Conan: The Barbarian #1 is published by Titan Comics, written by Jim Zub and illustrated by Jose Villarrubia and Robert De La Torre.
Issue #1 is available 2nd August 2023, either directly from Titan Comics online or from your local comic book store, digital copies will be available to download from the usual content providers.
Synopsis
Years after the battle of Venarium, a weary Conan returns to his homeland to seek rest and solitude. However, a mysterious scout rides in to warn the Cimmerians of an imminent threat on the march from the Pictish wilderness. Will Conan and his new ally be able to hold off this new horde of invaders?
Review
In this first issue of the new series we find a weary battleworn Conan as he returns to his homeland seeking solace from the pains of war. At first all seems calm and it looks like Conan may get the rest he is looking for, but all is not as calm as it seems as there is evil looming on the horizon. A stranger appears from the open land with warnings of danger that follows her close behind, it’s too late to out run the threat it’s time to stand up and fight time to put the thoughts of seeking peace and solitude are to be put on the back burner as the horde appears upon them it will take everything they have to destroy them and keep the threat at bay, but is this bigger than it first seems? One thing’s for sure Conan is definitely the right man for the job, just might have to play this one a little smarter.
As a first introductory issue of this new series I was impressed by both the writing style of the book with the intensity showing through and also the incredible artwork encapsulating the story.
Jim Zub brings his unique talents to the writing with a balanced story that oozes intensity as Jim expertly describes the battle that Conan comes up against, I like how the book naturally gathers pace bringing you gently into the fray, a perfect mix of emotion and intensity brings together what could potentially be the most exciting series in comics at the moment.
The illustration style of the book is dark and dramatic which brings to the forefront the intense feeling of the story and highlights each emotion perfectly. For me this was an introduction to the works of Jose Villarrubia and Robert De La Torre and I loved their style of artwork as each panel hit the mark letting the reader feel each of the hard hitting blows.
All in all as a first issue I think that the strength of the talents of the creative team involved have laid the solid foundations for the series to come.
Verdict
Hard hitting, intense story that will have you gripped to each page. Brutal and dramatic artwork hits the mark, if this issue is anything to go by we are in for a treat for the rest of this series.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
