[This article has a audio synopsis] Imagine you’re looking through a dusty bookshelf in an old comic shop. You see a worn book that catches your eye. The cover shows a strong barbarian, ready for battle with a sword. This is your chance to dive into the exciting world of Conan the Barbarian comics.
Robert E. Howard’s Conan has been thrilling readers for many years. His stories have moved from pulp fiction to comic books, reaching fans across different eras. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to Conan’s adventures, there are many epic tales to discover.
Marvel Comics brought Conan to life in bright colors during its golden age. Dark Horse Comics later added more depth to the character. Today, Conan comics keep evolving, offering new takes on Howard’s classic hero. Let’s start a journey through the best Conan the Barbarian comics, where adventure and danger are always around.
Best Conan the Barbarian Comics Audio Podcast
Don’t have time to read this article but would like to listen to a synopsis of this article. Click on the “Play button”. Enjoy -MikeyD
Key Takeaways
Conan comics span multiple publishers, including Marvel, Dark Horse, and Ablaze
Robert E. Howard’s original stories form the foundation of the best Conan tales
Marvel’s golden age (1970-2000) established Conan as a comic book icon
Dark Horse’s run (2003-2018) expanded the Hyborian Age with faithful adaptations
Modern interpretations continue to bring fresh perspectives to the Cimmerian warrior
Conan’s roles vary from young thief to seasoned warrior and even king
The sword and sorcery genre owes much of its popularity to Conan’s enduring legacy
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Origins of the Barbarian Hero
Howard first brought Conan to life in Weird Tales magazine. Readers loved the Cimmerian warrior’s strength and smarts. Over three decades, Howard wrote over 400 stories and 500 poems, leading the fantasy genre.
YouTube video “Finding the Perfect Conan the Barbarian”
Conan’s Impact on Sword and Sorcery Genre
Conan’s stories set the stage for the sword and sorcery genre. Howard’s storytelling and world-building inspired many. The 1970s “First Howard Boom” made his works popular again.
From Pulp Fiction to Comic Book Legend
Conan moved from pulp fiction to comics, reaching more fans. Comics featuring the hero were huge hits. This move made Conan a cultural icon and brought him to new fans.
Era
Medium
Impact
1930s
Pulp Magazines
Established Conan character
1950s-1960s
Paperback Books
Expanded readership
1970s onwards
Comics
Visual representation and broader audience
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Marvel’s Golden Age of Conan (1970-2000)
In 1970, Marvel Comics started a new chapter for Conan the Barbarian. For thirty years, they made the Cimmerian warrior come alive in color and black-and-white. The “Conan the Barbarian” series was the start of this golden age, drawing readers in with sword fights and magical quests.
Marvel also introduced new titles like “Conan the Adventurer” and “Conan the King.” These series showed Conan’s adventures from the start to his reign as a king. “Savage Sword of Conan,” a black-and-white magazine, was the highlight of Marvel’s Conan stories. It allowed for deeper storytelling. Conan the Barbarian Epic Collection The Marvel Years
Best Conan the Barbarian Comics The Original Marvel Years
Marvel’s Conan stories were a mix of Robert E. Howard’s original works and new tales. Artists like Barry Windsor-Smith and John Buscema set the look of Conan, inspiring many in fantasy art. By 2000, when Marvel lost the rights, Conan was a legend in comics.
“Conan the Barbarian Annual #9” is a key issue from Marvel’s Conan era. Released in 1984 for a higher price, it featured Ernie Chan’s art and had Conan facing Moai statues and woolly mammoths in the mythical Hyborian Age.
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Marvel’s Conan comics made a lasting impact on the sword and sorcery genre. They introduced Howard’s character to more people and made him a cultural icon. Even now, collectors still look for these classic comics, showing their lasting popularity. Conan the Barbarian: The Original Comics Omnibus Vol 1
Best Conan the Barbarian Comics The Original Omnibus Vol 1
Dark Horse Era: Reviving the Barbarian (2003-2018)
In 2003, dark horse comics brought Conan back to life. This started a new chapter for the Cimmerian warrior. It made him a key figure in comic books again.
Kurt Busiek’s Faithful Adaptations
Kurt Busiek took charge, making true-to-form adaptations of Robert E. Howard’s stories. His work honored the spirit of the Hyborian Age. It pleased long-time fans and welcomed new ones to Conan’s realm.
Expanding the Hyborian Age
Dark Horse didn’t just stick to the original stories. They added new tales and spin-offs to Conan’s world. This made the Hyborian Age richer. It offered readers new adventures while honoring the classic lore.
Artistic Highlights of the Dark Horse Run
The Dark Horse era was marked by stunning art.Cary Nord and Tomás Giorello added new visual flair to Conan’s world. Their art brought the Hyborian Age to life, making the stories even more compelling.
Era
Publisher
Key Contributors
Notable Achievements
2003-2018
Dark Horse Comics
Kurt Busiek, Cary Nord, Tomás Giorello
Faithful adaptations, Original expansions, Artistic innovations
The Dark Horse era shows Conan’s lasting charm. It proves that even years after his creation, the Barbarian still holds audiences with his stories of adventure and magic.
Best Conan the Barbarian Comics
Conan the Barbarian has been thrilling comic book fans for decades. He’s known for his wild adventures. Let’s look at some of the most iconic Conan comics that have made a big impact.
Conan the Barbarian #1-26: The Barry Windsor-Smith Era
Barry Windsor-Smith’s work on Conan the Barbarian is a comic art masterpiece. His detailed drawings and engaging stories made Conan come alive. The War of the Tarim arc (issues #19-26) is especially loved for its grand story and character growth.
YouTube video “Barry Windsor-Smith’s Last Conan Comic”
Savage Sword of Conan: The Black and White Masterpieces
Savage Sword of Conan featured amazing black-and-white art from talents like John Buscema and Alfredo Alcala. Roy Thomas’s writing during this time is a highlight in Conan comics. He mixed Howard’s classic tales with new adventures.
King Conan: Tales of the Aging Warrior
The King Conan series focused on Conan’s later years as the ruler of Aquilonia. These stories gave Conan more depth, showing how he handled being a king while still wanting adventure. King Conan: The Hour of the Dragon (2014)
Comic Series
Key Features
Notable Contributors
Conan the Barbarian #1-26
Intricate art, foundational storytelling
Barry Windsor-Smith, Roy Thomas
Savage Sword of Conan
Black-and-white format, mature themes
John Buscema, Alfredo Alcala
King Conan
Conan as ruler, complex character development
Various artists and writers
Best Conan the Barbarian Comics King Conan
Iconic Conan Storylines in Comics
Conan’s adventures have thrilled readers for many years, making them comic book legends. The Cimmerian warrior’s journey covered 275 issues from 1970 to 1993 in Marvel’s series. This long run made Conan a key figure in comic history.
“The Tower of the Elephant” is a standout story. It’s based on Robert E. Howard’s work and highlights Conan’s cleverness and strength. “Red Nails” takes us to a city caught in endless battles, and “The People of the Black Circle” explores dark magic. The Tower of the Elephant by Robert E. Howard
These stories mix action, mystery, and politics. Conan battles strange creatures, makes tricky alliances, and fights against powerful wizards. Each story vividly depicts the Hyborian Age, making Howard’s world come alive with amazing visuals.
Storyline
Notable Elements
Artist
The Tower of the Elephant
Thievery, ancient magic
Barry Windsor-Smith
Red Nails
Lost city, tribal warfare
John Buscema
The People of the Black Circle
Dark sorcery, political intrigue
Gil Kane
Modern adaptations are bringing new life to these classic Conan stories. The Trade Paperback by Titan Comics has gotten great reviews from fans and critics. With writer Jim Zub, these new stories keep the spirit of Howard’s work alive for today’s readers.
Artists Who Defined Conan’s Visual Legacy
Conan the Barbarian’s look comes from talented comic book artists. They made him come alive with their unique styles. These artists have shaped how fans see the Cimmerian warrior.
Barry Windsor-Smith: The Definitive Conan Artist
Barry Windsor-Smith’s artwork set the standard for Conan comics early on. His detailed work and dynamic scenes raised the bar for others. Windsor-Smith’s work on Conan the Barbarian #1-26 is a fan favorite.
YouTube video Best Conan Comic Book of the 21st Century
John Buscema: Decades of Cimmerian Adventures
John Buscema’s art brought Conan comics to life for years. His style showed Conan’s strength and the wild world of Hyboria. Buscema’s work on Conan comics made a lasting impact.
Neal Adams: Bringing Realism to the Hyborian Age
Neal Adams added realism to Conan’s adventures. His detailed figures and dramatic scenes brought a new intensity. Adams’ work took Conan comics to new artistic levels.
Artist
Signature Style
Notable Contributions
Barry Windsor-Smith
Intricate linework
Conan the Barbarian #1-26
John Buscema
Bold, muscular figures
Long-running Conan series
Neal Adams
Hyper-realistic anatomy
Dramatic Conan covers
Adapting Robert E. Howard’s Original Stories
Comic book adaptations of Robert E. Howard’s Conan stories bring new life to the beloved barbarian’s adventures. These visual stories add to Howard’s detailed descriptions and action-packed tales. They make the Hyborian Age come alive in vibrant colors.
Roy Thomas played a big role in Conan comics. He worked on “Conan the Barbarian” for 115 issues. His work was so good, he even got a “Best Story” nomination for issue #4.
YouTube video “Conan: the Devil in Iron Review & Retrospective”
Other writers like Jim Owsley also did great work. They made the original stories even better by filling in gaps and adding depth. They kept the essence of Howard’s vision while making it their own.
Some notable Robert E. Howard adaptations include:
“The Frost-Giant’s Daughter”
“Queen of the Black Coast”
“Beyond the Black River”
These comics introduce new readers to Howard’s Conan stories and give long-time fans new insights. They mix Howard’s words with amazing artwork. This creates a special reading experience that stays true to the original Conan tales.
Original Story
Comic Adaptation
Notable Features
The Frost-Giant’s Daughter
Conan the Barbarian #16
Expanded battle scenes
Queen of the Black Coast
Conan the Barbarian #58
Enhanced character development
Beyond the Black River
Savage Sword of Conan #26-27
Detailed wilderness settings
Conan’s Crossovers and Team-Ups
Conan crossovers have thrilled fans for decades. The Cimmerian warrior’s adventures go beyond the Hyborian Age. He meets heroes from different eras and realms. Let’s look at Conan’s exciting team-ups and unexpected alliances.
Conan Meets Red Sonja
Conan and Red Sonja make up one of the most iconic sword-and-sorcery duos. They first met in 1973. Their partnership has led to many stories, showing off their combat skills and deep bond.
Marvel Universe Encounters
Marvel Comics brought Conan into their universe, leading to some exciting team-ups. He has fought alongside Spider-Man, Thor, and Wolverine in “What If…?” issues. Conan officially joined the Marvel Universe in the Atlantis Attacks crossover of Punisher Annual #2.
Unexpected Alliances in the Hyborian Age
Conan often finds himself in unexpected partnerships. In Dark Horse comics, he teams up with other characters from the Hyborian Age. These alliances highlight Conan’s ability to adapt and think strategically.
Crossover Type
Notable Characters
Comic Issues
Marvel “What If…?”
Spider-Man, Thor, Wolverine
#13, #39, #16
Marvel Mainstream
Punisher, Fantastic Four
Punisher Annual #2, FF #405
Hyborian Age
Red Sonja, Kull, Belit
Various Dark Horse issues
Collecting Conan: Essential Editions and Omnibuses
Building a Conan comics collection is now easy. Thanks to omnibus editions and reprints, fans can dive into decades of Cimmerian adventures. Marvel’s epic collections are a treasure trove of classic stories. The Conan the Barbarian Epic Collection, Vol. 2, includes issues #14-26. It also introduces Red Sonja and features Barry Windsor-Smith’s final illustrations. Conan the Barbarian Epic Collection
Dark Horse Comics has also played a big role in keeping Conan’s legacy alive. Their Chronicles of Conan series, with 34 volumes, digitally recolored the entire 275-issue run of Marvel’s original title. This collection brings vintage tales to life again.
Best Conan the Barbarian Comics The Chronicles of Conan
The Essential Conan collection is great for a quick start. It packs issues #1-25 into 530 pages. It’s ideal for new readers or a nostalgic look for fans. The Essential Conan collection #1 to 25
Best-Conan-the-Barbarian-Comics-The-Essential-Conan-Collection 1 to 25
Collection
Contents
Notable Features
Conan the Barbarian Epic Collection, Vol. 2
Issues #14-26
Introduction of Red Sonja, Windsor-Smith’s final work
Chronicles of Conan
34 volumes, full 275-issue run
Digitally recolored Marvel comics
Essential Conan
Issues #1-25
Compact 530-page collection
These omnibus editions keep Conan’s comic history alive for a new generation. They’re perfect for both seasoned collectors and newcomers to the Hyborian Age. These volumes are the ideal gateway to Conan’s world.
Modern Interpretations: Conan in the 21st Century
The 21st century has brought Conan the Barbarian back into the spotlight. Modern comics offer new takes on this iconic character. They mix old-school charm with today’s storytelling, giving us fresh views of the Cimmerian warrior.
Marvel’s 2019 relaunch and Titan Comics’ 2023 series have made Conan’s adventures exciting again. These comics dive into new sides of his character while honoring Robert E. Howard’s original stories.
Modern Conan comics often explore “What If?” scenarios, placing him in today’s world. For example, the 1978 and 1984 “What If?” series put Conan in New York City. This mix of sword-and-sorcery with city life is quite intriguing.
“Imagine Conan stopping looters in the Guggenheim or facing off against Captain America in Times Square. These comics push the boundaries of the character’s traditional narrative.”
Some fans love these new takes, while others stick to Conan’s traditional Hyborian Age setting. This debate between old and new continues to shape how we see Conan today. What if? Vol 1 No 13
Since 1932, Conan the Barbarian has made a big mark on fantasy and pop culture. He started as a character in pulp fiction and became a comic book star. This has changed the world of heroic fantasy for many people.
Influence on Fantasy Art and Literature
Conan’s look in comics has changed fantasy art. Artists like Barry Windsor-Smith and John Buscema made him a muscular barbarian icon. This look has inspired many others.
It has also changed fantasy literature. Authors now create heroes like Conan, bold and powerful.
Conan’s Role in Popular Culture
Conan comics have made a big splash in pop culture. They introduced readers to the Hyborian Age and its sword and sorcery stories. Conan, a fierce warrior with honor, has influenced many heroes in different media.
From Comics to Movies and Beyond
Conan’s success in comics led to his presence in other media. The 1982 film “Conan the Barbarian” made him famous. He also appeared in video games, letting players explore his world.
Medium
Notable Examples
Year
Comics
Conan the Barbarian #1
1970
Film
Conan the Barbarian
1982
Television
Conan the Adventurer
1992
Video Games
Conan Exiles
2018
Conan’s lasting impact shows how much Howard’s creation is loved. From comics to movies, his adventures still thrill people. This makes him a top fantasy hero.
The best Conan comics have made a lasting impact on fantasy stories. Critics give them an impressive average rating of 9.3/10. These stories still grab readers’ attention.
The Conan legacy stands out for its great storytelling, loved by 85.7% of reviewers. The artwork also gets high praise from everyone.
Conan’s story has an epic journey from Marvel to Dark Horse and back to Marvel. The “The Life and Death of Conan” storyline by Jason Aaron and Mahmud Asrar shows Conan’s lasting appeal. This 12-issue arc, ending in Conan the Barbarian #12, wins over new and old fans.
Looking into the best Conan comics, you’ll see a world of adventure over decades. Legendary artists like Barry Windsor-Smith, John Buscema, and Mahmud Asrar make the Hyborian Age come alive. With 71.4% of critics calling them a must-read, Conan’s stories of sword and sorcery still touch modern readers. This confirms their spot in comic book history.
Hi, I hope you have enjoyed this article “Best Conan the Barbarian Comics”. I was amazed as I didn’t know Conan the Barbarian was as popular of a character as he is. Leave your comment below. Please share this article or the podcast too. Thanks, -MikeyD
FAQ
What is the origin of Conan the Barbarian?
Conan the Barbarian was first brought to life by Robert E. Howard in 1932. He appeared in Weird Tales magazine. Howard’s stories made Conan a legendary hero. He is known for his strength, smarts, and never-give-up attitude.
Which comic book publishers have produced Conan comics?
Conan comics have been published by Marvel Comics and Dark Horse Comics.Marvel Comics introduced Conan to comics in the 1970s. Dark Horse Comics brought new stories and adaptations from 2003 to 2018.
What are some of the best Conan the Barbarian comic book runs?
Some top Conan comic runs include Barry Windsor-Smith’s work on Conan the Barbarian #1-26. The Savage Sword of Conan magazine, with artists like John Buscema and Alfredo Alcala, is also highly praised. The King Conan series, focusing on Conan’s reign, is another favorite.
What are some iconic Conan storylines adapted from Robert E. Howard’s original stories?
Iconic Conan stories come from Robert E. Howard’s works. “The Tower of the Elephant,” “Red Nails,” and “The People of the Black Circle” are some. “The Frost-Giant’s Daughter,” “Queen of the Black Coast,” and “Beyond the Black River” are also classics.
Which artists have left a lasting impact on the visual representation of Conan in comics?
Barry Windsor-Smith, John Buscema, and Neal Adams are famous for their Conan art. Windsor-Smith’s detailed work set the tone early on. Buscema’s dynamic style lasted for years. Adams brought a realistic touch to Conan’s world.
Has Conan appeared in crossover stories with other comic book characters?
Yes, Conan has teamed up with many characters. His most notable team-up is with Red Sonja. He has also met Marvel heroes like Wolverine and the Punisher. Dark Horse comics have paired him with other characters from the Hyborian Age. Adventures of Red Sonja Omnibus
Best Conan the Barbarian Comics Adventures of Red Sonja Omnibus
[This article has a audio synopsis] Imagine you’re looking through a dusty bookshelf in an old comic shop. You see a worn book that catches your eye. The cover shows a strong barbarian, ready for battle with a sword. This is your chance to dive into the exciting world of Conan the Barbarian comics.
