Comic Book Review - Conan the Barbarian #1

Conan the Barbarian enters the age of Titan Comics…

Over the last few months Titan Comics have really been pushing the hype on social media for their newest series; Conan the Barbarian. While Robert E. Howard’s Cimmerian barbarian has had a lengthy stay over at Marvel, his adventures did start to lose their touch. However, with Titan Comics taking over and retaining veteran Conan scribe Jim Zub, Conan is set to rediscover his (shall we say) more mature side. 

With fan expectations at an all time high (I’m looking at you Ed Doyle!), does Conan the Barbarian #1 tick the boxes? Let’s enter the world of Hyboria and find out. 

Plot wise and this opening seems to play things pretty safe. We get a lot of substance that’s very similar to the characters early exploits, and fans will most certainly see som of the classics. While there is plenty of undead hordes, and roaming bands of fiendish mercenaries, Zub does use the familiarity to move his narrative forward into unexpected territory. Come the end of the issue, it’s made pretty clear that this is going to be a more personal journey for Conan - which is something I’m already invested into seeing grow. Elsewhere, and across the 38-pages we get a gorgeous display of just how well Zub knows the character and his quirks. Everything from how Conan approaches dangerous situations, right down to his dialogue is crafted by someone who’s no doubt spent a lot of hours within Howard’s universe. That being said, it perfectly compliments the story, and makes it effortlessly to get stuck into. 

While Jim Zub, does a lot of the work, he is only one part of the creative team. Completing the line up is artist Rob De La Torre, colourist Josè Villarrubia, and letterer Richard Starkings. Much like Zub, De La Torre and Villarrubia are no stranger to Conan and his world. Across this issue the duo work effortlessly to bring Conan to life with plenty of grit and feeling. Character work is also spot on as De La Torre’s line work captures what makes Conan great, while adding a more troubled side to the classic character. This is more prevalent when the characters is slashing his way through his foes. It’s dark and bloody, but for Conan it’s just another day at the office. Rounding things off is Starkings lettering that bold enough so everything stands out, but still subtle so it doesn’t detract from the accompanying scene. 

Combine all elements together and you get a gorgeous looking comic book that feels straight out of the mediums Golden Age. Villarrubia’s dusty colour work, gives the pages a faded feeling, while Zub’s plot jumps straight out of Howard’s original 1930’s novels. You can certainly tell just by its tone that this isn’t a Marvel comic - and it’s a lot better off for not being so. 

Overall and Conan the Barbarian #1 is the perfect start for Titan Comics, and the creative team. For Zub and co. the character is their bread and butter, and it’s great seeing them all come together to craft this wonderful opening in perfect synergy. Where the narrative goes from here is anyone’s guess, and while Conan himself is at a crossroads in where his life is going to take him, it’s a journey that I’m excited to be experiencing. 

Wether you’re a die-hard fan, or a complete newcomer, this series needs to be at the top of your pull list. You won’t regret it! 

Rating: 10/10 

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Rob Lake - For more comic book and video game chat why not follow us on Twitter/Facebook @GeekCultureRev, and TikTok/YouTube @Geekculturereviews.