Connect with us
Savage Sword of Conan #1 Review
Marvel

Comic Books

Savage Sword of Conan #1 Review

An action-packed pirate adventure continues to prove Marvel has a major hit on their hands.

[amazon_link asins=’1302916939′ template=’AiPTProductAd’ store=’aiptcomics-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’89ff2b6b-921d-4a26-8da4-847fb6f3089c’]

Conan the Barbarian has come back to Marvel and in only three issues it has been made clear the character is in good hands. Jason Aaron and Mahmud Asrar have done an exceptional job capturing the episodic nature of the series while developing a new overarching story. With the groundwork laid by Marvel, it’s time for additional Conan comics, and thanks to Gerry Duggan and Ron Garney Savage, Sword of Conan is coming this week. The five-part story starts tomorrow, but is it good?

Listen to the latest episode of our weekly comics podcast!

So what’s it about?

Read our preview.

Why does this matter?

It’s easy to forget a big part of Conan is the sorcery and monsters in play. Typically we think of the character as strong with but a sword, but it’s his wits and his inability to give up that proves to beat even the most formidable beast. This issue shows that and more.

Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?

Savage Sword of Conan #1 Review

I was expecting a bigger sword!
Credit: Marvel Comics

This issue has every staple of Conan the Barbarian and then some, making it quite easy to enjoy for longtime readers. Gerry Duggan does an exceptional job drawing the reader in at first, opening with Conan drinking with a pretty lady with a fire roaring. As you turn the page you realize he isn’t eating fine meat, but a raw shark. It sets the stage for an adventure that is stacked against Conan and it’ll take all his luck and fortitude to come out alive. This is a miniseries, so it’s fun to see how Duggan fleshes out a key supporting character as well as throw a lot at Conan to overcome.

If the main series showed how Conan is almost unfailing, this issue shows how Conan can endure even the worst situation. The pirate theme works well for this character and it’s fun to see how Duggan and Garney integrate sorcery. There’s even a vision to be had, which is a fine element of the series as a whole and fun to see integrated here. This issue also comes with a conclusion of sorts, giving it an episodic feel that is satisfying, but with a promise for more when the story ends.

Garney brings a darker tone with heavy use of shadow and blacks to place Conan in a figurative pit of hell. It’s only the hull of a ship, but it’s about as bad as it can get for him. In a key double page layout, Garney gives snapshots of Conan recouping with black panels between captioning the struggle. There are also some awesome extreme close-ups on Conan that capture the rage of the man is only a snapshot of his face. It’s a powerful moment in the story. When things go from real to monstrous, Garney captures the horrific nature of a monster very well. Colors by Richard Isanove are subtle but rich, maintaining a realistic look even when flame is concerned.

Savage Sword of Conan #1 Review

You bet you do.
Credit: Marvel Comics

It can’t be perfect, can it?

There are swords wielded in this issue, but not the type you’d expect. I was a bit thrown off by the slower pace of the story, which focuses more on his struggle than an all-out battle. It’s a great issue, but the title and cover suggest a much more action-focused affair.

Is it good?

Marvel’s return to Conan continues to be an instant hit. Duggan and Garney are capturing an adventure style of the character with a mix of monsters and magic that is not to be missed.

Savage Sword of Conan #1 Review
Savage Sword of Conan #1
Is it good?
Marvel's return to Conan continues to be an instant hit. Duggan and Garney are capturing an adventure style of the character with a mix of monsters and magic that is not to be missed.
A story of struggle and the resolve of Conan
Fun to see the pirate angle as well as the monsters and magical visions in play
The art suits the grungy, darker tone
A slower paced story with less action than one might expect
9
Great

Join the AIPT Patreon

Want to take our relationship to the next level? Become a patron today to gain access to exclusive perks, such as:

  • ❌ Remove all ads on the website
  • 💬 Join our Discord community, where we chat about the latest news and releases from everything we cover on AIPT
  • 📗 Access to our monthly book club
  • 📦 Get a physical trade paperback shipped to you every month
  • 💥 And more!
Sign up today
Comments

In Case You Missed It

WWE SmackDown preview, full card: March 1, 2024 WWE SmackDown preview, full card: March 1, 2024

WWE SmackDown preview, full card: March 1, 2024

Pro Wrestling

AEW Dynamite preview, full card: February 28, 2024 AEW Dynamite preview, full card: February 28, 2024

AEW Dynamite preview, full card: February 28, 2024

Pro Wrestling

AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 1, 2024 AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 1, 2024

AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 1, 2024

Pro Wrestling

Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in 'Blood Hunt' Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in 'Blood Hunt'

Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in ‘Blood Hunt’

Comic Books

Connect
Newsletter Signup