Review: Conan the Barbarian #1

I feel like I’ve been waiting for this book for a year alreadyor at least that’s what my anticipation for it made it feel like. After nearly sixmonths we’ve arrived at the first issue of Brian Wood and Becky Cloonan’s run onConan. Some might instantly shout, “Northlanders”but they would be wrong to do so. There is something very playful about thisstory that makes it different from Wood’s work on Northlanders. It’s also very different from the previous versionsof Conan that Dark Horse has become known for and that’s a very good thing for this long running franchise.

The issue begins with Conan fleeing from castle guards.There is a strong narrative description of the city and all of its corruptionsand downfalls which leads into Conan making it to the docks of the city. He jumps aboard atrade ship that’s casting off and threatens the captain to sail off. Thecaptain of the ship basically says, “Why not” and they head to sea. There Conangoes into a story of why he was fleeing. It involves seeing a murder of anofficer and basically being too drunk or stubborn to leave the scene like therest of the bar patrons. At this point if you’ve read anything else starringConan from Dark Horse you’re wondering who the fuck this guy is that’s talkingso much. Well, he’s Conan the charismatic Cimmerian of course.

On the open sea Conan has a lot of time to bond with the menon the ship and in particular the Captain. There’s a funny scene between thetwo where the Captain asks if he can count on Conan for assistance in rowingthe ship; Conan basically says that he’s shit with an oar, but he’ll pledge himhis sword. From there they land to trade their goods, but Pirates have stolenthree other ships goods so they have no one to trade with. Conan wants to huntdown this Pirate goddess and stop her, but really he’s falling in love with herpower and beauty. I could be wrong but Pelit the Queen of the Black Coast, looksjust like Red Sonja. Granted, Dark Horse doesn’t have the rights to Red Sonjaso if it is her… they can’t say it’s her. Again, I could be wrong since I’m notfamiliar with the novel this is based off of, but I could be right too.

This issue is good. It’s a strong opening that sets thestage for the larger story to come rather than trying to be flashy and full ofaction. Rather, it talks a lot. Not in a bad way mind you, but if you’reexpecting Conan to cut down ten dudes at a time it’s not going to happen. Ihave to say that this is the most unique Conancomic I’ve ever read. It paints the character in a much different light and Ithink that will do wonders for Conan's development.

There’s really only two ways to tackle Conan. You eitherhave him show up and say, “Fuck you all, I’m Conan.” And then proceed to havehim kill everything insight and overcome all the obstacles placed in front ofhim. The second choice is to make him a real character that can do all that as well, but not be stuck onlydoing that. Granted, I’m a fan of Fuck-You-Conan, but Wood’s version allows forsomething new to come of the character.

I’m not going to go into the art too much. Cloonan’s art isperfect for Wood’s story and you’re either going to hate it or love it. I’m inthe latter. My guess is that the press is going to love this book and others willnot know what the hell to expect. I would just say go in with an open mind andnot let everything you think you know about Conan ruin the experience for you.They’re not trying to deliver what you’re expecting; they’re telling you how itis from this point forward.

Score: 4/5 (Eventhough neither creator answered my interview questions… just saying)

Writer: Brian Wood

Artist: Becky Cloonan

Publisher: Dark Horse Comics

Price: $3.50

Release Date: 2/8/2012 (Print and Digital)

Check out the First Look for the issue as well.

Comments

[Neil]

This book is off to a great start.