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!”

• SciFi Pulse: 9.6/10 “Fernando Dagnino and Diego Rodríguez do a brilliant job throughout this issue…The scale, atmosphere, and sense of dread are all perfectly pitched.”

• 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.”

• Whole Lotta Comics: “This one stuck with me, I’m not gonna lie…This was an insane issue, by far my favorite in this arc.”

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.”

After our first skip month since the new series launch, we’re back with Conan the Barbarian #18!
What did the critics think of the second half of our ‘Fangs and Foolish Thieves’ 2-part story?

• 9 Panel Grid: “This issue was awesome…It still delivers on the classic Conan tales and the feel you want for this book.”

• Amazon: 10/10 “The characters, dialogue, narration are all exactly as they should be, and I still find myself pleasantly surprised every time that it feels right. I should have learned by now.”

• Comical Opinions: 7.8/10 “…brings the two-parter to a close with bloody fights, magic, monsters, and more. Jim Zub nails the chemistry between Conan and Bêlit, demonstrating exactly why she is Conan’s greatest love”

• Cool Thunder: 8.5/10 “Conan and Bêlit’s adventures continues to be a fun and engaging ride, capturing the essence of their fiery romance and relentless battles.”

• Crushing Krisis: “I think Jim Zub is writing Conan for the ages…The captions and the prose is so strong.”

• Cupcake Comic Reviews: “If there’s a book that can make me buy it for issue 18 or issue 20, that means it’s really good…Conan is what Conan does and that is brutal savagery.”

• DC Patrol: “I urge you to go out and read Conan the Barbarian by Jim Zub and company because these are always entertaining, always fun. You get your money’s worth and that’s important, especially these days.”

• Dragon’s Cache: 9.8/10 “If the life of a thief precludes loyalty, the antique business proves equally devoid of morality. When Conan and Bêlit embark on a mission without knowing their accomplice, they get more than they bargained for”

• Eternal Crusader: “…whether it’s the vibrant bazaars of Kyros, nocturnal estates, secret libraries, or bustling harbor facilities, Brine fills each panel with an abundance of detail, exoticism, and ornamental elements that bring the setting vividly to life for readers.”

• Evan the Architect: “Another solid issue…Conan’s a great book and I recommend everybody check it out.”

• GrimDark Magazine: “Conan the Barbarian #18 caps off a whirlwind caper. The shorter storyline and fresh artwork show that Jim Zub is still willing to experiment with the Titan Comics series, even as the title sprints towards its second anniversary.”

• League of Comic Geeks: 8/10 “A great story of treachery, double-crossing, and a harrowing escape. Whenever the Cult of Set is involved, you know Conan is going to see some action this did not fail to deliver.”

• Lord Samper: “This issue does exactly what it’s meant to, and does it well…All in all, a very entertaining read”

• Mark On Comics: “Jim Zub has just been killing it the entire series. We’re a year and a half in and everything is just going great!”

• Mighty Thorngren: “Plnety of action in this issue that made me happy and I had fun reading it. This is a fun story and I like how it ended too.”

• Nerd Initiative: 9/10 “Amazing stuff!…It feels exactly like the Conan books I was buying off the spinner rack as a young kid. What more needs to be said!”

• Old Nerd Reviews WY: “A really good issue with lots of action…Ever since Titan has gotten the Conan property it has been non-stop banger after banger.”

• Pop Culture Philosophers: “I loved it. It’s another solid issue of a side story that’s setting up stuff for the future of this run.”

• Sci-Fi Pulse: 9.6/10 “It’s great to finally learn more about Bêlit and her relationship with Conan…This issue, and to some extent the one before it, gives us a better understanding of why Conan would be drawn to her. Bêlit is every bit as cunning and dangerous as he is, and she wastes no time settling her scores.”

• Stygian Dogs: “Brine’s detailed backgrounds once again stand out and I found her character work more cohesive this time…Jim Zub bookends his Issue #18 with something pretty exciting, transforming what might be a pretty straight-forward ‘heist gone wrong story’ into the raison d’etre for the two-issue arc.”

• Sword & Sorcery Book Club: “Overall, this issue was great. I really had a lot of fun with it. I enjoyed the action-packed storytelling. I like the artwork and I like the coloring.”

Conan: Battle of the Black Stone concludes with intense combat, unexpected turns, and a killer final page reveal! What did critics think of our big finish? Let’s find out (but watch out for SPOILERS if you haven’t read the issue yet) –

• 9 Panel Grid: “I had a lot of fun with this series. This was really quick, really exciting, really action-packed, and I think the star of this has been Jonas Scharf and the colorist…It kicked the doors wide open for Conan to explore the cosmic horror side of his universe.”

• Comic Book Dispatch: 9.8/10 “Jão Canola’s otherworldly fire burns yellow and green, threatening to consume John Kirowan, Soloman Kane, and Brissa like Human torches. The fire tinges the forest orange and fills the background with darkness…When the Black Stone’s power proves too powerful for stalwart warriors to combat, a scholar’s thirst for knowledge and a writer’s imagination prove pivotal in defeating a mind-consuming power.”

• Comic Culture: “I loved it. It was handled so well…So many characters in the group had their moments, which I thought was really good…Well worth it if you’re not already checking it out.”

• Comical Opinions: 10/10 “It’s one thing to start a mini-series on a decent note and finish strong, but it’s another to start strong and end on a phenomenal note….Jim Zub imagines a battle for the ages that requires our heroes to fight, sacrifice, and die to save the world, and Jonas Scharf’s artwork is pulp magnificence.”

• Cool Thunder: 9.8/10 “The conclusion to the Battle of Black Stone is nothing short of spectacular, delivering a thrilling, action-packed narrative that seamlessly weaves together the interconnected stories of its characters.”

• DC Patrol: “This is amazing – they nailed it! Four issues and look at the story that’s told…I adored every moment of it.”

• Doc Lail Talks Comics: “If you’ve liked Jim Zub’s run on the main Conan title you’re going to love this four issue mini-series. It’s going to scratch all of the itch for all the different characters in The Howardverse.”

• Evan the Architect: “This was awesome. I really enjoyed this whole mini-series, so I highly recommend it…The way this ends is kind of perfect in tying up this story but also launching into something that’s even more dangerous and more scary for the future.”

• Good Reads: 5/5 “There is nothing but pure payoff here from page one. If you find yourself disappointed by other series having poor or unsatisfying conclusions, look no further than Conan mainline or Black Stone.”

• IPauleyxx: “…a love letter to fans of the Barbarian, offering something for newcomers and seasoned readers alike. Its perfect blend of legacy, innovation, and thrilling surprises makes it a must-read for anyone who relishes high-adventure comics.”

• League of the Comic Geeks: “Howard’s heroes bounce off of eachother surprisingly well and Scharf gives the book some incredible action.”

• Mighty Thorngren: “I had such a blast with this book. It was so cool. I have throughly enjoyed this series and I hope that we see the further adventures of all the characters in these books…This kicked as, all four of them together were wonderful and this was a great finale.”

• Pop Culture Philosophers: “This book sets up another big Howard verse thing to come and I am all here for it. I think Jim Zub’s been doing a fantastic job with Conan books.”

• Quest Wise: “It is brilliantly told. It is wonderfully written. I truly believe that if Robert Howard were alive today, he would be proud of Battle of the Black Stone…The writing in this is amazing. The artwork is beautiful. It just flows very well. There are ups and downs and ‘Oh My God’ moments, all in four issues.”

• Stygian Dogs: “Fantastic stuff!…The awesome action and cosmic horror aside, the success of Jim Zub and Jonas Scharf’s event series has been the creative integration of Howard’s pantheon of characters into an exciting experiment of enrichment.”

• Super Hero Hype: “The Battle of the Black Stone comic was an event undreamed of…However, the comic still managed one last surprise for readers in the final chapter with the reveal of the series’ ultimate villain.”

• Sword & Sorcery Book Club: “This is a great issue. I really, really enjoyed it…I think that the series was very good and definitely better than the last time Jim did a Howard-verse crossover.”

• Thinking Critical: “This was a lot of fun. Action-packed, character building…If you’re not reading Conan and everything from Titan Comics, hop on the train, you will not be disappointed. These are truly great legacy characters.”

Conan: Battle of the Black Stone #3 arrived in stores this week. What did critics think of our penultimate issue? Let’s find out-

• 9 Panel Grid: “It’s really cool. I really like what Jim Zub is doing here…It’s a worthwhile trip to be taking and a really fun book.”

• Big Comic Page: “Somehow managing to make all of Robert E. Howard’s creations sound spookily convincing, as if their dialogue was actually penned by the father of the sword and sorcery subgenre himself.”

• Comic Culture: “I love the pacing in this series. We have a lot of characters, we have very high stakes, and things just keep getting more stressful because the ranks get smaller and smaller…It’s everything you can want and more!”

• Comical Opinions: 8.8/10 “A super solid issue that starts at a leisurely pace, but picks up steam for a hammer-blow of an ending…Jonas Scharf brings the heat in an issue filled with lush jungle landscapes, striking figure work, fantastic use of dramatic shadows to present an air of dread in broad daylight, and gritty action.”

• Cool Thunder: 9.4/10 “The art by Jonas Scharf is nothing short of mesmerizing. Scharf’s detailed, atmospheric visuals perfectly capture the dark, tense atmosphere of the story, with each panel drawing you deeper into the narrative. His depiction of the black stone beast, lurking in the shadows and picking off Conan’s companions, is particularly haunting, making the stakes feel more visceral.”

• DC Patrol: “This comic is phenomenal. I really love the colors and the art style…This is is probably the best one yet.”

• Good Reads: 5/5 “Epic, jam-packed with action and swirling with weird mystery…Battle of the Black Stone is really building up steam. The fire is stoked and ready to burst in a fireball of kaleidoscopic miasma.”

• Mighty Thorngren: “This is such a good story – well written, beautifully illustrated, tons of action but still giving us moments of character build up and emotional drama and pathos. It’s wonderful!”

• Pop Culture Philosophers: “I was really surprised at how quick everything was moving in issue two and even more surprised how quick everything is moving in issue three! I’m just going to tell you this – ‘No One Is Safe’…Really cool stuff.”

• Stygian Dogs: “Jim Zub, Jonas Scharf, and Jao Canola continue to reward readers with something distinct from the monthly series, marked by its own unique style and panel flow. It’s not a Conan comic, it’s a Howard comic and that’s a great thing for fans and the author’s legacy.”

• Sword & Sorcery Book Club: “This issue is great…I think the writing is great, and Jonas Scharf’s artwork is awesome and Jao Canola does a really great job here.”

• Thinking Critical: “I highly recommend this one. It’s a fun read.”