Conan of the Isles

Conan the Barbarian (1970-1993) #Annual #7

by Roy Thomas, John Buscema (Illustrator)

An older, wiser Conan relinquishes the throne to his son! A final adventure for glory!

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Fantasy, Marvel, Graphic Novels Comics

98 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1988

About the author

Roy Thomas was the FIRST Editor-in-Chief at Marvel--After Stan Lee stepped down from the position. Roy is a longtime comic book writer and editor. Thomas has written comics for Archie, Charlton, DC, Heroic Publishing, Marvel, and Topps over the years. Thomas currently edits the fanzine Alter Ego for Twomorrow's Publishing. He was Editor for Marvel comics from 1972-1974. He wrote for several titles at Marvel, such as Avengers, Thor, Invaders, Fantastic Four, X-Men, and notably Conan the Barbarian. Thomas is also known for his championing of Golden Age comic-book heroes — particularly the 1940s superhero team the Justice Society of America — and for lengthy writing stints on Marvel's X-Men and Avengers, and DC Comics' All-Star Squadron, among other titles.

Also a legendary creator. Creations include Wolverine, Carol Danvers, Ghost Rider, Vision, Iron Fist, Luke Cage, Valkyrie, Morbius, Doc Samson, and Ultron. Roy has also worked for Archie, Charlton, and DC among others over the years.

Reviews

[Jason Waltz · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 for fun! A great story, lots of action, mystery, adventure, swords, and the supernatural -- And CONAN! Also lots of silliness and coincidence and sheer luck, but it all fit into the fun! Some very good art with some meh art. Stayed quite true to Conan's thirst for life and living life.

[Drew Canole · Rating 2 out of 5]

An adaptation of a the novel by L. Sprague de Camp and Lin Carter... which are never the best. Very cliche and rehashing stuff REH already covered.

The premise isn't the worst. An old like in his 70s King Conan goes off on a quest to the far West across the ocean to where Kull's Atlantis used to be. The first chapter is pretty good.

After that it's just a bunch of nonsense with some of the weakest Buscema artwork to date. He's obviously just doing rough layouts and the inkers aren't adding in enough detail for interest.

[Tony Calder · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't read the Conan novel by Sprague de Camp and Carter that this graphic novel adapts, but I found the Roy Thomas adaptation to be a very enjoyable read. This is a story set in the latter part of Conan's life, when he has already been on the throne of Aquilonia for several decades - which makes the first part of the tale appearing as the Conan annual for 1982 a little surprising.

Roy Thomas was one of the best writers Marvel had on their monthly Conan title, and it definitely went downhill after he left. This story captures the feel of Conan wonderfully, and the artwork by John Buscema is, as expected, top-notch.

Whether or not you have read the novel, this is a worthwhile read.

[Ricardo Nuno Silva · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting tale, full of adventure, sprinkled for good measure with violence, intrigue, surprises, friendship and subtle humor/irony.
I should confess that I'm not a huge fan of Conan, but this vintage edition kept me glued to the pages, until the very end.
The language is a bit archaic and convoluted, but aside from that, this is a good entertaining graphic novel about aging, courage, friendship and fighting against all odds.

[Δημήτρης Αθανασόπουλος · Rating 3 out of 5]

i liked the story, it was a good one. King Conan at his 50s pushing 60s, witness a series of really weird events and in the end a vision from the spirit of an ancient sorcerer take him to a journey beyond the known Hyborian world.

the only thing i didn't like in this comic is the color palette. too colorful for my taste. i would enjoy it more in plain black and white i think.

[Kevin Dumcum · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this better than the novel on which it was based.

[Andre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nostalgia galore! Excellent tale of King Conan. Highly recommended.

[Long John Silver · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mia recensione:
https://ilrifugiodilongjohnsilver.blo...

[Kevin Findley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story Schwarzenegger should be filming. Thomas's tale (and DeCamp's) is a great epic for the world's favorite barbarian (sorry Thundar). King Conan would never abandon his throne or his people, but when it becomes his responsibility to leave, he doesn't look back except to embrace his son, Conn, one last time.

From there on, it is all sorcerers, sword play, and meeting old shipmates that help carry him forward into the unknown. A fitting final tale.

Side Note: I have not read the DeCamp novel this is adapted from. Matter of fact, I think I've read only one or two of them in the last forty years.

Find it! Buy it! READ IT!

Additional note July 4th, 2025. What a great story to read after grilled hamburgers, hot dogs, potato salad and beer. With Conan in the house, who needs fireworks?

[Little Timmy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice Conan tale. Good art and story. Recommended