The second part of Scourge of the Serpent, our snake-sent epic mini-series, arrived in stores last week. What did critics think of it? Let’s find out…

• 9 Panel Grid: “Gil is kind of like the next in line for the great Conan artists. I’ve been pleasantly surprised and arguably absolutely shocked at how consistent Conan has been, getting these really cool artists to take over the book, one after another…a really fun issue here. Definitely make sure you’re checking this out.”

• Amazon: 10/10 “A perfect fusion of Robert E. Howard themes, characters, eras and actual stories…in this issue in particular we have Ivan Gil demolishing my expectations by giving some of the coolest bloody action, unique angles and character poses suiting the danger of the situation.”

• Brother Lore: “It’s one of the best you can get today in the graphic novel or comic book medium…You don’t even have to be a Conan the Barbarian fan or fantasy fan. It’s just a very good action-packed read.”

• Comic Culture: “Gil’s artwork in here is extraordinary. We’ve got epic battle scenes, more modern looks and creepy crawly dungeons happening here too…Jim Zub is doing an incredible job curating the entire line at this point. I’m loving this book.”

• Comic Patrol: “It reads really well and it’s a lot of fun…It’s a really entertaining read.”

• Comical Opinions: 10/10 “Razor-sharp dialogue, sprawling action, serpentine twists, art that brawls right off the page, and a clever structure that never drops a thread. If every sword-and-sorcery comic swung with this much confidence, the genre would be king of comics.”

• Cool Thunder: 9.5/10 “Jim Zub continues to craft a phenomenal tale with endless imagination, while Ivan Gil’s art and Jao Canola’s colors make every panel burst with life.”

• Dennis Turner: “If you’re a Conan fan I really think this is going to be a must…Get it on your pull list.”

• Eternal Crusader: “Gil’s art speaks for itself. The impressive splash page of the ancient battle between Serpent Men and humankind alone justifies his place in Titan Comics’ already remarkable roster of talented artists.”

• Goodreads: 10/10 “It isn’t just a simple retelling of Howard’s events…The three chosen tales make for a good intermingling adventure as they all lean into a pulpy detective’s tale, all with dark and menacing reveals.”

• League of Comic Geeks: 8/10 “Outstanding blend of three stories across time to create a mystery worth reading…I enjoyed it quite a bit.”

• Old Man Hyborian: “I’m enjoying this mini-series by Jim Zub and liking how he’s weaving all the characters together through a common theme. Interested to see where Zub takes it and how he wraps up the story.”

• Pop Culture Philosophers: “Jim Zub is able to take what we expect and want from a Conan book and give us exactly that, but also make it fresh and exciting…It works so well and the art is great.”

• Stygian Dogs: “Ivan Gil continues to shine. It’s as if he’s reaching directly into my imagination, plucking imagery at will, then manifesting and augmenting it for the larger audience. It’s just great, and Jao Canola’s colors nail the nuance of setting and mood. Jim Zub’s measured yet faithful approach to Robert E. Howard’s original works build towards a crescendo, hinting that issue three will finally pull back the mask to reveal his full creative vision for this event series. And personally, I can’t wait.”

• Sword and Sorcery Book Club: “Ivan Gil’s artwork shines and it’s really phenomenal. I really like how he represents all these stories that are so classic.”

• Two Guys and a Stack of Comics: “What I’m really impressed with Zub is how he’s putting these timelines together seamlessly throughout the story…There’s some really good action and art in this as well.”

Our extra-special 25th issue, a stand-alone King Conan story called “The Nomad” painted by Alex Horley, has finally been released. Let’s see what reviewers thought of this milestone:

• 9 Panel Grid: “What makes this issue really stand out in a big way is the painted artwork by Alex Horley. It is absolutely fantastic. Arguably the best artwork you’re going to see in any comic that you get from this week’s stack…Check out this issue. It was stunning.”

• Amazon: 10/10 “Alex Horley knocked it clean out of the park, and for the first time I believe the art outshined the great writing, and that’s saying something! The history, setting and characters are all on point, the kingdom of Aquilonia is displayed in the most beautiful and intriguing display I’ve ever seen.”

• Bizarre Brain Comics: “Very nicely done with some wonderful, wonderful artwork…They did a magnificent job.”

• Brother Lore: “If there is a single issue that deserves a deluxe edition being published in an oversized hard cover, it is this one…You have to buy this comic book for yourselves. You will 100% enjoy it. Whether you are a Conan the Barbarian fan or just a comic book fan, a fantasy fan, a sword and sorcery fan, just go get it!”

• Casually Comics: “This is very much a labor of love and it shows – The art is absolutely gorgeous. The kind that warrants just taking a moment. It’s the kind of thing you want to sit with…It’s a good issue for those who have been reading the run or one that people could jump into.”

• Comic Book Club: “It’s just a great milestone comic to jump into even if you haven’t been reading the comic before because this does stand alone…The art is really spectacular.”

• Comic Book Corner 2.0: “This book is just a visual masterpiece, absolutely beautiful. It is gorgeous in every stretch of the imagination.”

• Comic Book Resources: “a tremendously entertaining visual treat…this comic is a real gift for any comic book fan.”

• Comic Book University: “I’m loving what I’m reading in here…I think it’s a fantastic thing that we get to have comics like this coming out on a very consistent basis.”

• Comic Culture: “This was absolutely incredible…an interesting, action-packed story but also from a visual point of view. So many great things happening inside here. Just knocking it out of the park yet again.”

• Comic Patrol: “It’s just phenomenal!…What a blooming treat. I can’t get over how great this book is.”

• Comical Opinions: 10/10 “Alex Horley’s fully painted interiors are the star attraction. Total sensory overload in the best possible way. Every page bursts with color and energy, flipping between misty memory and present-day menace.”

• Conan Chronology: “a celebration of what keeps bringing us back to this Depression-era barbarian for a hundred years, and even of storytelling itself…If this were the last Conan issue from Jim Zub and Titan, it would be a fitting way to go out. But I’m so glad it’s not. Pick it up now!”

• Cool Thunder: 10/10 “an absolute masterclass in visual storytelling. Jim Zub delivers a phenomenal self-contained King Conan tale and it’s a total knockout! Every panel, oil-painted by Alex Horley, transforms the page into a living, breathing epic.”

• Eternal Crusader: “Each panel, every page is a unique love letter to Robert E. Howard, Conan, and the Hyborian Age…a triumphant comic book and a must-have for all Conan and comic-book fans.”

• Father and Son Comics: “It is absolutely gorgeous…I thought it was a really great twist and an iconic ending to the story.”

• Gaming Trend: 9.5/10 “this is a beautiful tribute to such a storied character. It feels as if Zub and Horley really put their all into this massive issue, and the result is nothing short of a testament worthy of Robert E. Howard’s legendary Barbarian.”

• Gary B the Casual Comic Guy: “Storytelling is an A++ and art A++. I am so thankful that this issue was not a letdown because I was looking forward to this for a while and it delivered. I thought it was absolutely one of the best issues in the series so far and I think it really adds quite a bit to the Conan lore.”

• Goodreads: 10/10 “Zub is doing Howard absolute justice with his writing, giving us ‘countless moons in ages untold’. May Conan’s story never be forgotten.”

• Hyborian Reviews: “Zub’s writing is on a high level here, but the art is just a feast for the eyes!…Conan the Barbarian #25 really hit the right spots at the right time!”

• Kabooooom: 10/10 “Horley is recognized as one of the best in the business for a reason and seeing him depict such scenes as Conan’s battles with Thak the man-ape or the frost giants would be well worth the price of admission by itself.”

• Kara Dennison: “This story is a worthy anniversary installment, paying tribute to Conan’s history with every new panel. If you’re new to the saga, it’s an eye-popping way to start; if you’re a long-time fan, you’ll be delighted at just how deep the references go.”

• League of Comic Geeks: 10/10 “Actually speechless. I don’t know how they do it but this series just keeps getting better and better. The whole issue, all the way to every last detail, was perfect.”

• Lord Samper’s Library: “A fascinating tale about the nature of immortality, accompanied by some stunning artwork from Alex Horley, befitting a milestone issue.”

• Mighty Thorngren: “This is the most fun I’ve had in just ages. My face hurts from smiling so much. This book was everything I wanted it to be…I drank in every single page with the beautiful artwork, but the writing was phenomenal too.”

• Nerd Initiative: 10/10 “Amazing stuff! Titan and Heroic Signatures just absolutely slaying the best with this awesome book, one of the best books on the shelf every single goddamn month…The interior art in this is breathtaking.”

• Old Man Hyborian: “A good, clever story by Jim Zub and stellar art by Alex Horely. An excellent start for year three at Titan Comics. This will be one for the ages.”

• Old Nerd Reviews NY: “Zub does a great balancing act of building on the Robert E. Howard stories but making them relevant to today and presenting them in a fun way that we haven’t seen before.”

• Overstreet Access: “Titan can now stand aside Marvel and Dark Horse as publishers of sustained, solid runs on Robert E. Howard’s best-known creation…It’s particularly cool to see Horley doing interiors on a full comic issue, and he doesn’t disappoint on a single page.”

• Pop Culture Philosophers: “Alex Horley, who does this beautiful wraparound painted cover, does fully painted interiors on this book and it is absolutely freaking gorgeous…This was a great love letter to Conan and everything that came before Jim Zub took over this book and everything that may potentially happen after.”

• Sanctuary of Comics: “A celebration of strength, legacy, and artistry. A piece that proves the Hyborian Age lives on, not only in nostalgia, but in the passion of its new creators. Alex Horley delivers a monumental visual experience while Jim Zub writes with a palpable reverence for the Cimmerian spirit.”

• Scifi Pulse: 9.5/10 “The artwork in this issue is magnificent…Every page is a visual feast, full of detail, drama, and the grandeur that fans expect from Conan.”

• Stars My Destination (Spanish): 9/10 “A story that celebrates the character’s entire history and the mythic quality Conan holds for generations of readers…The quality is off the charts; it’s evident on every page of this historic comic.”

• Stygian Dogs: “A standalone King Conan epic that’s got everything from heart pounding action to deep introspection…Zub’s tale explores the essence of what forms Conan’s immortality through the gift of tale and legend. Alex Horley’s art is flat out incredible. Every page is oil on canvas excellence that bursts with texture and intensity that elevates the dreamlike quality of the story’s more ethereal moments.”

• Sword and Sorcery Book Club: “It’s freaking phenomenal. I love this…Jim and Alex Horley knocked it out of the park.”

• Thinking Critical: “I love this one, it was great and a very gorgeous comic…It was a really good read. If you love Conan the Barbarian, you are definitely going to love this comic.”

• Two Guys and a Stack of Comics: “Without a doubt this took the cake for Best Comic of the Week, maybe a challenger for Best Single Issue of the Year…This is truly what an anniversary issue should be.”

• Void City Reviews: “I’m going to recommend this as a place to start if somehow you don’t start with issue one or the first trade…this is well done and I really enjoy King Conan.”

• Whole Lotta Comics: 9.9/10 “This book is absolutely insane. This book is beautiful…If you are a big Conan fan, you’ve read all the Robert E. Howard stuff, you read the Marvel comics, I can only imagine how much you love this book and love how it honored and paid respect to previous Conan stories.”

Conan: Scourge of the Serpent #1, our new sword & sorcery event mini-series, kicked off last week. What did critics think of this opening issue? Read on and find out-

• 9 Panel Grid: “I think this was a really good introductory issue for the event. I’m really curious to see how they’re going to build on it and I think this has the hallmarks to be even better than the Black Stone event.”

• Brother Lore: “…very well written, the pacing is just perfect, and the narrative and action are very nicely balanced…Just go and get it. It’s 100% worth it. You don’t even have to know anything about the characters. You don’t even have to have read the previous issues.”

• Comic Book University: “This blows my mind…This is some of the best writing, art, you name it. Color choices, everything. This is some of the best I’ve ever read and I’ve read a lot.”

• Comic Culture: “The interiors are just brilliant inside the book. The scenery, the character design, the outfits, the action alone. It definitely sucks you right in…I think they’re just tackling this perfectly on all fronts.”

• Comic Watch: 9.3/10 “Artist Ivan Gil knocks it out of the park with his work…a great start to this mini-series, and a great primer for those unfamiliar with Robert E. Howard’s creations. Whether you’re new to Conan or an old hand, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.”

• Comical Opinions: 9.5/10 “This issue grabs the reader by the throat and never loosens its grip…The absolute standout is the comic’s ability to juggle three timelines without a stumble, making the complex seem effortless. The pacing snaps and crackles, rendering each era distinct yet part of a devastating whole.”

• Cool Thunder: 8.5/10 “With Jim Zub’s commanding script, Ivan Gil’s dynamic art, and Jao Canola’s rich colors, this debut issue delivers both striking visuals and compelling momentum.”

• Doc Lail Talks Comics: A+ “This book absolutely knocks it out of the park, artwork-wise, story-wise, everything is just extremely strong…Three different eras and they all intersect beautifully. It’s majestic.”

• Evan the Architect: “This is setting up to be another fun epic mini-series. Fantastic art by Ivan Gil. I highly recommend checking it out.”

• Gaming Trend: 9/10 “The story is compelling, with equal parts action, mystery, and supernatural to entice readers new and old…this is a solid first issue in what I believe will be an exciting new chapter for Robert E. Howard’s timeless characters.”

• Gary B the Casual Comic Guy: “A really great setup, a cool cliffhanger…I think Jim Zub really knocked it out of the park in this first issue. Ivan Gil and the whole team just did a fantastic job.”

• Goodreads: 10/10 “This is good; nay, it’s great!…The hits keep coming, and I will keep feasting. Serving up ancient magic, adventure and danger on a silver platter brings me back to my youngest years”

• League of Comic Geeks: “A beautiful book…It’s been a wonderful journey so far and one of the highlights of my year.”

• Lord Samper’s Library: “Zub handles both sets of narrative strands with his usual aplomb and Gil’s artwork complements the plot perfectly.”

• Mighty Thorngren: “Zub’s got such a great voice for this universe. Fantastic art, wonderful pacing, good
story…This was a fantastic issue. I had a blast with it.”

• Nerd Initiative: “Top tier, god-tier stuff for writing, with an incredible series of artists and Ivan Gil jumps right in with mind-blowing art on this book. This was fantastic and I cannot wait to see where it ends up…And no need to worry if you’ve read two years of Conan books to catch up. You can jump right in.”

• Old Man Hyborian: “Zub expertly weaves Howard’s characters together and the art by Ivan Gil is very well done. An excellent issue for introducing Robert E. Howard’s characters to the masses.”

• Old Nerd Reviews NY: “The art is brilliant, the writing is intriguing, and it is a good size book so you’re getting your money’s worth.”

• Pop Culture Philosophers: “The artwork is amazing. Super solid, stellar work from all parties involved…Conan the Barbarian has cemented itself as one of the best, if not the best, fantasy comics on shelves today and Scourge of the Serpent just shows us why.”

• Stygian Dogs: “Jim Zub, while successfully wielding his own creative sorcery, harnesses Howard’s original prose in what feels like an ambitious love letter to the author’s legacy, and it’s a visually stunning one. Ivan Gil’s pages are densely detailed.”

• Superhero Hype: 9/10 “-a showcase of everything that made Howard’s writing stand the test of time. The action sequences are undeniably intense and well-illustrated by Gil. This series should unquestionably be read by every fan of weird horror, sword-and-sorcery, and quality comics.”

• Thinking Critical: “It’s a fun set-up, meeting these different characters and I want to see how they’re going to be brought together and what will happen when they are. Beautiful art as well…Really damn good.”

• Two Guys and a Stack of Comics: “There’s a lot of intrigue, a lot of action, and I think overall this entire plot that’s been put together over the last six months is the best Conan has ever been in terms of plot…I think this event will absolutely deliver.”

• Void City Reviews: “This isn’t wholly on its own, but I think it can be read that way it’s just you’ll get more out of it if you have read the rest of the Conan series…It works really well and it’s gorgeous to look at.”

Conan the Barbarian #24, the intense snake-sent climax to our Nest of Serpents arc, arrived in stores this week. What did critics think of it? Let’s see-

• 9 Panel Grid: “Top Comic of the Week…Dagnino does an absolutely stunning job. Each scene is just staged perfectly. This is a big action-packed storyline and it just delivers every single time. There are jump scares, there’s moments of brutality, there’s moments of kineticism and action, and he gets to deliver on all of them.”

• Comic Book Corner 2.0: “This book just does not disappoint, right?…Top pick for me, A+. Conan is an awesome, awesome comic book.”

• Comic Book University: “Consistently excellent…This is a story arc you’re not going to want to miss. This is a finale you’re not going to want to skip.”

• Comic Culture: “It’s a really compelling story overall and I love how it’s branching over to Savage Sword as well. There’s just a great vibe with the story in general…I’m really interested to see where this whole Serpent arc is going.”

• Comical Opinions: 9.5/10 “This issue proves that even after all these years, Conan’s ‘gigantic melancholies and gigantic mirth’ are just what sword-and-sorcery fans deserve. Next time someone asks for epic fantasy, hand them this comic.”

• Cool Thunder: 10/10 “The combination of storytelling, artwork, lettering, and overall production makes this series shine like one of the gleaming cities of the Hyborian Age. This issue proves once again that Conan the Barbarian is modern sword and sorcery at its finest.”

• Eternal Crusader: “I was pleasantly surprised by Zub cleaning up some loose plot threads that made me question the narrative’s coherence in my last review. But the revelations presented here do make sense, hark back to #20, and bring new tensions into Zula’s and Conan’s already tense comradeship.”

• Evan the Architect: “I can’t wait to see where Jim Zub takes all this because I’m really enjoying it. Of course, fantastic artwork by Dagnino…I come on here every month and I can’t recommend this book enough.”

• Gaming Trend: 9/10 “With plenty of action and no shortage of high stakes, Conan the Barbarian #24 is a fun rollercoaster ride carrying us at a breakneck pace towards a heavy conclusion that carries a promise of something more ahead.”

• Goodreads: 10/10 “The art speaks for itself, but between that and the writing, the Hyborian Age is brought fully to life as always, and the last page in this episode has left me more excited than I thought I was capable of.”

• Grimdark Magazine: “Jim Zub has managed to pack quite a bit of story into a single issue, and his narration work is appropriately breathless…a strong conclusion to one of the best storylines in Titan Comics’ two-year run.”

• League of Comic Geeks: 10/10 “Man, just banger after banger with this book!…The story had an incredibly heartbreaking moment that I didn’t see coming. The art continues to excel in action and drama. Must read!”

• Lord Samper’s Library: “This story has it all and signs off in style with man-serpents, a burning city and promises of revenge all round…Conan The Barbarian continues to go from strength to strength, long may it continue.”

• Major Spoilers: 9/10 “I love that Jim Zub is able to craft a story you can step into and understand right away what’s going on and I think Fernando might be my one of my new favorite artists…If you are even slightly interested in Conan, what Titan Comics is doing with the series is really cool.”

• Mighty Thorngren: “This issue is just a pleasure to look at. Really cool creatures. Great fights and the pacing is wonderful.”

• Nerd Initiative: 10/10 “For two years now, 24 issues, this series can stand alongside classic Conan stories. Jim Zub is knocking it out of the park on this book. It is great stuff, and the art from Fernando Dagnino is amazing.”

• Old Man Hyborian: “Overall, issue 24 was well done…Zub’s still cranking out good stories and the artwork is really solid.”

• Pop Culture Philosophers: “It’s old school mixed with new school and it works so well. This is the best modern Conan book I’ve ever read…This is the s**t and if you’re not reading Conan the Barbarian, you’re not reading one of the best comics on shelves every single month!”

• Stygian Dogs: “From the eerie subterranean nest to Conan’s harrowing loss. Man, I just love this arc. It was great…Issue number 24 delivers a rousing finale, both the peak of the series’ second year and a fitting sword and sorcery capstone to two stellar years of Conan comics.”

• Sword & Sorcery Book Club: “We’re back at the best position that Jim usually has. He has a great artist with him to support his endeavors and ready to jump into the Scourge of the Serpent…Very, very good stuff. I can’t wait to read more.”

• Thinking Critical: “Pick of the Week…The final battle in this issue – the setup, holy crap, it is creepy. It is so well illustrated. And the ending to this issue, it is straight up heartbreaking. I completely loved it.”

• Two Guys and A Stack of Comics: “This is a classic in the making and people are going to love it. If you love comic books, this is one to pick up. I thought this was the best issue of the series so far.”

• Void City Reviews: “The art’s incredible. The writing is phenomenal. I loved every second of this…This is what I want from Conan on a month in, month out basis.”

SAVAGE SWORD OF CONAN #10, a roaring anthology issue with three stories all written by me, arrived in stores as a lead in to our Scourge of the Serpent event. What did critics think of it?

• 9 Panel Grid: “Braithwaite’s unpolished original pencils, inks and ink washes are on full display, considering this is Savage Sword and it’s a magazine format book, and they look awesome…I have to say, seeing it here and seeing what we’ve had in Conan the Barbarian, I like both experiences but this was something outside the norm and really made me appreciate it. “

• Brother Lore: “Jim Zub is really replicating the style and writing of Robert E. Howard very well. Much better than many other authors throughout the years who have tried to write Conan stories either in comic book or prose form….This is an absolutely great read.”

• Comic Culture: 10/10 “Artistically, this book is awesome. There are so many cool things happening in here. Every artist is just spectacular. The black and white art, the newspaper quality, the magazine size is incredible…Conan is absolutely killing it for the past like couple years now. I would say one of the most consistent exciting books that’s on the shelf right now.”

• Comical Opinions: 10/10 “a mesmerizing accomplishment in Robert E. Howard reverence and a demonstration of joy for the pulp era of storytelling. Every short is a winner, from the writing to the art, that showcases why those who follow Howard’s example will reap the rewards.”

• Eternal Crusader: “A slam-bang dose of serpentine goodness. Usually, I have a clear favorite artist for a given issue, but this time it’s a three-way tie. The whole creative team delivered their A-game, resulting in an almost cocky showcase of their talents.”

• Evan the Architect: “It looks fantastic and it’s a fun read. If you haven’t been picking up Savage Sword of Conan, I highly recommend it.”

• Gaming Trend: 8.5/10 “Whether you’re a fan of Jim Zub’s ongoing works with Conan the Barbarian and other Robert E Howard stories or simply a fan of action-packed stories of good versus evil, there’s sure to be something you’ll enjoy in this book.”

• Goodreads: “It is indeed good to see a humorous tale with Steve Costigan, with De La Torre’s art giving it that pulpy action that works well.”

• Mighty Thorngren: “This was a great book. I had a real good time reading through this. The main Conan story was fantastic…I’m having a blast with this series. I hope it never stops.”

• Nerd Initiative: 10/10 “These are great books. This reads just like the Savage Sword from back in the day. I feel like I’m 10 years old again…These comics are absolutely fantastic.”

• Pop Culture Philosophers: “I loved it. I thought it was great. This was a super solid issue of Savage Sword of Conan. And guess what? It gets the smell of the week cause it smells like nostalgia, freshness, and badasserie.”

• Stygian Dogs: “I’ve got to say, all in all, this issue made me happy…We get a full Conan feature from a most-deserving Doug Braithwaite in a story with satisfying connections to the recent issues of the monthly series and enough mystery to carry us into the Scourge of the Serpent event series.”

• Sword & Sorcery Book Club: 9/10 “I think Jim did a great job with all these stories. I think all of the artists did great as well…I think my favorite story here was the Sailor Steve Costigan story.”

• Two Guys and a Stack of Comics: “Book of the Week…it’s such a joy to read a book that has things plotted out, has the events that matter, and has building blocks in there. It really seems like Conan is playing chess when everyone else is playing checkers…The art is top notch. The storytelling is top notch.”

The second part of our Nest of Serpents story arc arrived in comic shops – What did the critics think?

• Comic Book Corner 2.0: “The artwork is so gorgeous. It’s gory and action-packed…This book is one of those next level books, guys. So freaking good. A+ Top pick. Probably my favorite read of the week.”

• Comic Book University: “This is some of the best in comics you’re gonna get…I’m so thankful I get to live in this time where I get to experience some of the best Conan comics I’ve ever read.”

• Comic Crusader: “Undisputed pick of the week…If you’re looking for a comic that delivers on all fronts – action, art, and character depth, you absolutely have to pick this one up.”

• Comic Patrol: “It’s gorgeous, glorious, retro and modern at the same time. It’s just so exciting with great storytelling…It does not get better than this.”

• Comical Opinions: 9.5/10 “Fernando Dagnino’s art, coupled with Rodriguez’s colors, is a visceral gut punch of Bronze Age style and pulpy power. The action sequences in the arena are dynamic and impactful, conveying every bone-jarring blow and desperate struggle…If you’re looking for a comic that embodies raw power and compelling storytelling, look no further. This issue is a beast, and you’ll love every savage panel.”

• Crushing Krisis: “You can make any tropey already done story interesting if you attack it this hard and Jim Zub attacks everything this hard. He was born to write this comic book. It is the best Conan I think has ever been since the Barry Windsor-Smith era at the beginning of the 1970s.”

• Dragon’s Cache: 9.6/10 “When the beautiful enchantress of Kheshatta makes Conan her champion, the Cimmerian helps her rise among the social elite. But while the crowd greets him each day with howls of lust and fury, Conan cannot protect his friends.”

• Eternal Crusader: “Dagnino truly pulls out all the stops here, providing a fitting visual frame for this bloody arena spectacle with his flashy and visceral artwork. His larger-than-life drawings are reminiscent of Buscema and Chan on steroids, mixed with a good dose of Alan Davis’ style, and all without ever feeling outdated. The vibrant yet earthy colors by Diego Rodriguez complement the artwork perfectly.”

• Eternal Crusader: “Dagnino truly pulls out all the stops here, providing a fitting visual frame for this bloody arena spectacle with his flashy and visceral artwork. His larger-than-life drawings are reminiscent of Buscema and Chan on steroids, mixed with a good dose of Alan Davis’ style, and all without ever feeling outdated. The vibrant yet earthy colors by Diego Rodriguez complement the artwork perfectly.”

• Evan the Architect: “Another fantastic issue. Conan is one of the books I look forward to most each month…Fernando Dagnino is doing a killer job.”

• Frank Zanca: “Top Pick of the Week…The artwork’s amazing and I can’t wait for this to keep going. This series hasn’t let me down yet.”

• Gaming Trend: 9/10 “There are no moments of dead space or filler meant only to drag out a story that could be told in a single issue over multiple just for the sake of sales. As a result, when it reaches its cliffhanger ending it feels earned…The story is exciting, the artwork is superb, and I can’t wait to see where it goes from here.”

• Geeky Ol Hog: “22 issues and there’s not a bad issue yet.”

• Goodreads: 10/10 “High adventure and political machinations pour forth in droves onto each and every beautifully illustrated page…This entire Titan run has clicked so well from day one that it’s almost like the planets themselves have aligned”

• Hyborian Book Review: “This kind of story is much in the style of the good ol’ classic Thomas stuff, just with modern art and storytelling…If you’ve been craving classic Hyborian Sword & Sorcery with a modern touch, then this will not disappoint!”

• League of Comic Geeks: 10/10 “Best issue of the whole series so far. Perfect pace and story from the writing. It feels like old-school Conan. The art flows so well with the writing too, especially the panels of battles in the arena.”

• Lord Samper’s Library: “A thoroughly absorbing read, with plenty to say and drawn beautifully. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing where this one goes next.”

• Mighty Thorngren: “This is what it’s all about for me. You know, some action, adventure, some crazy good carnage…I’m just having a blast with this and that’s why I read comics is to have a good time. So I’m never smiling more than when I’m reading a new issue of Conan.”

• Nerd Initiative: 10/10 “What more needs to be said about this book? It is one of the best books on the shelf every month!…Awesome story, awesome characters.”

• 9 Panel Grid: “Dagnino’s artwork here is absolutely awesome. He has cemented himself as my second favorite modern-day Conan artist within two issues. I feel like what he’s bringing to the page is really kinetic and action-packed in a way that is both reminiscent of classic Conan artists, but also true to something that is more modern and all to itself.”

• Pop Culture Philosophers: “This is so freaking good…Conan the Barbarian is one of the greatest comics out there today.”

• Professor Frenzy: “This is the Conan I remember from the 70s and 80s and I just love it.”

• Scifi Pulse: 9.5/10 “Fernando Dagnino and Diego Rodriguez bring some brilliant art to this book. The fight sequences in the gladiatorial arena are nothing short of spectacular, with dynamic action and brutal intensity.”

• Stygian Dogs: “With Zub’s razor-sharp writing, striking art by Fernando Dagnino, and moody, evocative colors from Diego Rodriguez, this mid-arc chapter delivers grit, grandeur, and the promise of vengeance to come.”

• Sword & Sorcery Book Club: 10/10 “A phenomenal book. This is probably the best book that Jim Zub and everyone at Titan has done in a while…It may be the best issue of the whole run so far.”

• Thinking Critical: “Pick of the Week…This was fun, action-packed, sexy, bloody. The new artist, Fernando, he’s doing a fantastic job.”

• Two Guys and Stack of Comics: “This was a fantastic issue from Jim Zub and Dagnino on art…Perfect score…From an art standpoint, from a storytelling standpoint, from a character standpoint, these are the best comic books you will read.”

• Void City Reviews: “This writing is phenomenal. It’s probably up there with the opening arc which I rave about and art is gorgeous. I want to see how this arc ends…Great issue.”

CONAN THE BARBARIAN #21, the start of our Nest of Serpents story arc, arrived in comic shops at last. What did critics think of our new story and new art team?

• Amazon: 10/10 “It’s rare these days when a publisher keeps a writer with a series for this long, and it’s giving Zub room to run…This is the best the Cimmerian has looked since Howard was putting pen to paper.”

• Brother Lore: “It absolutely has the vibes and atmosphere of stories written by Robert E. Howard and at the same time there were literary techniques that I appreciate as an Old English Literature major.”

• Comic Book Corner 2.0: “My gosh, this book is so well told! This is the way you have to write comics. I really love this one. It’s a top pick, A+ for me, and what happens at the end, you’ll have to read it for yourself!”

• Comic Crusader: “It’s clear from the first page that this issue is a powerful return to form for the series…I am a genuinely impressed with what Fernando Dagnino brings to the table…Highest of recommendations.”

• Comic Culture: “We’re being introduced to a lot of cool characters very quickly and they’re putting Conan in an unfamiliar position here which is with his back against the wall, no weapons, no resources…I’m really excited to have Conan back in my life right now and this was a great issue to jump back into.”

• Comic Patrol: “An incredibly beautiful book but not only that, it’s incredibly well written…This book is a piece of literature. Robert E. Howard would be so proud. This has got to be my favorite issue yet.”

• Cool Thunder: 10/10 “Jim Zub continues to crank out banger after banger, with each issue outdoing the last. Fernando Dagnino’s artwork is phenomenal, bringing every moment to life with gritty intensity…This issue is a must-read!”

• Crushing Krisis: “I can’t wait to see where this goes and this artist, I mean, we’ve had a bounty of amazing artists on this book but Fernando Dagnino, wow, wow, wow, WOW! Somebody who can really maintain the classic look and feel of Conan from the 70s and 80s while not making it feel dated. I’m totally blown away by his art.”

• Dragon’s Cache: 9.6/10 “Diego Rodriguez plays with light, contrasting nights around a glowing orange campfire with fights amid green and blue. Conan and the Bamulas rescue Livia beneath the full moon in a blue sky. The sun’s yellow rays burst behind Conan in the orange and blue morning sky.”

• Eternal Crusader: “This plot feels like a classic Conan adventure in Roy Thomas’s best style…This yarn offers readers a mysterious oasis city, sprawling tavern feasts, a nocturnal reconnaissance mission, a gruesome secret, action galore, a new villainess, and our hero at one of his lowest points at the story’s climax.”

• Evan the Architect: “Fernando Dagnino does a fantastic job…A really exciting start to a new storyline. I love this title.”

• Gary B the Casual Comic Guy: “This artist, who is new with this issue, just did a spectacular job! The backgrounds are great, the art is fantastic, the expressions are great, it’s ominous, moody, and threatening. It puts you in the tale with Conan…This is an A+ read all around.”

• Goodreads: 10/10 “Really clicked with the art on this one from Dagnino. The writing was superb as always, and the story had all the trappings of a great Conan classic…I think my sword and sorcery fever is growing and the only prescription is more Conan!”

• Grimdark Magazine: “Masterfully handled, Zub!…Dagnino’s depiction most reminds me of Ernie Chan’s. He captures the brawn and ferocity of Chan’s classic representation while avoiding slavish imitation. His costume work in this issue is also worthy of note; newly introduced Stygian sorceress character Athyr-Bast is particularly impressively outfitted.”

• Kabooooom!: 10/10“Fernando Dagnino has begun to establish himself as one of the great Conan artists of the modern era. His figures are detailed without being cluttered and his character designs memorable and unique…If you’ve not read any of the current wave of Conan the Barbarian, this is a fine place to start.”

• League of Comic Geeks: 10/10 “This Titan run has easily been in my top 5 comics since it’s come out. They truly got the sword and sorcery vibe down to a tee. I strongly recommend people on the fence to dive in on this run with this being a great starting point!”

• Lord Samper: “I might have found a new favourite Conan artist with Dagnino really capturing the essence of Conan as a lone wolf prowling the edges of civilization, especially as he moves through the village under cover of darkness.”

• Mighty Thorngren: “I’m really excited. This was a real fun issue. The artwork was fantastic. The writing was good…I’ve been sitting on issue 22 waiting to read it because I had to read 21 first and it did not disappoint.”

• Nerd Intitiative: 10/10 “One of the best comics coming out every month when it drops…I can’t recommend it enough.”

• 9 Panel Grid: “Fernando as the artist here really Wowed me. I was so pleasantly surprised by seeing a new artist on this book…This is about to jumpstart into something awesome.”

• Pop Culture Philosophers: “The art is absolutely amazing. it’s got me plugged right back into the world of Conan the Barbarian…This totally sets up what’s to come and me personally, I’m rather excited.”

• Professor Frenzy: “I am absolutely loving this Conan title, in particular Jim Zub is killing it…I can’t wait to see where this one goes.”

• Script Heroes: “This is a gorgeous book. Fernando, holy ****, it’s exactly the kind of what I’m picturing when I think of Conan art…I really enjoyed this issue. I thought this was really entertaining.”

• Stygian Dogs: “Ferocious Fernando Dagnino’s Conan is forged from the same mighty thews and sinew that defined Buscema and De La Torre’s take on the character, yet it is Dagnino’s own Cimmerian…This fresh chapter is the ideal place for new readers to jump on board and those that might have stepped away from the series in recent months will definitely want to pick this one up.”

• Sword & Sorcery Book Club: 9.5/10 “This is a great issue. I loved it! I thought the art was phenomenal, the storytelling was great.”

• Thinking Critical: “I really feel like they’re on a big upswing now with this new artist, Fernando Dagnino…it really gives me the good artistic vibes I want out of a Conan book and this is a fun read. Once again, a strong recommend.”

• Two Guys and a Stack of Comics: “You look at Conan and how much the seeds of this arc have been planted in previous issues and all the building they’re doing, it just shows how much getting the right creatives on a book really works. It’s enthralling, really interesting writing, there’s great themes, and great characterization. I cannot recommend this one highly enough.”

• We Have Issues: “I thought this was a good issue and it’s definitely leading to something very interesting.”

A week ago, our latest CONAN THE BARBARIAN Free Comic Book Day issue arrived in stores, a prelude to epic adventures coming later this year. Want to read it? The story is available as a free download at the Titan Comics website.

What did critics think of it? Let’s find out-

• Amazon: 10/10 “Another masterpiece by Jim Zub, and new Conan artist Ivan Gill! It’s a rare thing when you can get great story and art in a comic these days, and with Conan, it’s always worth every penny, but this is free!! If you’re not reading Conan, this is a great jumping on point!”

• Comic Book Report: “The art in this book is, as always, fantastic for a Conan book. If you like the dark, action-heavy fantasy sword and sorcery genre there’s maybe no better example than Conan the Barbarian.”

• Comic Tropes: “You feel like you’re getting a full comic with this one. The art is great. The story and writing is really captivating.”

• Eternal Crusader: “Ivan Gil has managed to pack each panel with a wealth of details for the reader’s eye to explore…Jim Zub made sure that this Conan is noticeably more outspoken impulsive and impatient than the later mercenary leader or king who makes wise decisions and has more insight into people and their motivations, and yet Zub managed to weave Robert E. Howard’s views on barbarism and civilization skillfully into the story.”

• Gaming Trend: 9/10 “-an exciting setup for the next tale in the Barbarian’s legend. It’s a story that existing fans of Conan will be sure to enjoy, and is a perfect place for those who haven’t yet delved into the world to jump in.”

• Gary B The Casual Comic Guy: “I thought this was a great setup and really enjoyed it. The dialogue was great, the art really depicted the Hyborean Age well, and I just love his background work. This is a new artist to me and I thought, seeing the amount of detail that’s in the background especially, when paired with the coloring – it’s amazing. I give this teaser an A+!”

• Good Reads: 10/10 “Ivan Gil’s art is certainly partnering well with Zub’s writing, both giving us a story to engage in. Probably another hit single from Zub’s discography of Sword & Sorcery rock-n-roll.”

• Grimdark Magazine: “Artist Ivan Gil is a newcomer to Conan the Barbarian, but I look forward to seeing more Conan material by him. His character work in this issue is superb. His Conan is brawny, but he captures the panther-like agility that so many other artists regrettably deemphasize. “

• League of Comic Geeks: 10/10 “This was incredible. This is a full issue of a great story and I can’t believe Titan is giving it away for free. Outstanding story involving the Cult of Set that does tie-in to the mainline series but reading that isn’t required at all. Highly recommend this as a jumping on book for the Conan curious.”

• Mighty Thorngren: “A lot of action, some really good humor and building up the story, and I was just really impressed with the artwork, especially the coloring. They compliment eachother so well.”

• Stygian Dogs: “Ivan Gil’s artwork here is just wonderful. I was blown away and it works so well with Joao Canola’s colors…I can’t believe we got all this for free!”

• Sword & Sorcery Book Club: “I actually enjoyed myself a lot…There was something really amazing about the artwork here and Jao Canola’s coloring really elevated this a lot.”

• Taylor Talks Comics: “I love this artwork by Ivan Gil…and it sold me and I want to check out more.”

• Two Guys and a Stack of Comics: “Third year in a row, they have knocked it out of the park on Free Comic Book Day…They treat it like a full issue, with extras in the back and previews. All kinds of great stuff in this fantastic story.”

Conan the Barbarian #20 is the final part of arc 5, Twisting Loyalties, filled to the brim with action and intrigue. What did critics think of it?

• Comic Book Corner 2.0: Grade A “This book is really good…I love the action, I love the fighting, and I love how it’s just barbaric!”

• Comical Opinions: 10/10 “Jim Zub’s voice for Conan and reverence for Robert E. Howard style are in top form and Doug Braithwaite’s art is fantastic and maybe even better than we’ve seen before.”

• Cool Thunder: 10/10 “Jim Zub continues to prove he was born to write Conan. His work here stands among the best the franchise has ever seen—layered, character-driven, and true to the spirit of the Hyborian Age. Paired with Doug Braithwaite’s stunning artwork, which is nothing short of breathtaking, this issue is nearly impossible to put down. Every panel feels alive with grit, motion, and emotion.”

• DC Patrol: “Well written, beautifully executed. I love every page of this…I’m gushing.”

• Dragon’s Cache: 9.4/10 “Doug Braithwaite packs Conan The Barbarian #20 with furious action. Like fast cuts in a movie, the panels lead the eye from one camera view to another…Diego Rodriguez wields a series of limited color palettes in fight sequences.”

• Eternal Crusader: “I consider Doug Braithwaite’s work on this issue his strongest so far. He started at a very high level, but he has since refined his craft further. I was pleased to see him incorporate more shadows into his panels, adding depth and making the characters appear more three-dimensional. The issue is packed with intricate details, lavish panels, and dynamic action sequences.”

• Evan the Architect: “Another fantastic issue on this title…Jim Zub has made me a die hard fan of Conan and his world.”

• Goodreads: 10/10 “Stellar and impactful art from Braithwaite, always captures the fury of battle and calm dramatic moments…It’s endearing, and in good hands.”

• Grimdark Magazine: “Artist Doug Braithwaite continues to shine…these two issues benefit from having the right artist paired with the right material to showcase his strengths. A fun story well told.”

• League of Comic Geeks: 10/10 “This issue is a masterclass in sword-and-sorcery storytelling. If you’re not reading Conan the Barbarian right now, you’re missing one of the genre’s finest modern runs.”

• Mighty Thorngren: “So much in this book was entertaining and made me happy…I had a good time reading this and look forward to the next issue, which can’t come soon enough.”

• Nerd Initiative: 10/10 “The best compliment I can give it is that it feels exactly like old school Conan comics you were buying off the spinner rack…Fantastic art, cool story, get it!”

• Professor Frenzy: “This has been an awesome book, an awesome run and, as long as it keeps doing this, I am absolutely in.”

• Sci-Fi Pulse: 9.7/10 “Jim Zub continues to captivate me with his stories of Conan the Barbarian and his many adventures. The comic stays true to the novels I remember reading in the 1980s”

• Stygian Dogs: “Conan the Barbarian #20 is a thunderous, sword-swinging spectacle with deep time-spanning lore that will be appreciated by fans of Robert E. Howard’s characters in comic book form.”

• Sword & Sorcery Book Club: “Doug Braithwaite did a good job with the artwork here, Rodriguez’s colors were pretty stunning this time, and I enjoyed the story a lot. I thought the twist with the Zula character were pretty nice, I enjoyed the exorcism aspect, I enjoyed the fact that they battled the spirit and I like where the story is going.”

• Thinking Critical: “Pick of the Week…I love it, it’s absolutely gorgeous and well told, and this is probably the best illustrated issue of Conan by Doug Braithwaite. He’s already a great artist, but I think his art in Conan is getting stronger.”

• Two Guys and a Stack of Comics: “No matter what’s happening there’s such good action, such great art on each page from Doug Braithwaite in this comic book and it fully embraces who Conan is.”