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Savage Sword of Conan #1 revives the classic newsprint series

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The Savage Sword of Conan #1

Titan Comics has revived the black and white newsprint Savage Sword of Conan, and this first issue is well worth your $6.99.

Beginning with an introduction by Roy Thomas about the history of the title (and teasing his involvement in future titles), Savage Sword kicks off for good with the epic “Conan and the Dragon Horde” by John Arcudi and Max von Fafner. This story is filled with classic Conan themes like greed, lust, and fear of the unknown as Conan’s mercenary gig turns into a hellish nightmare. Von Fafner brings the blood, gore, and big animals using cutting diagonal panels for the more powerful fight scenes. The story has kind of a road trip format taking us to exotic and dangerous places in the Hyborian Age, and there’s some romance too with Conan having searing chemistry with siege weapons engineer Ineah.

This dragon/dinosaur slaying yarn is followed by a prose flash fiction story from Jim Zub that is heavy on adjectives, but redeems itself through visceral action sequences and pointed commentary about religious fanaticism through Conan’s conflict with the Stygians.

As well as Conan, Savage Sword features the first part of a Solomon Kane serial from Patrick Zircher and a companion essay from Jeffrey Shanks that sets up this lesser known character’s role in pop culture. The Conan story is definitely more engaging, and the Solomon Kane serial leads off with a lot of info dumping about Welsh folklore and mythology before turning into a monster story. I definitely enjoy Zircher’s black and white work here than his work for Marvel and DC especially his use of shadow when the mysterious Gawr takes a family’s livestock.

All in all, Savage Sword of Conan #1 is a worthy return of this title and a showcase of gorgeous sword and sorcery visuals paired with insightful arcs for Conan and Solomon Kane.

Story: John Arcudi, Roy Thomas, Jim Zub, Patch Zircher, Jeffrey Shanks
Art: Max von Fafner, Joe Jusko, Patch Zircher, Roberto De La Torre, Rebeca Puebla, Gerardo Zaffino, Howard Chaykin
Overall: 8.6 Recommendation: Buy

Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – Kindle

The Savage Sword of Conan #1 is a nice addition to the worlds of Robert E. Howard

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The Savage Sword of Conan #1

I’ll admit, my knowledge of Conan the Barbarian is limited. I’ve read some comics. I’ve read some arcs, series, and overall I’ve enjoyed it. The recent relaunch from Titan Comics has sucked me in with a great classic feel to it. So, I was intrigued to check out The Savage Sword of Conan #1, a new addition to Titan’s line based on the classic Robert E. Howard characters. What I found was a solid anthology, mixing prose, comics, and pin-ups. It’s different enough to stand out from the ongoing series and opens up a lot of opportunity for what’s to come.

The Savage Sword of Conan #1 is packed with two comics, a prose story, some history, and lots of art. It’s a great mix not just featuring Conan, but Solomon Kane as well. For those that might not want a sweeping epic, but instead some fun, short pulp entertainment, the comic fills that niche, delivering something that’s not as common in comics today.

Most importantly, The Savage Sword of Conan #1 delivers an entry point that anyone can dive in and enjoy. You don’t need to know these characters to appreciate the stories and be entertained by them.

John Arcudi and Max von Fafner handle the story and art for Conan and Patch Zircher delivers the return of Kane with both story and art. Both are solid additions to each character playing off their strengths, and in both, not being tied down by an ongoing series with arcs. You can sit back and enjoy them.

Jim Zub provides a pulpy prose tale inspired by Joe Jusko‘s art, Roy Thomas delivers an introduction, and Jeffrey Shanks writers on the history of Solomon Kane. The Savage Sword of Conan #1 feels like it celebrates Howard’s creations and uses the lack of a need for continuity to have fun with it all. It’s a throwback release in some ways, and it’s a hell of a lot of fun due to that.

The art is as solid as you’d expect with black and white images that’ll suck you in on the detail. The prose stand out with their presentation and pinups a great addition showing off the styles of different creators for these classic properties.

The Savage Sword of Conan #1 is a great addition to the comic shelf. It not only stands out from the Conan the Barbarian series but is an easy way to dive into these worlds. It opens up the opportunity for Titan to not only give other creators a shot at writing Conan, Kane, and more, but also try out other characters from Howard’s worlds and see what might work in their own comics. It’s an anthology collection, a throwback to old comic magazines, that has been generally missing from the comic store shelf and is a welcome return.

Story: John Arcudi, Roy Thomas, Jim Zub, Patch Zircher, Jeffrey Shanks
Art: Max von Fafner, Joe Jusko, Patch Zircher, Roberto De La Torre, Rebeca Puebla, Gerardo Zaffino, Howard Chaykin
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.35 Recommendation: Buy

Titan Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – Kindle

Crowdfunding Corner: The Conan the Barbarian – Colossal Edition, get a new look

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Backer Beware: Crowdfunding projects are not guaranteed to be delivered and/or delivered when promised. We always recommend to do your research before backing.
Disclosure: Graphic Policy’s founder Brett is a member of the Zoop team.

Conan the Barbarian - Colossal Edition Barry Windsor-Smith cover

Conan is back, and BIGGER than ever. With just a few days remaining in the crowdfunding campaign, Pan-Universal Galactic Worldwide, or PUG Worldwide has revealed some pages supporters will find within the Conan the Barbarian – Colossal Edition!

These original comic art pages reveal not just the narrative within, but also unveil the artist’s journey of crafting worlds through sheer imagination and skill. Within these pages, you’ll witness traces of the artistic process—hints of watery ink, corrections made with white-out, underlying pencil sketches that evolve into fully-realized images, meticulous techniques like razor blade etching for white-on-black effects, and the application of pre-printed tones meticulously affixed to the board.

Since the Conan book has gone live, several art collectors have contacted Zoop and PUG and offered up their own Conan originals for scanning and inclusion in the book. This development has led to the possibility of PUG being able to expand on its Conan line in the future.

Spearheaded by industry veterans John Nee, John Barber and Nate Murray, PUG Worldwide’s first release is the Conan The Barbarian: The Colossal Edition. Available on the crowdfunding platform Zoop, the campaign has added a new option to get a the book featuring a cover by Barry Windsor-Smith!

The Colossal Edition is the first of many planned, and is PUG’s version of the oversized Artist Edition that fans have grown to love. The book clocks in at over 190 pages of 11×17 scans of original Conan The Barbarian art from masters and legends, such as John Buscema, Gil Kane, Barry Windsor-Smith, Neal Adams, Howard Chaykin, and many others. The campaign nowoffers fans the choice between three different covers – one by Jim Lee, and the others by the aforementioned Buscema and Windsor-Smith.

PUG has partnered with licensor Heroic Signatures for the book and is offering the highest quality printing, with book design by Ian Chalgren. The scans are immaculate, the paper will be the finest quality, and the book itself will stand above the rest. This is a book not to be missed.  

This book will only be going to press once, so fans who don’t want to miss out should go to Zoop as their exclusive point of sale for the book. Notably, retailers who have supported similar projects will continue to access wholesale prices through Zoop.

Not only that, but the legendary Roy Thomas will be signing limited numbers of the book, while limited numbers of high end art prints will also be available. This is fans’ only chance to pick up these exclusive collector’s items!

Get a first look at The Savage Sword of Conan #1, cutting its way into stores in February 2024

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The Savage Sword of Conan #1

Writer(s): John Arcudi, Patch Zircher, Jim Zub
Artist(s): Max Von Fafner, Patch Zircher
DEC230822 Cover A: Joe Jusko
DEC230823 Cover B: Gerado Zaffino
DEC230824 Cover B: Max Von Fafner
Publisher: Heroic Signatures, Titan Comics
B&W, 80pp, $6.99, 8.125 x 10.875 inch
On sale: February 28, 2024

THE SAVAGE SWORD OF CONAN IS BACK from Heroic Signatures and Titan Comics!

Featuring a new CONAN epic from John Arcudi and Max Von Fafner, the rousing return of SOLOMON KANE written and drawn by Patch Zircher, an electric prose story from Jim Zub, spectacular art pin-ups, and more, THE SAVAGE SWORD OF CONAN Issue #1 heralds a new era of adrenaline-fueled adventure!

The Savage Sword of Conan #1

Crowdfunding Corner: The Conan the Barbarian – Colossal Edition on adds a Barry Windsor-Smith cover

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Backer Beware: Crowdfunding projects are not guaranteed to be delivered and/or delivered when promised. We always recommend to do your research before backing.
Disclosure: Graphic Policy’s founder Brett is a member of the Zoop team.

Conan the Barbarian - Colossal Edition Barry Windsor-Smith cover

Conan is back, and BIGGER than ever. Everyone’s favorite Cimmerian has found a new home, with brand new publishing entity, Pan-Universal Galactic Worldwide, or PUG Worldwide.  Spearheaded by industry veterans John Nee, John Barber and Nate Murray, PUG Worldwide is shaking up the comic market with their first release Conan The Barbarian: The Colossal Edition. Available on the crowdfunding platform Zoop, the campaign has added a new option to get a the book featuring a cover by Barry Windsor-Smith!

The Colossal Edition is the first of many planned, and is PUG’s version of the oversized Artist Edition that fans have grown to love. The book clocks in at over 190 pages of 11×17 scans of original Conan The Barbarian art from masters and legends, such as John Buscema, Gil Kane, Barry Windsor-Smith, Neal Adams, Howard Chaykin, and many others. The campaign nowoffers fans the choice between three different covers – one by Jim Lee, and the others by the aforementioned Buscema and Windsor-Smith.

PUG has partnered with licensor Heroic Signatures for the book and is offering the highest quality printing, with book design by Ian Chalgren. The scans are immaculate, the paper will be the finest quality, and the book itself will stand above the rest. This is a book not to be missed.  

Not only that, but the legendary Roy Thomas will be signing limited numbers of the book, while limited numbers of high end art prints will also be available. This is fans’ only chance to pick up these exclusive collector’s items!

Crowdfunding Corner: By Crom! PUG Worldwide launches Conan the Barbarian – Colossal Edition on Zoop

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Backer Beware: Crowdfunding projects are not guaranteed to be delivered and/or delivered when promised. We always recommend to do your research before backing.
Disclosure: Graphic Policy’s founder Brett is a member of the Zoop team.

Conan the Barbarian - Colossal Edition

Conan is back, and BIGGER than ever. Everyone’s favorite Cimmerian has found a new home, with brand new publishing entity, Pan-Universal Galactic Worldwide, or PUG Worldwide.  Spearheaded by industry veterans John Nee, John Barber and Nate Murray, PUG Worldwide is shaking up the comic market with their first release Conan The Barbarian: The Colossal Edition. The book launches today on the crowdfunding platform Zoop.

The Colossal Edition is the first of many planned, and is PUG’s version of the oversized Artist Edition that fans have grown to love. The book clocks in at over 190 pages of 11×17 scans of original Conan The Barbarian art from masters and legends, such as John Buscema, Gil Kane, Barry Windsor-Smith, Neal Adams, Howard Chaykin, and many others. The campaign offers fans the choice between two different covers – one by Jim Lee, and the other by the aforementioned Buscema.

PUG has partnered with licensor Heroic Signatures for the book and is offering the highest quality printing, with book design by Ian Chalgren. The scans are immaculate, the paper will be the finest quality, and the book itself will stand above the rest. This is a book not to be missed.  

Not only that, but the legendary Roy Thomas will be signing limited numbers of the book, while limited numbers of high end art prints will also be available. This is fans’ only chance to pick up these exclusive collector’s items!

By Crom! Conan swings his ax for the Battle of the Black Stone on Free Comic Book Day 2024

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Heroic Signatures and Titan Comics have announced that Conan the Barbarian is coming to Free Comic Book Day, May 4, 2024. Written by Jim Zub with art by Jonas Scharf, this issue will launch a Battle of the Black Stone event, which will roll out through late Summer and into the Fall, building on plotlines introduced in the critically acclaimed Conan the Barbarian ongoing series.

Conan of Cimmeria is haunted by shadows, a nightmare of events glimpsed beneath dark waters of the past. The unspeakable evil foretold by Thulsa Doom looms over the Hyborian Age and every age connected to it…and it will take more than a Barbarian-King to stop its relentless march upon time, space, and sanity.

Heroic Signatures’ and Titan Comics’ Conan the Barbarian has been a critical and commercial hit, becoming the highest-selling issue in Titan Comics history. With the series in its second year, Conan the Barbarian: FCBD Edition will give readers a taste of what’s to come, including art by brand new Conan artist, Jonas Scharf. 

Free Comic Book Day takes place every year on the first Saturday of May. With over two thousand stores and several comic book publishers participating, the event gives readers a chance to grab a free comic and meet fellow comic readers. Readers can find their local participating store HERE. 

Titan Comics | CONAN: BATTLE OF THE BLACK STONE (MR)

Crowdfunding Corner: By Crom! PUG Worldwide launches Conan the Barbarian – Colossal Edition on Zoop

Posted on by

Backer Beware: Crowdfunding projects are not guaranteed to be delivered and/or delivered when promised. We always recommend to do your research before backing.
Disclosure: Graphic Policy’s founder Brett is a member of the Zoop team.

Conan the Barbarian - Colossal Edition

Conan is back, and BIGGER than ever. Everyone’s favorite Cimmerian has found a new home, with brand new publishing entity, Pan-Universal Galactic Worldwide, or PUG Worldwide.  Spearheaded by industry veterans John Nee, John Barber and Nate Murray, PUG Worldwide is shaking up the comic market with their first release Conan The Barbarian: The Colossal Edition. The book launches today on the crowdfunding platform Zoop.

The Colossal Edition is the first of many planned, and is PUG’s version of the oversized Artist Edition that fans have grown to love. The book clocks in at over 190 pages of 11×17 scans of original Conan The Barbarian art from masters and legends, such as John Buscema, Gil Kane, Barry Windsor-Smith, Neal Adams, Howard Chaykin, and many others. The campaign offers fans the choice between two different covers – one by Jim Lee, and the other by the aforementioned Buscema.

PUG has partnered with licensor Heroic Signatures for the book and is offering the highest quality printing, with book design by Ian Chalgren. The scans are immaculate, the paper will be the finest quality, and the book itself will stand above the rest. This is a book not to be missed.  

Not only that, but the legendary Roy Thomas will be signing limited numbers of the book, while limited numbers of high end art prints will also be available. The campaign runs for 30 days, and this is fans’ only chance to pick up these exclusive collector’s items!

By Crom! Conan the Barbarian #1 delivers an action packed debut

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Conan the Barbarian #1

Years after the battle of Venarium, a weary Conan returns to his homeland to seek rest and solitude. However, a mysterious scout rides in to warn the Cimmerians of an imminent threat on the march from the Pictish wilderness. Will Conan and his new ally be able to hold off this new horde of invaders? Conan the Barbarian #1 is a fantastic debut feeling like a continuation of the great stories that have come before.

Written by Jim Zub, Conan the Barbarian #1 is the latest start in comics for the classic character. While the story might be knew, its look and feel are classic Conan. For those who have been fans of previous comic volumes, you should find plenty to like with this debut.

Zub is a master at swords and sorcery and it should be no surprise to those who know his work that he nails the debut. We’re introduced to a much younger Conan, in his mid-20s, fresh off of adventure and not happy with the leadership he’s dealt with. Zub plants a flag that this a Conan who is and is not a leader. One that you would follow to the ends of the earth but at the same time wouldn’t want to be in that position. He fights for what he sees is right and standing up for what’s right and others, though never wanting that recognition. Conan, Zub shows, is a complicated character in many ways. He should be leading and would be great at it, but doesn’t want to. He sees himself as doing what must, and should, be done.

Before him lays a challenge of a horde of individuals, possessed by unknown dark magic that turns them into zombie like beings. While it’d be easy to just make it zombies, that doesn’t quite seem to be the case, delivering a take that’s more than just Conan vs. undead hordes. With a new companion, he’s faced with a dilemma as to what to do and where to turn for the manpower to turn the tide and end the wave of destruction.

The art by Rob De La Torre is fantastic. With color by Jose Villarrubia and lettering by Richard Starkings, the comic looks like it’d fit right into the Conan comics that have come before. But, there’s something slightly different to this, the page layouts give it all a slightly more modern feel and flow. There’s beautiful double-page spreads and amazing use of space in the page layout. It all comes together for a comic that’s a perfect match of story and style.

I had high expectations going into Conan the Barbarian #1. Somehow it met all of them and then some. This is a hell of a debut and new chapter for the classic character that will hopefully launch adventures of this quality for many years to come.

Story: Jim Zub Art: Rob De La Torre
Color: Jose Villarrubia Letterer: Richard Starkings
Story: 8.75 Art: 9.0 Overall: 8.9 Recommendation: Buy

Titan Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – Kindle

SDCC 2023: The Savage Sword of Conan returns in 2024 as Conan #1 sells over 80,000

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Announced at San Diego Comic-Con, Titan Comics and Heroic Signatures have revealed the long-awaited return of The Savage Sword of Conan in 2024 – with all-new gritty and gruesome tales from the world of Conan the Barbarian; presented in its original black-and-white, magazine-sized format.  

Originally published in 1974, The Savage Sword of Conan featured Robert E. Howard’s iconic Conan the Barbarian untethered from the bounds of the restrictive Comics Code Authority. A darker and more mature title than the flagship Conan the Barbarian comics, The Savage Sword of Conan delved into more gritty and bloody storylines and art, quickly becoming a cult classic publication. The Savage Sword of Conan featured writing and art from legendary creators such as Roy Thomas, Neal Adams, Barry Windsor-Smith, John Buscema, Walter Simonson and much more.

Launching in comic shops in 2024 during the 50 year anniversary celebration, the brand-new The Savage Sword of Conan magazine will be written and drawn in its original black-and-white style by a murderers row of writers and artists including John Arcudi, Frank Tieri, Patch Zircher, Howard Chaykin, Rafael Kayanan, Cary Nord, Rebeca Puebla, Dan Panosian, Richard Pace, Gerardo Zaffino, and many more!

Heroic Signatures and Titan Comics new Savage Sword of Conan joins the new ongoing Conan the Barbarian comic series written by Jim Zub, with art by Roberto De La Torre, as well as the continuing archival publishing of Conan the Barbarian: The Original Comics Omnibus and the Savage Sword of Conan: The Original Comics Omnibus. Fans can look out for Volume 9 of the original Savage Sword of Conan series this November.  

Also announced at SDCC were the launch sales numbers for Conan the Barbarian Comic #1 which goes on sale August 2 in comic shops everywhere. Confirmed sales of the initial print exceeded 80,000 making Conan #1, the largest selling issue in Titan Comics’ history. With a second printing planned and third printing probable, final sales for this debut issue are expected to exceed 100,000 copies.

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