Zub Tales

CONAN THE BARBARIAN #32 arrived in stores last week, a done-in-one sword & sorcery story called “A Sacred Task”, built in the style of the original Robert E. Howard Conan stories from Weird Tales magazine. What did the critics think? Let’s find out-

• 9 Panel Grid: “Really cool, really great artwork here…You think it’s just action, but no, there’s always Lovecraft and horror aspects that get interwoven into the mysteries of this book. And that’s what this issue does in a really perfect way.”

• Comic Book Addicts: 8.8/10 “A haunting, brutal, and beautifully illustrated Conan issue that gives nostalgic fans classic sword-and-sorcery power while giving new readers an accessible road into the Cimmerian’s world.”

• Comic Book Clique: 9.5/10 “Zub is the master of the Howardian tale—his narration and dialogue are sparse and to the point, never using more or fancier words than necessary, much like Conan himself….The artwork by Braithwaite is always as sharp and true as Conan’s blade, and this issue is no exception. “

• Comic Culture: “I am absolutely blown away by whatever this creative team is able to do with this character. It’s something new and fresh and unique every single time…As always, the interior artwork is absolutely incredible. The coloring is fantastic as well.”

• Comic Patrol: “As a one-shot, this was absolutely fantastic. You don’t need any other issues, you can just pick this up and go for it. Gorgeous art and incredible storytelling…It’s the best book on the shelves.”

• Cool Thunder: 9/10 “Simply put, this is exactly what you want from a sword-and-sorcery comic. Doug Braithwaite’s artwork and Diego Rodriguez’s colors have not missed a beat throughout this entire run…If you’ve been sleeping on this series, this issue is the perfect jumping-on point.”

• Cupcakes Comic Reviews: “[Conan] has been crushing it, probably the best sword and sorcery ongoing book on the stands. It’s on issue 32 and it’s been amazing the whole time.”

• Eternal Crusader: “Doug Braithwaite’s artwork is, unsurprisingly, another visual feast. His intricate linework, rich detail, and expressive faces elevate every page…Diego Rodriguez’s colors beautifully complement Braithwaite’s pencils, while Jim Zub’s rich, almost baroque prose continues to feel like a perfect match for the Hyborian Age AND the artwork.”

• Fanlight Zone: 10/10 “Thirty-Two issues in, what more can we say about how awesome Conan from Titan and Heroic Signatures has been? Jim Zub is absolutely slaying it on this book. This is the best work of his career…These are the types of runs on comics that you dream about. Grab it, love it, read it.”

• Gaming Trend: 8.5/10 “Zub gives a full fantasy quest in a single issue without feeling rushed or unsatisfying”

• League of Comic Geeks: 10/10 “The colors by Rodriguez in this one are off the charts beautiful. He makes things glow that should glow and allows others to simmer in darkness when appropriate…This book was perfect for me and I’ll remember it for quite a while.”

• Old Man Hyborian: “Jim Zub’s standalone story was a welcome treat, I enjoyed it. And Doug Braithwaite’s art was top-notch. He’s doing very well with the artwork…Not one thing wrong with this issue.”

• Pop Culture Philosophers: “A really great, solid story. I feel like Jim Zub has settled into the perfect Robert E. Howard groove to continue the story of Conan the Barbarian and Doug Braithwaite’s artwork is magnificent!”

• Stygian Dogs: “A satisfying one-and-done adventure. It’s succinct, pulpy, and packed with bone-splintering action wonderfully depicted by Doug Braithwaite…It’s a nice break from the longer arcs and the Black Stone journey.”

• Thinking Critical: “It’s a strong recommend for Conan the Barbarian for me. It continues to be one of the best in in the industry…Jim Zub, has nailed down this character.”