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Conan the Barbarian (2023) (Single Issues) #0
FCBD 2023: Conan the Barbarian
Created by the team behind the new ongoing series – Jim Zub, Roberto De La Torre and José Villarrubia!
On the eve of his first major battle, young Conan of Cimmeria pictures a life beyond the borders of his homeland and yearns for a life of adventure undreamt of in his small village. Visions of future allies and unspeakable evils he will eventually encounter throughout his fabled career fill his mind, as he makes the choice to take his first fateful step into the Hyborian Age.
On the eve of his first major battle, young Conan of Cimmeria pictures a life beyond the borders of his homeland and yearns for a life of adventure undreamt of in his small village. Visions of future allies and unspeakable evils he will eventually encounter throughout his fabled career fill his mind, as he makes the choice to take his first fateful step into the Hyborian Age.
21 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 10, 2023
About the author
Jim Zub
894 books287 followersJim Zub is a writer, artist and art instructor based in Toronto, Canada. Over the past fifteen years he’s worked for a diverse array of publishing, movie and video game clients including Disney, Warner Bros., Capcom, Hasbro, Bandai-Namco and Mattel.
He juggles his time between being a freelance comic writer and Program Coordinator for Seneca College‘s award-winning Animation program.
He juggles his time between being a freelance comic writer and Program Coordinator for Seneca College‘s award-winning Animation program.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
June 23, 2024
The saga of Conan of Cimmeria has existed for over a century now. This “comic book” was issued for Free Comic Book Day and is a short “origins” story.
Zub’s story is an quick and more than adequate introduction to the young warrior. De La Torre’s artwork is excellent.
It ends with Conan getting his hands on a mighty sword and helm and “He’ll leave Cimmeria for the first time. As his footsteps crush through crisp morning snow, the Cimmerian ponders his future. What glory yet lays before him? What stories will be told of his grand adventures? It’s time to find out."
An easy purchase from Comixology and worth the price.
Zub’s story is an quick and more than adequate introduction to the young warrior. De La Torre’s artwork is excellent.
It ends with Conan getting his hands on a mighty sword and helm and “He’ll leave Cimmeria for the first time. As his footsteps crush through crisp morning snow, the Cimmerian ponders his future. What glory yet lays before him? What stories will be told of his grand adventures? It’s time to find out."
An easy purchase from Comixology and worth the price.
May 13, 2023
A story told in the style of Hal Foster’s Prince Valiant with fantastic art reminiscent of John Buscema. A great introduction to Conan the Barbarian. There’s also an essay which includes art by Rafael Kayanan depicting nineteen of Robert E. Howard’s characters.
January 2, 2024
spectacular art, gritty story telling.
The sacking of Venarium is a probable and popular place to start a fresh Conan series. Justice is done here. Zub’s storyline is spot-on and the art is fantastic. I hold back one star as this issue is missing a prime ingredient of a S&S story: sorcery or at least a sense of the weird. However, there are nice nods to the REH stories and novellas, there is even a slight nod to the ‘82 film with the sword (and I read this with the voice of Mako in my head).
I am reading this after reading the first series in the new comic, so I can say with no doubt that Titan comics is killing it.
Shout out to the short but well done essay in the comic exploring (briefly) Conan as the barbarian archetype in media.
The sacking of Venarium is a probable and popular place to start a fresh Conan series. Justice is done here. Zub’s storyline is spot-on and the art is fantastic. I hold back one star as this issue is missing a prime ingredient of a S&S story: sorcery or at least a sense of the weird. However, there are nice nods to the REH stories and novellas, there is even a slight nod to the ‘82 film with the sword (and I read this with the voice of Mako in my head).
I am reading this after reading the first series in the new comic, so I can say with no doubt that Titan comics is killing it.
Shout out to the short but well done essay in the comic exploring (briefly) Conan as the barbarian archetype in media.
May 13, 2023
By Crom, Free Gift!
A nice little origin tale, yes it was a quick read but it serves its purpose. I look forward to adding more to my Conan collection.
A nice little origin tale, yes it was a quick read but it serves its purpose. I look forward to adding more to my Conan collection.
May 8, 2023
(Thanks to Wild West Comics in Texas for providing me with this on Free Comic Book Day!)
2.5
I've never been at all into stories like Conan The Barbarian. I expected to hate Frank Miller's 300 for this very reason, but it was actually great. Conan is a very beloved character, so I thought I might really like this issue, and I picked it up for FCBD.
Eh. Still not my thing.
I actually kind of love the art in this story. It's not what I expected but it fits really well and it looks amazing. I dig pretty much everything about it.
Sadly the writing was very meh. It was almost all narrating what was happening in the art, which is a writing style that makes me really disinterested. The plot is pretty good for a short FCBD issue, but the writing ruins what's there for me. Still, it's not so bad that I didn't enjoy things a little bit.
I wouldn't reccomend getting it, but if you're a big fan of what I've described, you might love this one and you should check out the new Titan Comics Conan series when it comes out.
2.5
I've never been at all into stories like Conan The Barbarian. I expected to hate Frank Miller's 300 for this very reason, but it was actually great. Conan is a very beloved character, so I thought I might really like this issue, and I picked it up for FCBD.
Eh. Still not my thing.
I actually kind of love the art in this story. It's not what I expected but it fits really well and it looks amazing. I dig pretty much everything about it.
Sadly the writing was very meh. It was almost all narrating what was happening in the art, which is a writing style that makes me really disinterested. The plot is pretty good for a short FCBD issue, but the writing ruins what's there for me. Still, it's not so bad that I didn't enjoy things a little bit.
I wouldn't reccomend getting it, but if you're a big fan of what I've described, you might love this one and you should check out the new Titan Comics Conan series when it comes out.
May 27, 2023
Another publisher, another new volume of Conan begins. This FCBD issue forecasts Titan will interpret some of the best known arcs from Howard, some of which will be in their second and third comic version and I can’t wait to see how Zub and de la Torre stack up against Thomas, Busiek, Truman, Nord, Giorello, BWS and Big John Buscema.
November 25, 2023
I wanted to read a comic about Conan ever since reading the original short stories, but I also wanted to start something new, to not lose myself in the read order. So here I am!
First of all, the art is amazing. A bit too dark and gritty, sometimes the line work gets messy, but it adds to the aesthetic of the chaos and carnage of the battles. They capture the iron age-medieval age feel of the world perfectly, with that hint of medieval and bronze age. The world of Conan works best when it feels like it came from the Old Testament and not from the Illiad; political disunity, war, shamanism and polytheism abound, etc.
Second but not least, the writting works fine. Maybe it'd be best if the issue said very little, the characters have no dialogue and almost all emotions are understandable without the narration explaining Conan's feelings. But I get it, we need to get the lore of the settting and some context to what Conan is doing there and why he leaves.
They captured his emotional background perfectly tho, both in image and narration. Conan isn't just a brute, or a thrill seeker, there is some melancoly to him. He is never fully satisfied, he judges the civilized world and has his own views and philosophy (with arguments to back it up). Hopefully the next issues also dive into his more intelectual side!
Overall, they managed to introduce a character, keep it according to lore, add their twist and stay faithful to the views and atmosphere of the books. 8/10.
First of all, the art is amazing. A bit too dark and gritty, sometimes the line work gets messy, but it adds to the aesthetic of the chaos and carnage of the battles. They capture the iron age-medieval age feel of the world perfectly, with that hint of medieval and bronze age. The world of Conan works best when it feels like it came from the Old Testament and not from the Illiad; political disunity, war, shamanism and polytheism abound, etc.
Second but not least, the writting works fine. Maybe it'd be best if the issue said very little, the characters have no dialogue and almost all emotions are understandable without the narration explaining Conan's feelings. But I get it, we need to get the lore of the settting and some context to what Conan is doing there and why he leaves.
They captured his emotional background perfectly tho, both in image and narration. Conan isn't just a brute, or a thrill seeker, there is some melancoly to him. He is never fully satisfied, he judges the civilized world and has his own views and philosophy (with arguments to back it up). Hopefully the next issues also dive into his more intelectual side!
Overall, they managed to introduce a character, keep it according to lore, add their twist and stay faithful to the views and atmosphere of the books. 8/10.
May 11, 2023
Who doesn't love a good barbarism?
Good color artwork. Conan the barbarian has his first battle against men. The nemdian chronicles retold. A new generation hears the old tales.
Good color artwork. Conan the barbarian has his first battle against men. The nemdian chronicles retold. A new generation hears the old tales.
May 11, 2023
Great opening advemture
A great start to a new era for the classic character, with incredible art and an obvious love of the material.
A great start to a new era for the classic character, with incredible art and an obvious love of the material.
December 26, 2023
me he sentido un niño leyendo esto, qué maravilla, de verdad, necesito ver cómo siguen con esta barbaridad (nunca mejor dicho 🤌🏻)
May 17, 2023
Barbarian
Conan has been one of my favorite characters for a very long time. I've read many of the stories in books and comics over the years. I have never been disappointed. I think everyone should read Conan.
Conan has been one of my favorite characters for a very long time. I've read many of the stories in books and comics over the years. I have never been disappointed. I think everyone should read Conan.
July 6, 2023
Well, this was OK - remarkable art in John Buscema's style.
So Titan has the license for this now?
So Titan has the license for this now?
May 15, 2023
Purely a promotional indroduction--a sample so to speak, of what is to come. This doesn't tell much of a story but it gives enough material to whet the appetite. It's like getting a bite of juicy top tier steak with a followup of michelin star cheesecake, and then being told the rest is to follow. The author and artist are the true villains of this story, by raising our desires so high and then leaving us waiting for the next chapters.
I for one am blown away. I have read some of Jim Zub's DnD comics and though I think they are fairly entertaining I also am not interested in silly modernized stories--in terms of dialogue and mentality of characters, etc. However, with Conan I think he is able to change his mindset at will, like any true fan of Robert E. Howard, but use a keen skill of knowing how to honor and respect the spirit of the character. Howard doesn't just tell a bombastic and powerful tale, his writing, down to the smallest descriptions just oozes a larger than life attitude, and a vibrancy. Can this be recreated in comic form? It has been, many times before, but not always well. Roy Thomas accomplished it, as did many others. I have faith in Zub and I greatly look forward to the many stories he has planned. He seems to be pretty passionate for the character and I am glad he got to continue on from Marvel through Titan. I don't know how much say he had in picking Roberto De La Torre as the artist but it may have been the single best partnering since Conan met Valeria. De La Torre is often described as Frazetta meets Buscema and I have to agree wholeheartedly. Colorists do a lot of good work here as well.
Essentially this free comic is a stellar opener and promise that something great is on the horizon. At first I thought the art was pretty good. Then I lingered on it. Page by page I lingered. Then I read again and again. It gave power to the words on the page, and vice versa. I can't praise this enough. It is some of the best Conan art I have ever seen, and I've seen some great stuff. And by some of the best I mean top five at least. These gentlemen "get" Conan. It isn't like Blood of the Serpent (a novel) which I thought was a pretty great pastiche and approximation of a different style of Conan. I loved it for what it was, but it was not Howard Conan. It was enjoyable, but not the same. This feels true to old Cross Plains Texas style Howard. I'm here for it.
Rogues in the House Podcast steered me here. Thanks guys.
Pick up the ebook on amazon for free while it's free!
I for one am blown away. I have read some of Jim Zub's DnD comics and though I think they are fairly entertaining I also am not interested in silly modernized stories--in terms of dialogue and mentality of characters, etc. However, with Conan I think he is able to change his mindset at will, like any true fan of Robert E. Howard, but use a keen skill of knowing how to honor and respect the spirit of the character. Howard doesn't just tell a bombastic and powerful tale, his writing, down to the smallest descriptions just oozes a larger than life attitude, and a vibrancy. Can this be recreated in comic form? It has been, many times before, but not always well. Roy Thomas accomplished it, as did many others. I have faith in Zub and I greatly look forward to the many stories he has planned. He seems to be pretty passionate for the character and I am glad he got to continue on from Marvel through Titan. I don't know how much say he had in picking Roberto De La Torre as the artist but it may have been the single best partnering since Conan met Valeria. De La Torre is often described as Frazetta meets Buscema and I have to agree wholeheartedly. Colorists do a lot of good work here as well.
Essentially this free comic is a stellar opener and promise that something great is on the horizon. At first I thought the art was pretty good. Then I lingered on it. Page by page I lingered. Then I read again and again. It gave power to the words on the page, and vice versa. I can't praise this enough. It is some of the best Conan art I have ever seen, and I've seen some great stuff. And by some of the best I mean top five at least. These gentlemen "get" Conan. It isn't like Blood of the Serpent (a novel) which I thought was a pretty great pastiche and approximation of a different style of Conan. I loved it for what it was, but it was not Howard Conan. It was enjoyable, but not the same. This feels true to old Cross Plains Texas style Howard. I'm here for it.
Rogues in the House Podcast steered me here. Thanks guys.
Pick up the ebook on amazon for free while it's free!
May 22, 2024
The map and the letter at the beginning are very helpful.
Begins at the Venarium fortress, in a remote area of Cimmeria.
Conan is the son of a blacksmith. He is a resistance fighter, opposing the invading Aquilonians.
Conan is a fearsome warrior who is “eager to prove his worth.”
The tribesmen are victorious. Ever contemplative, Conan happens upon a mysterious sword. It’s covered in interesting runes.
Overall, the illustrations are old-school. Fairly pedestrian. Everyone looks tired. And distant.
The color work could be brighter. Some pages and boxes look almost grey-washed.
Not the most exciting. It’s mostly narrated over and cherry-picked vs. events happening in “real time.”
Begins at the Venarium fortress, in a remote area of Cimmeria.
Conan is the son of a blacksmith. He is a resistance fighter, opposing the invading Aquilonians.
Conan is a fearsome warrior who is “eager to prove his worth.”
The tribesmen are victorious. Ever contemplative, Conan happens upon a mysterious sword. It’s covered in interesting runes.
Overall, the illustrations are old-school. Fairly pedestrian. Everyone looks tired. And distant.
The color work could be brighter. Some pages and boxes look almost grey-washed.
Not the most exciting. It’s mostly narrated over and cherry-picked vs. events happening in “real time.”
September 30, 2024
Este Free Comic Book Day 2023 aquí en España se presentó como el número 0 de la nueva época de Conan el Bárbaro en la editorial Titan. Es un comic cortito con Jim Zub al guión y Roberto de la Torre al dibujo y espero que la colección tenga la misma calidad. El dibujo y las portadas son excepcionales, destilan un estilo al Conan de los 80 que me ha encantado, pero además traen fuerza y en las pocas viñetas he podido ver el salvajismo de la Era Hyboria, algo que Marvel llevaba tiempo sin reflejar.
Comenzando en Venarium tienen un punto extra para volver a inciar la historia de Conan como ellos quieran. Espero que el trabajo posterior sea tan bueno como esta pequeña muestra augura...
Comenzando en Venarium tienen un punto extra para volver a inciar la historia de Conan como ellos quieran. Espero que el trabajo posterior sea tan bueno como esta pequeña muestra augura...
July 21, 2023
Truest comic adaption of Conan yet
I've read most everything Conan; the Howard's stories, Ace DeCamp/Carter novels, Tor pastiche, Marvel comics, Dark Horse comics Ablaze. Titan's new comic is the truest adaption of Conan yet (besides Howard's of course)
Zub gets it. He's fan and loves writing Conan and it shows. De La Torre’s may be the best comic book illustration ever - it's like Marvel's Buscema with finer line work.
This series is a must have for any Conan fan.
I've read most everything Conan; the Howard's stories, Ace DeCamp/Carter novels, Tor pastiche, Marvel comics, Dark Horse comics Ablaze. Titan's new comic is the truest adaption of Conan yet (besides Howard's of course)
Zub gets it. He's fan and loves writing Conan and it shows. De La Torre’s may be the best comic book illustration ever - it's like Marvel's Buscema with finer line work.
This series is a must have for any Conan fan.
May 9, 2023
So Conan has changed publisher again, I liked this for what it is. It's a good introduction to who Conan is, if you're familiar with the mythos though it might go over your head as you'll be interesting in the new story elements.
This is the best FCBD 2023 issue, there is no doubt about that, it's short and sweet and tell your exactly what you'll be reading in the future.
This is the best FCBD 2023 issue, there is no doubt about that, it's short and sweet and tell your exactly what you'll be reading in the future.
June 15, 2023
Pretty excited for this. A fresh start after Marvel fumbled the bag. I hope they bring on a long-term editor to help guide the ship.
The art team of Roberto de la Torre and José Villarrubia (Colorist) are fantastic. de la Torre harkens back to the golden age of John Buscema. Very energetic and barbaric.
The art team of Roberto de la Torre and José Villarrubia (Colorist) are fantastic. de la Torre harkens back to the golden age of John Buscema. Very energetic and barbaric.
September 29, 2023
Conan
This is a short introduction to the legendary character created by Robert E Howard with his first foray into battle and his stirring of wanderlust that leads to his destiny
A good start for those who are familiar and those who are being inducted into the world of CONAN THE BARBARIAN
This is a short introduction to the legendary character created by Robert E Howard with his first foray into battle and his stirring of wanderlust that leads to his destiny
A good start for those who are familiar and those who are being inducted into the world of CONAN THE BARBARIAN
May 18, 2023
Fairly good synopsis of Conan for such a short book. The artwork indicated the artist was influenced by John Buscema and Joe Kubert [for longer range "shots"] and that is NOT a bad thing. Another artist's style was there too but his name slips my mind [Hector ?].
May 21, 2023
Yearning
A great story of Conan's first battle. The artwork compliments the story perfectly.
Conan untested and young faces his first battle, and should he survive, what will it unleash within him and unleash on the world?
A great story of Conan's first battle. The artwork compliments the story perfectly.
Conan untested and young faces his first battle, and should he survive, what will it unleash within him and unleash on the world?
May 29, 2023
Conan is back!
Has artwork that looks nostalgically like Buscema's art of the 70s. I hope their creative team honors the REH stories and yet is creative enough tell new ones that are as brutal and adventurous as Conans creator. I'm looking forward to this series.
Has artwork that looks nostalgically like Buscema's art of the 70s. I hope their creative team honors the REH stories and yet is creative enough tell new ones that are as brutal and adventurous as Conans creator. I'm looking forward to this series.
May 30, 2023
Un excelente Conan
Excelente inicio para esta nueva era Titan cómics de Conan. El arte es heredero del mejor Buscema. Es promesa de grandes aventuras en el futuro. Muy recomendable.
Excelente inicio para esta nueva era Titan cómics de Conan. El arte es heredero del mejor Buscema. Es promesa de grandes aventuras en el futuro. Muy recomendable.
June 14, 2023
This short but engaging preview sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting ongoing series. Fans of Conan and newcomers alike will find themselves eager to delve deeper into the Hyborian Age after reading this enticing introduction.
July 26, 2023
Conan is Back
Conan is back! While this is a brief issue, it had amazing art work that harkens back to the old comics as well as keeping with the darker tones I liked with the Dark Horse run. Keen to see this series pan out
Conan is back! While this is a brief issue, it had amazing art work that harkens back to the old comics as well as keeping with the darker tones I liked with the Dark Horse run. Keen to see this series pan out
May 15, 2023
Simple and effective.
Just like the pulps from where Conan came from. Good job.
There's nothing like a great epic from the pulps t your blues boiling.
Just like the pulps from where Conan came from. Good job.
There's nothing like a great epic from the pulps t your blues boiling.
May 28, 2023
Conan Returns
The artwork is good and the story is a good beginning to a new series, what better way to start than with Conan's first battle.
The artwork is good and the story is a good beginning to a new series, what better way to start than with Conan's first battle.
November 21, 2023
I haven't read a Conan comic since I was a kid and this seems like the perfect comic to introduce readers to him.
August 16, 2024
We follow a young Conan and it is backstory for what I think is volume 1 of Jim Zub's run. This doesn't do much other than maybe set a tone. But it is free so read it I guess before.
August 29, 2024
As far as Grim Jim Zub's tale goes, I at first thought it was just a rehashing of many retold Conan scenarios of war among invaders and the tribes. It isn't bad in such a way, as it does ring true with R. E. Howard's environment, but just when I was wondering if it was going to feel like a re-read, the war settles and Conan yearns for more substance. Here it starts the exciting feel that many Conan stories gave us, of Conan using his wiles for adventure and to see the many wonders of the larger world, including dastardly villains, corrupted sorcerers, and unimaginable horrors.
Rob De La Torre's art is great, at times reminding me of older comics, but a good visual to examine always.
Jeffrey Shanks' words at the end give me hope for a fair representation of Robert E. Howard's persona of Conan, and for a modern examination of the same old imperialistic failings of a savage civilization that overreaches. Partnered with a very cool Group Shot of many Howard characters, by Rafael Kayanan, I am excited for this series.
Rob De La Torre's art is great, at times reminding me of older comics, but a good visual to examine always.
Jeffrey Shanks' words at the end give me hope for a fair representation of Robert E. Howard's persona of Conan, and for a modern examination of the same old imperialistic failings of a savage civilization that overreaches. Partnered with a very cool Group Shot of many Howard characters, by Rafael Kayanan, I am excited for this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews