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Chuck Dixon's Conan
The Siege of the Black Citadel
THE BLACK CITADEL MUST FALL
The mad emperor Strabonus sits upon the imperial throne of Koth, a danger to his subjects and Koth’s neighbors alike. When his cousin, Prince Xathomidas, raises an army in rebellion, he finds great support within and without the empire. Veteran legionaries, gold, and mercenaries flow into the prince’s camp, including one barbarian sword-for-hire from the frigid North. The towering Black Citadel stands between the rebel prince and the throne he seeks, and when its siege threatens to continue well into winter, the prince orders a small team of sell-swords to find a way into the ancient fortress called Talas K’rith.
But the Black Citadel is guarded by things more terrible than walls and swords.
THE SIEGE OF THE BLACK CITADEL is the first in the new series from The Legend Chuck Dixon, Chuck Dixon’s Conan, which is based on the public domain character of Robert E. Howard’s Conan.
The mad emperor Strabonus sits upon the imperial throne of Koth, a danger to his subjects and Koth’s neighbors alike. When his cousin, Prince Xathomidas, raises an army in rebellion, he finds great support within and without the empire. Veteran legionaries, gold, and mercenaries flow into the prince’s camp, including one barbarian sword-for-hire from the frigid North. The towering Black Citadel stands between the rebel prince and the throne he seeks, and when its siege threatens to continue well into winter, the prince orders a small team of sell-swords to find a way into the ancient fortress called Talas K’rith.
But the Black Citadel is guarded by things more terrible than walls and swords.
THE SIEGE OF THE BLACK CITADEL is the first in the new series from The Legend Chuck Dixon, Chuck Dixon’s Conan, which is based on the public domain character of Robert E. Howard’s Conan.
- GenresFantasySword and Sorcery
126 pages, Paperback
First published February 21, 2023
1 person is currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
Chuck Dixon
3,426 books1,029 followersCharles "Chuck" Dixon is an American comic book writer, perhaps best-known for long runs on Batman titles in the 1990s.
His earliest comics work was writing Evangeline first for Comico Comics in 1984 (then later for First Comics, who published the on-going series), on which he worked with his then-wife, the artist Judith Hunt. His big break came one year later, when editor Larry Hama hired him to write back-up stories for Marvel Comics' The Savage Sword of Conan.
In 1986, he began working for Eclipse Comics, writing Airboy with artist Tim Truman. Continuing to write for both Marvel and (mainly) Eclipse on these titles, as well as launching Strike! with artist Tom Lyle in August 1987 and Valkyrie with artist Paul Gulacy in October 1987, he began work on Carl Potts' Alien Legion series for Marvel's Epic Comics imprint, under editor Archie Goodwin. He also produced a three-issue adaptation of J. R. R. Tolkien's The Hobbit for Eclipse with artist David Wenzel between 1989 and 1990, and began writing Marc Spector: Moon Knight in June 1989.
His Punisher OGN Kingdom Gone (August, 1990) led to him working on the monthly The Punisher War Journal (and later, more monthly and occasional Punisher titles), and also brought him to the attention of DC Comics editor Denny O'Neil, who asked him to produce a Robin mini-series. The mini proved popular enough to spawn two sequels - The Joker's Wild (1991) and Cry of the Huntress (1992) - which led to both an ongoing monthly series (which Dixon wrote for 100 issues before leaving to work with CrossGen Comics), and to Dixon working on Detective Comics from #644-738 through the major Batman stories KnightFall & KnightsEnd (for which he helped create the key character of Bane), DC One Million , Contagion , Legacy , Cataclysm and No Man's Land . Much of his run was illustrated by Graham Nolan.
He was DC's most prolific Batman-writer in the mid-1990s (rivalled perhaps in history by Bill Finger and Dennis O'Neil) - in addition to writing Detective Comics he pioneered the individual series for Robin , Nightwing (which he wrote for 70 issues, and returned to briefly with 2005's #101) and Batgirl , as well as creating the team and book Birds of Prey .
While writing multiple Punisher and Batman comics (and October 1994's Punisher/Batman crossover), he also found time to launch Team 7 for Jim Lee's WildStorm/Image and Prophet for Rob Liefeld's Extreme Studios. He also wrote many issues of Catwoman and Green Arrow , regularly having about seven titles out each and every month between the years 1993 and 1998.
In March, 2002, Dixon turned his attention to CrossGen's output, salthough he co-wrote with Scott Beatty the origin of Barbara Gordon's Batgirl in 2003's Batgirl: Year One. For CrossGen he took over some of the comics of the out-going Mark Waid, taking over Sigil from #21, and Crux with #13. He launched Way of the Rat in June 2002, Brath (March '03), The Silken Ghost (June '03) and the pirate comic El Cazador (Oct '03), as well as editing Robert Rodi's non-Sigilverse The Crossovers. He also wrote the Ruse spin-off Archard's Agents one-shots in January and November '03 and April '04, the last released shortly before CrossGen's complete collapse forced the cancellation of all of its comics, before which Dixon wrote a single issue of Sojourn (May '04). Dixon's Way of the Rat #24, Brath #14 and El Cazador #6 were among the last comics released from the then-bankrupt publisher.
On June 10, 2008, Dixon announced on his forum that he was no longer "employed by DC Comics in any capacity."
His earliest comics work was writing Evangeline first for Comico Comics in 1984 (then later for First Comics, who published the on-going series), on which he worked with his then-wife, the artist Judith Hunt. His big break came one year later, when editor Larry Hama hired him to write back-up stories for Marvel Comics' The Savage Sword of Conan.
In 1986, he began working for Eclipse Comics, writing Airboy with artist Tim Truman. Continuing to write for both Marvel and (mainly) Eclipse on these titles, as well as launching Strike! with artist Tom Lyle in August 1987 and Valkyrie with artist Paul Gulacy in October 1987, he began work on Carl Potts' Alien Legion series for Marvel's Epic Comics imprint, under editor Archie Goodwin. He also produced a three-issue adaptation of J. R. R. Tolkien's The Hobbit for Eclipse with artist David Wenzel between 1989 and 1990, and began writing Marc Spector: Moon Knight in June 1989.
His Punisher OGN Kingdom Gone (August, 1990) led to him working on the monthly The Punisher War Journal (and later, more monthly and occasional Punisher titles), and also brought him to the attention of DC Comics editor Denny O'Neil, who asked him to produce a Robin mini-series. The mini proved popular enough to spawn two sequels - The Joker's Wild (1991) and Cry of the Huntress (1992) - which led to both an ongoing monthly series (which Dixon wrote for 100 issues before leaving to work with CrossGen Comics), and to Dixon working on Detective Comics from #644-738 through the major Batman stories KnightFall & KnightsEnd (for which he helped create the key character of Bane), DC One Million , Contagion , Legacy , Cataclysm and No Man's Land . Much of his run was illustrated by Graham Nolan.
He was DC's most prolific Batman-writer in the mid-1990s (rivalled perhaps in history by Bill Finger and Dennis O'Neil) - in addition to writing Detective Comics he pioneered the individual series for Robin , Nightwing (which he wrote for 70 issues, and returned to briefly with 2005's #101) and Batgirl , as well as creating the team and book Birds of Prey .
While writing multiple Punisher and Batman comics (and October 1994's Punisher/Batman crossover), he also found time to launch Team 7 for Jim Lee's WildStorm/Image and Prophet for Rob Liefeld's Extreme Studios. He also wrote many issues of Catwoman and Green Arrow , regularly having about seven titles out each and every month between the years 1993 and 1998.
In March, 2002, Dixon turned his attention to CrossGen's output, salthough he co-wrote with Scott Beatty the origin of Barbara Gordon's Batgirl in 2003's Batgirl: Year One. For CrossGen he took over some of the comics of the out-going Mark Waid, taking over Sigil from #21, and Crux with #13. He launched Way of the Rat in June 2002, Brath (March '03), The Silken Ghost (June '03) and the pirate comic El Cazador (Oct '03), as well as editing Robert Rodi's non-Sigilverse The Crossovers. He also wrote the Ruse spin-off Archard's Agents one-shots in January and November '03 and April '04, the last released shortly before CrossGen's complete collapse forced the cancellation of all of its comics, before which Dixon wrote a single issue of Sojourn (May '04). Dixon's Way of the Rat #24, Brath #14 and El Cazador #6 were among the last comics released from the then-bankrupt publisher.
On June 10, 2008, Dixon announced on his forum that he was no longer "employed by DC Comics in any capacity."
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 25, 2023
Conan is public domain in Europe, so comics legend Chuck Dixon takes a stab at Robert E Howard’s creation, and doesn’t do a bad job at all. We essentially have a 120 page novella which suits a Conan tale better than the slow, plodding drivel that Sterling released. Dixon seems to have a better handle on the character, as Conan is his usual dominant self. The story felt kind of like a fill in to the next adventure. Dixon is supposed to release several more books, so hopefully this builds. 3.7 or so.
April 8, 2023
That was fun! And it felt very much like Conan. Lots of blood and intrigue and bladed weapons and edged words. A smashing Sword & Sorcery tale. Two snafus imo: far too many simple editing errors and I really am unimpressed with that juvenile cover. But I do look forward to reading more of Chuck Dixon's Conan!
August 28, 2023
This is Chuck Dixons 1st Conan book now in Europe Robert Howard’s rights on Conan the Barbarian have lapsed and everybody is free to give his/her interpretation. Hence the French comics about Conan and now Dixons attempt to popularize Conan once more.
Dixon did some time ago have the writing duty for that brilliant comic “the savage sword of Conan” which spawned probably most of the fervent fans of Conan among which I count myself.
Anyhow this book is indeed about a siege in which Conan takes part and the sword & sorcery bit is well presented by a wizard and a monster from perhaps the underworld. At the same time there is enough attention for the more worldly aspects of said siege.
At the end we see our hero on his way again and as a fan it does feel like an prologue of things to come.
There can never be enough Conan when it is done right as here is the case. Even a new comic “Conan the barbarian (2023) has been published which opens strong with Conan versus the walking dead.
Great and looking forward to the next Chuck Dixon installment of Conan the Cimmerian.
Dixon did some time ago have the writing duty for that brilliant comic “the savage sword of Conan” which spawned probably most of the fervent fans of Conan among which I count myself.
Anyhow this book is indeed about a siege in which Conan takes part and the sword & sorcery bit is well presented by a wizard and a monster from perhaps the underworld. At the same time there is enough attention for the more worldly aspects of said siege.
At the end we see our hero on his way again and as a fan it does feel like an prologue of things to come.
There can never be enough Conan when it is done right as here is the case. Even a new comic “Conan the barbarian (2023) has been published which opens strong with Conan versus the walking dead.
Great and looking forward to the next Chuck Dixon installment of Conan the Cimmerian.
April 22, 2023
This is very much Chuck Dixon’s Conan. As with his tenure scripting 'The Savage Sword of Conan' in the late ‘80s, the story is fast moving, has grit and violent action. The typos are a bother (there are a few) and it should have had a proper proof read which is why I would give it a 3.5 rather than a straight 4 stars. Having written 'The Punisher' for Marvel and these days writing prose thrillers, Dixon has a firm grasp on men’s adventure. The pacing and the writing style are good and you’re quickly immersed in the setting. His Conan is a scheming, no-nonsense fighting-man. My only real gripe is that I find the supernatural element mostly perfunctory. It’s a case of, hey this is Conan and he needs a demonic adversary/sorcerer to vanquish, right? This is a fault I’ve found with the majority of the Conan pastiches I’ve read over the years, whether they be published by Lancer, Bantam or Tor. In this case, it’s not essential to the plot and could easily been excised. Mostly I found it an enjoyable, violent read though—probably the best Conan I’ve read since John Maddox Roberts.
April 16, 2023
I enjoyed this, enough that the fact it is #1 is encouraging. It was a more entertaining read than Blood of the Serpent, but more proofreading is in need and the sorcery element felt tacked on.
June 30, 2023
Robert E. Howard's most famous character made his return to literature this year with two very different offerings. The first, authorized by the rights-holder, is written by a well-known fantasy author in a long, prequel story to 'Red Nails,' that then using that original story to finish its own narrative. Here, Castalia House made use of European copyright law to release a novella that relies only on places, characters, etc., that are in Public Domain.
There should be a lot to like about "Siege". Chuck Dixon was a long-time writer of Savage Sword of Conan, before moving on to Punisher and Batman (he co-authored the famous 'Knightfall' story and created the character of Bane), so he certainly knows REH's barbarian, and how to write fast-paced narratives around gritty characters. His Conan is a bit of a scoundrel, with his 'lines' in the sand, but is not above lying, stealing, using force, the threat of force or just plain double-dealing to get what he wants. That's fairly in-keeping with Howard's character, and by having Conan be the architect of the story's central plot, Dixon does a nice job of reminding readers that Conan is *clever* -- violence is a tool in his kit, not his entire toolkit.
Dixon wisely makes his tale a novella, as Conan's adventures have always worked best in the form of novelettes or novellas, and since no one besides Scott Oden has every proven capable of matching Howard's particular prose-style, settles for a crisp, no-nonsense writing style that fits the genre.
After that, however, it's all so very 'so what'?
The plot is basically a heist story--Conan is part of a mercenary company besieging a fortress, and charged with finding a secret way in to the fortress. They find it -- and a noble escaping with a trunk of gold, to try and buy allies -- and Conan decides to hide the loot and figure out how to manipulate events so he and his co-conspirators can clean out the treasury *before* the fortress falls. Hijinks ensue.
Other reviewers note that the magical element feels tacked on to what is basically a straight adventure story, and I agree, although the nice twist here is that the feared sorcerer is no Thoth-Amon...indeed, he's more in the lines of 'don't hand a baby a shotgun'. That *could* have been interesting, but in reality, there are no true villains/antagonists of note in the story--there are two sides to the siege, neither of whom matter to us, and one side is just in Conan's way to get his loot, but that doesn't really matter because he never meets any of them -- they are all either dead, mad, or just off stage. There's some of the obligatory, double-dealing inside the mercenaries, but even THAT is largely handled FOR Conan. As to his allies, they are all interchangeable 'red shirts', and one barely has a name, instead being called 'the mongrel' (not just by characters, but somewhat uncomfortably, by the narrator voice) in all but two instances.
Indeed, for setting the story's plot into motion, Conan actually does very little to bring any of the elements to a resolution; the last chapter is by far the most exciting, but most of the action is at the macro-level.
I said that Dixon has a good feel for Conan, but really, he has a good feel for showing us how we think Conan might act: the third person limited narrative almost never gives us insight to Conan's thoughts. Perhaps that is the old "Savage Sword" plotter coming out, because ultimately, that is what 'Siege of the Black Citadel' feels like: a non-memorable issue of that venerable comic, later in its run, when the various authors just ran the formula of 'pulp style plot + sorcerer + monster + Conan ends up back on the road'.
Add to this quite a few typos, a sometimes surprising lack of understanding of military terminology (umm...greaves go on your legs; vambraces go on your arms), and some embarrassing world-building gaffs that I hope are the fault of global cut and paste: mistaking Vanaheim for Vanarium, calling people from Turan 'Turans', rather than Turanians, etc., and this all just feels very phoned in, and more like Castalia House wanting to take a shot at the property holders rather than really do anything meaningful. Chuck Dixon certainly HAS written compelling Conan stories, time will tell if the "Chuck Dixon's CONAN" series comes to reflect that, or becomes a by-word for 'not really Conan'.
There should be a lot to like about "Siege". Chuck Dixon was a long-time writer of Savage Sword of Conan, before moving on to Punisher and Batman (he co-authored the famous 'Knightfall' story and created the character of Bane), so he certainly knows REH's barbarian, and how to write fast-paced narratives around gritty characters. His Conan is a bit of a scoundrel, with his 'lines' in the sand, but is not above lying, stealing, using force, the threat of force or just plain double-dealing to get what he wants. That's fairly in-keeping with Howard's character, and by having Conan be the architect of the story's central plot, Dixon does a nice job of reminding readers that Conan is *clever* -- violence is a tool in his kit, not his entire toolkit.
Dixon wisely makes his tale a novella, as Conan's adventures have always worked best in the form of novelettes or novellas, and since no one besides Scott Oden has every proven capable of matching Howard's particular prose-style, settles for a crisp, no-nonsense writing style that fits the genre.
After that, however, it's all so very 'so what'?
The plot is basically a heist story--Conan is part of a mercenary company besieging a fortress, and charged with finding a secret way in to the fortress. They find it -- and a noble escaping with a trunk of gold, to try and buy allies -- and Conan decides to hide the loot and figure out how to manipulate events so he and his co-conspirators can clean out the treasury *before* the fortress falls. Hijinks ensue.
Other reviewers note that the magical element feels tacked on to what is basically a straight adventure story, and I agree, although the nice twist here is that the feared sorcerer is no Thoth-Amon...indeed, he's more in the lines of 'don't hand a baby a shotgun'. That *could* have been interesting, but in reality, there are no true villains/antagonists of note in the story--there are two sides to the siege, neither of whom matter to us, and one side is just in Conan's way to get his loot, but that doesn't really matter because he never meets any of them -- they are all either dead, mad, or just off stage. There's some of the obligatory, double-dealing inside the mercenaries, but even THAT is largely handled FOR Conan. As to his allies, they are all interchangeable 'red shirts', and one barely has a name, instead being called 'the mongrel' (not just by characters, but somewhat uncomfortably, by the narrator voice) in all but two instances.
Indeed, for setting the story's plot into motion, Conan actually does very little to bring any of the elements to a resolution; the last chapter is by far the most exciting, but most of the action is at the macro-level.
I said that Dixon has a good feel for Conan, but really, he has a good feel for showing us how we think Conan might act: the third person limited narrative almost never gives us insight to Conan's thoughts. Perhaps that is the old "Savage Sword" plotter coming out, because ultimately, that is what 'Siege of the Black Citadel' feels like: a non-memorable issue of that venerable comic, later in its run, when the various authors just ran the formula of 'pulp style plot + sorcerer + monster + Conan ends up back on the road'.
Add to this quite a few typos, a sometimes surprising lack of understanding of military terminology (umm...greaves go on your legs; vambraces go on your arms), and some embarrassing world-building gaffs that I hope are the fault of global cut and paste: mistaking Vanaheim for Vanarium, calling people from Turan 'Turans', rather than Turanians, etc., and this all just feels very phoned in, and more like Castalia House wanting to take a shot at the property holders rather than really do anything meaningful. Chuck Dixon certainly HAS written compelling Conan stories, time will tell if the "Chuck Dixon's CONAN" series comes to reflect that, or becomes a by-word for 'not really Conan'.
October 31, 2023
Really bad pastiche, Conan in this story is portrayed as cunning but constantly makes completely asinine decisions as some sort of greater scheme. Which seems like the writer intended for Conan to seem brilliant and tactical, but comes across as an absolute idiot.
the Writer relies on outdated, racist and sexist stereotypes for any character that is non white. Such as the Afghuli women who Conan pays to have sex with his captive to get secrets out of, or the one black character in the story who is constantly referred to as "Mongrel", who does not have a single speaking line and who's only purpose is to look silly and randomly die protecting Conan. If you are looking for good "new" Conan, go read Blood of the Serpent by S. M. Stirling, and not this garbage.
the Writer relies on outdated, racist and sexist stereotypes for any character that is non white. Such as the Afghuli women who Conan pays to have sex with his captive to get secrets out of, or the one black character in the story who is constantly referred to as "Mongrel", who does not have a single speaking line and who's only purpose is to look silly and randomly die protecting Conan. If you are looking for good "new" Conan, go read Blood of the Serpent by S. M. Stirling, and not this garbage.
October 31, 2023
The mad emperor's reign has sent to death many of his citizens and brought to life many more who are willing to sacrifice their lives and their existence to ensure that Strabonus sees an end to his depradations. Prince Xathomidas is one of those, and with his army of the rebellion is determined to march upon the empire and take it for himself. But rebellions are never as easy as simply knocking down a door and seizing the throne. The towering Black Citadel of Tanas K'rith may be the most obdurate of obstacles as its physical location and construction may make it virtually invulnerable to attack...or at least present such a one that any attacking force will fall under the swords of forces sent to reinforce the keep. Upon this scene comes Conan the CImmerian, now mercenary fighting alongside a company of rogues and barbarians much like himself. And Tanas K'rith was never prepared for the simple primal force that is Conan. Soon, secrets are revealed, sorceries are miscast, lives are forfeited, and treasures are lost and found and lost again.
Over the years since the passing of Robert Howard, there have MANY new stories of arguably the most well-known of sword weilding barbarians, Conan. Now, after a span of several years, new stories once again are being created to entertain and enthrall followers in what had been a dying genre but now seems to be seeing a resurgence in both popularity and visibility. Chuck Dixon, a creator of many varied and exciting stories in the more visual medium of comics, has delivered a fun and fantastic new adventure of everyone's favorite Cimmerian. Set in the Mercenary years of Conan's time-line, Dixon has crafted a story that has much of the feel and atmosphere of Howard's writings, but has added a touch and flair of his own that blends some of the story-telling skills that he uses in the more colorful medium that he is most famous for. Wonderfully, that gives us a newer, fresher Conan with the old thrills and themes.
If there are any knocks on the book, it would be the several handfuls of typos and errors that could have been caught and corrected through a more rigorous copy edit. But, while those errors can be a little off-putting and take the reader out of the story temporarily, it doesn't mean that this wasn't a good story. And...coming in at just under 120 pages is a good read for the first in a promised new series of stories. As of this writing, book 2 has been released and is stiing on my TBR. Enjoy...
Over the years since the passing of Robert Howard, there have MANY new stories of arguably the most well-known of sword weilding barbarians, Conan. Now, after a span of several years, new stories once again are being created to entertain and enthrall followers in what had been a dying genre but now seems to be seeing a resurgence in both popularity and visibility. Chuck Dixon, a creator of many varied and exciting stories in the more visual medium of comics, has delivered a fun and fantastic new adventure of everyone's favorite Cimmerian. Set in the Mercenary years of Conan's time-line, Dixon has crafted a story that has much of the feel and atmosphere of Howard's writings, but has added a touch and flair of his own that blends some of the story-telling skills that he uses in the more colorful medium that he is most famous for. Wonderfully, that gives us a newer, fresher Conan with the old thrills and themes.
If there are any knocks on the book, it would be the several handfuls of typos and errors that could have been caught and corrected through a more rigorous copy edit. But, while those errors can be a little off-putting and take the reader out of the story temporarily, it doesn't mean that this wasn't a good story. And...coming in at just under 120 pages is a good read for the first in a promised new series of stories. As of this writing, book 2 has been released and is stiing on my TBR. Enjoy...
January 19, 2024
Not a bad Conan story, however marred by racist imagery (the "Mongrel" black character that is referred to as "dog", has no speaking lines, and dies defending Conan), transphobic imagery ("a crime against nature" re. having genitals removed, and the clear disgust evoked in others by an androgynous character), and also sexism, etc. I don't see how any of these were integral to the story being told.
April 18, 2023
I did not have very high hopes when starting this book. I remember Chuck Dixon and the terrible artist which was often used, Gary Kwapisz. I hated those stories back then. It seems the artist has improved immensely looking at his recent drawings on Facebook.
As the title says, the story revolves around a siege. This is far from Robert E. Howard's Conan and it plainly says it's Chuck Dixon's Conan, but I was hoping it would be good anyway. It might be wrong of me to even try to compare.
Thankfully the story is short. I've read better pastiches. Actually, I've read most if not all of them. That was my introduction to the Conan character along with the comics. Then I discovered Howard and everyone else fell short. There is just one author that has been pretty close and that is Scott Oden with one of his short stories.
Chuck Dixon numbered this book 1 so I guess there will be more and I'll probably be fooled to read the other ones too.
As the title says, the story revolves around a siege. This is far from Robert E. Howard's Conan and it plainly says it's Chuck Dixon's Conan, but I was hoping it would be good anyway. It might be wrong of me to even try to compare.
Thankfully the story is short. I've read better pastiches. Actually, I've read most if not all of them. That was my introduction to the Conan character along with the comics. Then I discovered Howard and everyone else fell short. There is just one author that has been pretty close and that is Scott Oden with one of his short stories.
Chuck Dixon numbered this book 1 so I guess there will be more and I'll probably be fooled to read the other ones too.
May 21, 2023
This crisp novel is one of the best non-Howard Conan tales that I have read.
It is a simple one, where Conan— as a mercenary— takes part in a protracted siege of an impregnable citadel. During a guerilla mission to find a way into the fortified city, Conan and his companions learn a secret. Then follows a grim and merciless saga in search of gold, punctuated by bouts of incredible violence and some seriously unsettling horror.
The scenes are drawn vividly, imbuing all the characters with life. Most importantly, it is fast paced without losing any opportunity to show the wry humour of the Cimmerian.
Recommended to all lovers of Sword & Sorcery.
It is a simple one, where Conan— as a mercenary— takes part in a protracted siege of an impregnable citadel. During a guerilla mission to find a way into the fortified city, Conan and his companions learn a secret. Then follows a grim and merciless saga in search of gold, punctuated by bouts of incredible violence and some seriously unsettling horror.
The scenes are drawn vividly, imbuing all the characters with life. Most importantly, it is fast paced without losing any opportunity to show the wry humour of the Cimmerian.
Recommended to all lovers of Sword & Sorcery.
November 22, 2024
(*3.25 stars)
I enjoyed this Conan The Cimmerian novella by Chuck Dixon. The story ticks along very nicely. This is very much the authors story and style, I didn't detect at all that he is trying to emulate Robert E.Howard (hard to do!), but moreover just telling a good Conan tale that's worth reading, and it is an enjoyable story, at least to me. I'm sure there are better Conan pastiche stories out there that I've yet to read. Nevertheless, I'll definitely be reading the next Chuck Dixon Conan story and I recommend this one to those thinking about giving it a read.
I enjoyed this Conan The Cimmerian novella by Chuck Dixon. The story ticks along very nicely. This is very much the authors story and style, I didn't detect at all that he is trying to emulate Robert E.Howard (hard to do!), but moreover just telling a good Conan tale that's worth reading, and it is an enjoyable story, at least to me. I'm sure there are better Conan pastiche stories out there that I've yet to read. Nevertheless, I'll definitely be reading the next Chuck Dixon Conan story and I recommend this one to those thinking about giving it a read.
July 18, 2023
The excitement online was palpable when this title first became available. I initially thought it was to be a comic because it was written by Chuck Dixon. The cover further cemented that assumption. When asked directly, Chuck confirmed that it was in fact a prose novel. With that revelation I had to get my hands on a copy!
I get a perverse joy from the chatter online pertaining to the legality of using an IP of this magnitude without permission. So many people become copyright experts instantaneously. Every single individual is correct in their assertions and willing to die on their hill. Glorious entertainment!!
The Siege of the Black Citadel is a tidy little book with a sharp glossy cover. The page count is lean, and Dixon makes every page count. The story is concise, complete, but soon forgotten. This is not a criticism. I got exactly what I signed up for: an enjoyable Conan adventure.
I daresay this was just as well received as Blood of the Serpent. The major difference? The only criticism I've seen thus far is the uncertainty pertaining to the right to print this book. Blood of the Serpent was riddled with criticisms. I think fans embraced this book more than BOS.
I get a perverse joy from the chatter online pertaining to the legality of using an IP of this magnitude without permission. So many people become copyright experts instantaneously. Every single individual is correct in their assertions and willing to die on their hill. Glorious entertainment!!
The Siege of the Black Citadel is a tidy little book with a sharp glossy cover. The page count is lean, and Dixon makes every page count. The story is concise, complete, but soon forgotten. This is not a criticism. I got exactly what I signed up for: an enjoyable Conan adventure.
I daresay this was just as well received as Blood of the Serpent. The major difference? The only criticism I've seen thus far is the uncertainty pertaining to the right to print this book. Blood of the Serpent was riddled with criticisms. I think fans embraced this book more than BOS.
July 5, 2024
Il voto per questa storia avrebbe potuto essere almeno di mezzo punto più alto, ma è stato inficiato da diversi refusi, che mi hanno un po' infastidito, insieme alla pressoché totale mancanza di informazioni sulla casa editrice che ha prodotto questo romanzo breve. Chuck Dixon è un fumettista piuttosto noto, che ha collaborato con la Marvel, la DC Comics, e anche con la Bonelli; all'inizio del testo ci tiene a specificare che la storia si basa scrupolosamente sul ciclo originale del Cimmero ideato da Robert Howard, e in effetti non posso che confermare: il Conan che troviamo tra queste pagine è il ben noto barbaro risoluto e spaccone, sensibile al fascino delle belle donne e delle bevande forti. Il racconto in sé ricalca gli stilemi del genere senza risultare troppo derivativo, né troppo pesante. Se leggete in inglese, procuratevi il primo episodio (ce ne sono due in tutto) delle avventure del Conan di Dixon.
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July 8, 2023Reads like a "Savage Sword of Conan" story on a paperback instead of a comic book. For people like me that approve and enjoy this it is an amazing purchase.
Would want/suggest the following to Chuck on the next attempts, as this is titled "#1": (1) Be more contemporary, I'd like "grimdark" or "x-rated", or simply more realistic. People reading this are adults anyway, and (2) try to get published with a proper paperback format not a print on demand (from someone who has published on print on demand which is ironic). Thanks!
Would want/suggest the following to Chuck on the next attempts, as this is titled "#1": (1) Be more contemporary, I'd like "grimdark" or "x-rated", or simply more realistic. People reading this are adults anyway, and (2) try to get published with a proper paperback format not a print on demand (from someone who has published on print on demand which is ironic). Thanks!
May 15, 2023
I was pretty excited when I heard that Chuck Dixon was writing a new Conan book. The World needs Conan more than ever! I enjoyed this book, even though I thought the first half was slow and a bit boring, but then the second half was full on Conan, bloody combat, creepy dungeons and tombs, monsters, sorcery, babes, and Conan's indomitable spirt. I look forward to the next book. Definitely check out if you are a Conan fan!
February 5, 2024
At 120 pages it’s closer to Robert E Howard’s Conan than most and doesn’t have all the unnecessary padding that the longer Conan novels have. It’s not Howard and doesn’t have that undefinable, magical something that his Conan had, but if you want more Conan, as many of us do, this is a fairly satisfying romp.
December 14, 2024
A good read for fans of Robert E. Howard's Conan the Barbarian. I feel it's a genuine portrayal of the character in REH's style.
I did feel it was a little on the short side for a standalone book, and it felt like a long short story. Perhaps this makes sense since short stories were the extent Howard wrote the original adventures of Conan.
I did feel it was a little on the short side for a standalone book, and it felt like a long short story. Perhaps this makes sense since short stories were the extent Howard wrote the original adventures of Conan.
May 24, 2023
3.5. It was a good length for a Conan tale, and Conan felt like Conan. Could have used a better editor though, and despite getting the Conan character right the rest of the plot and characters felt shallow, with the supernatural element tacked on because it’s expected.
June 14, 2023
Chuck Dixon's style and understanding of pacing, good storytelling and characterisation combined with his knowledge of Conan makes him the perfect writer to take up the mantle of Howard. Thoroughly enjoyed this tale of the Cimmerian.
August 4, 2025
This book did not disappoint. Although it was short and quick, it kept a fast pace and Dixon gets Conan. The battles are good enough for the size of the book and the illustrations are entertaining as well. About to start book 2 and see if he keeps it going.
June 21, 2023
Looking forward to the next one.
July 16, 2023
Straight action no bs.
August 13, 2025
A decent little Conan adventure, though I must criticize the presence of multiple spelling errors, misplaced names, and grammar mistakes. Where was the editor?
September 9, 2024
"Wealth required even more wealth to protect it."
The Siege of the Black Citadel
Caravan of the Damned
A ten year civil war between Emperor Strabonus and Prince Xathomidas have split the lines of those loyal to both, but Strabonus' corrupt mistreatment of his own sees many wanting him dethroned. With loyal generals and mercenaries in his corner, 40,000 strong, Xathomidas finds the refuged Talas K'rith as the last obstacle, being able to control the river and the empire grain land, in his conquest to the Emperor's throne. Here also stands the western tower, the Black Citadel, where the Prince Ozmeth and gold abide. Time to lay siege.
On its own merits, I enjoyed this short read. A band of brothers, of sorts, scheming and battling, a brutal environment and a cold atmosphere. A horror of horrors, there's a bit of a Lovecraftian feel in the otherworldly entity that literally drives men insane, a perversion of science (sorcery) that should never have been a gain-of-function allotment. Given the environment, no one is necessarily presented in a great light, and the worst characters are males who are generally white, with Conan's heist crew being the most cheerable, consisting of two dark skinned men, two light skinned men, and one bronzed fellow. In addition, two Shemite women were more apt at getting information than even Conan. So I don't agree with any "this story is racist and sexist" perceptions.
I don't have any real complaints though I would compare Dixon's writing and characterization to Robert E. Howard's, since Chuck is obviously writing from Robert's source material. To address page 24, of Conan rushing a sieged fortress for "cold lucre or warm flesh". This sounds like rape but Howard never wrote Conan as such. Also, I never got the impression that Conan would scheme against his oath as a merc, stealing treasure from them, though he would definitely take the opportunity to acquire treasure, usually after he has realized that his company has been decimated. Nor that Conan would fall to the feminine wiles of a scheming fox. Nor that he would use the lives of his cohorts to gain access to treasure, as Conan would see his sword brothers die for a worthy cause in battle, not die for a scheme. Again, no real complaints, and I look forward to more like this, but it's not as poetic, romantic, or cosmic as Howard, so don't come looking for that, enjoy it for its own merits.
Cool cover art by Ademir Leal, as well as some neat illustrations in each chapter. I think illustrations for novels are great additions.
Character Reference:
The Siege of the Black Citadel
Caravan of the Damned
A ten year civil war between Emperor Strabonus and Prince Xathomidas have split the lines of those loyal to both, but Strabonus' corrupt mistreatment of his own sees many wanting him dethroned. With loyal generals and mercenaries in his corner, 40,000 strong, Xathomidas finds the refuged Talas K'rith as the last obstacle, being able to control the river and the empire grain land, in his conquest to the Emperor's throne. Here also stands the western tower, the Black Citadel, where the Prince Ozmeth and gold abide. Time to lay siege.
On its own merits, I enjoyed this short read. A band of brothers, of sorts, scheming and battling, a brutal environment and a cold atmosphere. A horror of horrors, there's a bit of a Lovecraftian feel in the otherworldly entity that literally drives men insane, a perversion of science (sorcery) that should never have been a gain-of-function allotment. Given the environment, no one is necessarily presented in a great light, and the worst characters are males who are generally white, with Conan's heist crew being the most cheerable, consisting of two dark skinned men, two light skinned men, and one bronzed fellow. In addition, two Shemite women were more apt at getting information than even Conan. So I don't agree with any "this story is racist and sexist" perceptions.
I don't have any real complaints though I would compare Dixon's writing and characterization to Robert E. Howard's, since Chuck is obviously writing from Robert's source material. To address page 24, of Conan rushing a sieged fortress for "cold lucre or warm flesh". This sounds like rape but Howard never wrote Conan as such. Also, I never got the impression that Conan would scheme against his oath as a merc, stealing treasure from them, though he would definitely take the opportunity to acquire treasure, usually after he has realized that his company has been decimated. Nor that Conan would fall to the feminine wiles of a scheming fox. Nor that he would use the lives of his cohorts to gain access to treasure, as Conan would see his sword brothers die for a worthy cause in battle, not die for a scheme. Again, no real complaints, and I look forward to more like this, but it's not as poetic, romantic, or cosmic as Howard, so don't come looking for that, enjoy it for its own merits.
Cool cover art by Ademir Leal, as well as some neat illustrations in each chapter. I think illustrations for novels are great additions.
Character Reference:
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