Conan The Barbarian #5 is published by Titan Comics, written by Jim Zub, illustrated by Doug Braithwaite and coloured by Diego Rodriguez.
Issue #5 is available 29th November 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
WARRIOR. THIEF. PIRATE…After adventures on the high seas, Conan returns to shore to find himself haunted by his memories of Belit, captain of the Tigress and Queen of the Black Coast. Can a high-stakes heist draw him out of his tortured past, or will it plunge him deeper into the chaos that has always been waiting for him?
Review
Bit of a change of pace for this issue as Conan finds himself back on shore after a time away, he’s searching for more but is haunted by his past keeping him back wallowing in his darkness. An offer of a quick in quick out job promising lucrative rewards seems the kick Conan needs to get off his behind and temporarily pull himself together, for the chance of violence is something that Conan can’t resist and it’s what he knows he is good at and the others know this and intend to use it to their advantage.
But it’s not untold riches the thieves are looking for it’s something else that is far more attractive, far more powerful but are they ready for what is to come?
I’m enjoying this resurgence of the Conan character with Jim Zub injecting a unique freshness into the arc and adding more depth to the character. In this new arc Conan seems troubled and lost and it’s intriguing for the reader to see where this powerful character can go wherever that will be will be big that’s for sure.
The illustrations from Doug Braithwaite are vibrant and really make the story pop with each panel, matched with the strong colours from Diego Rodriguez and the sword wielding action really does make an impact.
The series has a dark feel to it and looks set to get alot darker as Conan struggles with the past darkness, the anticipation builds ready for the next issue.
Verdict
⭐⭐⭐⭐
A vibrant comic with strong illustrations, the story is more deep than you would expect and certainly will become alot deeper as we continue. Conan is back strong with this new arc and I am ready for it.