to follow. When he enters the back alley, he sees the woman accosted by a man named Gordon (El Borak?). Costigan fights the man and chases him away. The woman introduces herself as Zuleika. A disembodied falls calls to Costigan with the promise of a reward for helping Zuleika. The voice leads him to a chamber below the opium den where a pedestal sits with a strange green liquid. The voice tells him that he may drink the liquid to restore his mind and body.
The issue ends with a hooded, axe-wielding figure searching for Conan.
How is the story in Conan: Tides of the Tyrant-King #1?
Yes, there’s no question now that Jim Zub gets the spirit of what makes Robert E. Howard’s characters and stories so timeless. Conan: Tides of the Tyrant-King #1 is proof positive. The pacing, the dialogue, the pulpy sense of mysticism, horror, and adventure all work together in near-perfect synchronicity, which is especially helpful for an adventure that spans multiple ages. If you’re a fan of Conan adventures, you’ll be happy with this issue.
How is the art in Conan: Tides of the Tyrant-King #1?
Jesus Merino has mighty big shoes to fill, and fill them he does. Merino delivers a fantastic set of visuals with familiar characters that look and act authentically, gritty action, creepy creature designs, and an excellent sense of flow. Likewise, Jao Canola’s color palette selection and application are first-rate.
Characters
Conan and Costigan pull double duty as the focus of the issue. Conan is as keen and aware as ever, with preternatural senses that pick up on danger no mere mortal would suspect, prompting him to step into battle at the perfect moment. Costigan is a tragic, tortured figure who struggles to escape the horrors of WWI, giving his turn as a chivalrous hero to protect Zuleika extra weight.
Originality & Concept Execution
Much like the previous era-spanning crossovers, Jim Zub is following a similar pattern of parallels. Meaning, what happens in this time happens the same way, but differently in another time. After multiple crossovers, that structure is starting to feel familiar, but thankfully, Zub keeps the particulars distinct enough to keep the reader invested.
Pros and Cons
Art Samples:
The Scorecard:
Writing Quality (Clarity & Pacing): 3.5/4
Art Quality (Execution & Synergy): 3.5/4
Value (Originality & Entertainment): 1.5/2
Final Thoughts:
(Click this link 👇 to order this comic)
Conan: Tides of the Tyrant-King #1 kicks off an era-spanning crossover when Conan the Barbarian and Sailor Stephen Costigan each encounter a strange woman on the eve of the Woeful Eye’s attack. Jim Zub’s mastery of Robert E. Howard lore and style is second to none, and Jesus Merino’s artwork is first-rate.
Related Posts:
We hope you found this article interesting. Come back for more reviews, previews, and opinions on comics, and don’t forget to follow us on social media:
If you’re interested in this creator’s works, remember to let your Local Comic Shop know to find more of their work for you. They would appreciate the call, and so would we.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn revenue from qualifying purchases to help fund this site. Links to Blu-Rays, DVDs, Books, Movies, and more contained in this article are affiliate links. Please consider purchasing if you find something interesting, and thank you for your support.
