Conan Reviews: Conan the Barbarian 199, Conan the Barbarian 200

Conan 199 coverConan the Barbarian #199 – “Revelation in the Mists” – James Owsley/Val Semeiks/Geof Isherwood

This one continues from last issue with Conan and Kaleb fighting over Solaise. Conan now knows she has some kind of Demonic power and that she’s dangerous, but Kaleb (who was quite aware of all that) is still protecting her. As the two of them fight, the Devourer of Souls calls Solaise’s cat to him through a dimensional rift. Continue reading “Conan Reviews: Conan the Barbarian 199, Conan the Barbarian 200”

Conan Reviews: Conan the Barbarian 197, Conan the Barbarian 198

Conan 197 coverConan the Barbarian #197 – “Stand” – James Owsley/Val Semeiks/Geof Isherwood

This one starts where last issue left off, with the old dinosaur rampaging through the town in response to Freja’s stupid attack on it. When Conan returns (with Red Sonja), he’s ready to kill Freja but Shapur reminds him that they need Freja’s army to fight against the Kothian emperor. Conan does have Freja put in irons. At Conan’s camp, Bahkt (who has been given the power to consume souls by the Devourer) has slaughtered the entire camp, including Sonja’s Hyrkanians while looking for Conan. Continue reading “Conan Reviews: Conan the Barbarian 197, Conan the Barbarian 198”

Conan Reviews: Conan the Barbarian 195, Conan the Barbarian 196

Conan 195 coverConan the Barbarian #195 – “Blood of Ages” – James Owsley/Val Semeiks/Geof Isherwood

This one starts with the villagers of Shoraji looting the Temple of Mitra where Kaleb defeated the Devourer of Souls last issue. But when one villager gets too greedy and tries to steal the Devourer’s sword, he’s hit by lightning and the Devourer is reborn in his body, still craving revenge against Conan and Kaleb, but wary of whatever power Solaise is hiding. Continue reading “Conan Reviews: Conan the Barbarian 195, Conan the Barbarian 196”

Conan Reviews: Conan the Barbarian 193, Conan the Barbarian 194

Conan 193 coverConan the Barbarian #193 – “Shedu” – James Owsley/Val Semeiks/Geof Isherwood

This one starts with Conan and Anneka taking a break from Irham’s campaign against Emperor Strabonus for a little skinny-dipping. They’re interrupted by some soldiers who remind Conan they have to keep checking Irham’s defenses and shoring them up against the inevitable invasion. Continue reading “Conan Reviews: Conan the Barbarian 193, Conan the Barbarian 194”

Conan Reviews: Conan the Barbarian 191, Conan the Barbarian 192

Conan 191 coverConan the Barbarian #191 – “Deliverance” – James Owsley/Val Semeiks/Geof Isherwood

This one starts with an ex-soldier (Jahib-Re) reflecting on his past glories. Jahib was once unbeatable and commanded respect and fear in equal measure from all who knew him. Now he’s older and has been retired (somewhat unwillingly), but when his liege (Prince Irham) requests his presence, Jahib responds immediately. Continue reading “Conan Reviews: Conan the Barbarian 191, Conan the Barbarian 192”

Conan Reviews: Conan the Barbarian 189, Conan the Barbarian 190

Conan 189 coverConan the Barbarian #189 – “Rites of Inquisition” – James Owsley/John Buscema/Ernie Chan

This one starts with the funeral rites for Jahli, the boy-king of El Shah Maddoc who was killed last issue by assassins. Conan feels somewhat responsible and vows to punish whoever instigated the plot, threatening some of the attendees at the ceremony. He’s closer than he knows to the truth, as six of them are actually working for the Council of Seven, who did orchestrate the killing. Continue reading “Conan Reviews: Conan the Barbarian 189, Conan the Barbarian 190”

Conan Reviews: Conan the Barbarian 187, Conan the Barbarian 188

Conan 187 coverConan the Barbarian #187 – “Resurrection” – James Owsley/John Buscema/Ernie Chan

This one starts with a messenger delivering a package to an eerie castle in the middle of nowhere. He’s quite nervous and with good reason, as his delivery is to a group of wizards called the Council of Seven. The package turns out to be an ornate sword, which the Council tells the messenger to raise to the sky. A lightning bolt strikes, killing the messenger and making the Council quite happy. But they’re not quite satisfied …they want Jahli, the boy-king of El Shah Maddoc, dead, along with his protector, Conan. Continue reading “Conan Reviews: Conan the Barbarian 187, Conan the Barbarian 188”

Conan Reviews: Conan the Barbarian 185, Conan the Barbarian 186

Conan 185 coverConan the Barbarian #185 – “Monument” – Jim Owsley/John Buscema/Ernie Chan

This one starts with a flashback to issue 177 where Tetra declared her love for Conan and he brushed her off. Apparently she’s a bit miffed about that, which is why she blew up the castle last issue and everyone in it. Well, everyone except Conan, who she protects with a mystical force-field so she can show him why she’s so pissed off at him. Continue reading “Conan Reviews: Conan the Barbarian 185, Conan the Barbarian 186”

Conan Reviews: Conan the Barbarian 183, Conan the Barbarian 184

Conan 183 coverConan the Barbarian #183 – “Blood Dawn” – Jim Owsley/John Buscema/Ernie Chan

This one starts right after last issue, with Imhotep the demon showing up on the battlefield near El Shah Maddoc to confront Conan as Shapur (the warlord Conan deposed) and Kollos (leader of the M’gai bandits) look on in fascination. Conan’s magic amulet still protects him from Imhotep, but the demon wants the amulet so it can return to its own realm. Continue reading “Conan Reviews: Conan the Barbarian 183, Conan the Barbarian 184”

Conan Reviews: Conan the Barbarian 181, Conan the Barbarian 182

Conan 181 coverConan the Barbarian #181 – “Maddoc’s Reign” – Jim Owsley/John Buscema/Ernie Chan

This one starts at the gates of El Shah Maddoc, a city whose conqueror disappeared five years ago and where corruption has since taken hold under his successor. Conan wants in and pounds the gate guards to convince them. Before it can turn into outright slaughter, a woman (Swan) lounging by the gates grants Conan asylum and leave to enter the city. Continue reading “Conan Reviews: Conan the Barbarian 181, Conan the Barbarian 182”