Conan the Barbarian, Vol. 3: The Age Unconquered

Conan the Barbarian (2023)

by Jim Zub, Roberto De La Torre (Artist), Diego Rodríguez (Colorist)

This third volume of the new ongoing comic series is perfect for fans of Robert E. Howard and his immortal creation, Conan the Barbarian. Filled with high adventure, savage combat and rollicking two fisted action!

In Conan, Howard forged not only a whole new genre – sword and sorcery – but also created a truly legendary character and a thousand pale imitators. After 90 years Conan is still going strong!

By Crom! Conan ventures forth to the Age of Atlantis!

Often emulated, but never overshadowed, the first and finest hero of sword and sorcery will strive and slay as a Cimmerian must!

Sent back in time to the Thurian Age, Conan battles terrifying creatures and meets Kull the Conqueror, a barbarian-king as strong as himself. Although these two legends begin at odds, they quickly realize they must quest together to stop the dark machinations of Thulsa Doom, an ancient necromancer who has contacted a mysterious evil beyond time and space to strengthen his already impressive mystic power.

This third volume of Conan the Barbarian features an action-packed story written by Jim Zub that would Robert E. Howard proud, and dynamic pulp-infused artwork by Roberto De Le Torre! These two titans of the comic world have breathed new life into one of the most recognizable characters in fiction and, in doing so, unleash a fantastic tale for readers, new and old!

Collects Conan the Barbarian #9-12.

Genres: Comics, Fantasy, Graphic Novels, Graphic Novels Comics, Comic Book, Time Travel

116 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 8, 2024

About the author

Jim Zub is a writer, artist and art instructor based in Toronto, Canada. Over the past fifteen years he’s worked for a diverse array of publishing, movie and video game clients including Disney, Warner Bros., Capcom, Hasbro, Bandai-Namco and Mattel.

He juggles his time between being a freelance comic writer and Program Coordinator for Seneca College‘s award-winning Animation program.

Reviews

[Bill Riggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

The art and writing are back to perfect form. Conan, flung into the ancient past, meets King Kull and Brule, the Spear-Slayer. The resulting tale reveals more about the mysterious black stone that’s been plaguing Conan leads to a confrontation with the diabolical sorcerer Thulsa Doom.

[Drew Canole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Art by Roberto De La Torre

Conan after being possessed by the Black Stone powered by Thulsa Doom is transported back 80000 years to the time of Kull. The elephant god from Tower of the Elephant makes an appearance. Apparently before being locked in that tower for hundreds of years he spent time in the courts of Valusia. I really enjoy how Zub is playing around with the mythos and stories. It feels like he really knows his stuff. I think he's also mostly successful at making Conan and Kull feel like two different characters. The Lion and the Tiger.

Conan joins Kull on a quest to go to Atlantis. It feels like a throwback to the longest story arc in the Marvel comics adventure. Roberto De La Torre expands his Conan beyond Buscema-style artwork and channels some of the really interesting artwork from those Kull comics when it gets pretty psychedelic with Thulsa Doom on the page.

So far I think Zub and co are doing a great job with this new run of Conan for Titan Comics. I'm hoping it's a success and I keep getting new Conan comics every month!

[Jim Ef · Rating 4 out of 5]

7.3/10

Zub's pen keeps writing tales about our favourite Cimmerian, while De La Torre's pencil is back on art, which is great because his style really fits the character.

This time Conan goes back in time, way back actually. No matter the year, he can never have a quiet time.

[Jim Kuenzli · Rating 5 out of 5]

This volume collects issues 9 through 12 of Titan Comics Conan the Barbarian. The story and artwork couldn’t be better. Conan is thrown back in time 80,000 years to the Thurian age in the reign of King Kull. It doesn’t take long for Conan, Kull, and Brule to be thrown into a maelstrom of adventure, mayhem, sorcery, and eldritch terror. This is so magically written and drawn it’s hard to put into words. Conan even runs into Yag-Kosha the Elephant god. The finale, after winding through hidden passages under Atlantis, features none other than Thulsa Doom. Zub, De La Torre, and the rest of the Titan Comics crew are on fire. Highly recommend!

[Khurram · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series it is beautifully brutal the way Conan is supposed to be. As much as I like Conan going from adventure to adventure, I do like the continuity of him feeling a bit of survivors guilt for the friends and lovers left behind. However, his short-term memory allows him to move forward despite the memories/ghosts of the past.

The Black Stone saga continues. Conan is thrust back into the past. Where he will meet and face legonds from long ago some with a personal connection to him. Also, foes who survive the test of time.

Great story telling, of course all the time travel nonsense goes right over Conan's head give him a sword, axe and a quest and he will do what he does best, ehat he was born to do. I am enjoying the comics of the series so far, I am looking forward to how it is branching out to a novel and possibly a miniseries as well. The book finishes with the literature origin of Kull as well as a brief summary of his escapades, a thumbnail varient covers gallery, and a sketchbook.

[Will · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best in the series so far!

This third volume in Titan Comic's new run of Conan the Barbarian brings together the events of the prior two volumes to a satisfying end, though I can see how there is still more than enough setup to continue.

Volume four has just been released, and I aim to read that very soon to keep up the momentum after reading volumes two and three.

The Age Unconquered felt much more story driven as opposed to volume two which felt to me as more of a 'gorefest'. Without spoilers, we come across other Howard characters and there are direct references to Howard's stories - and whilst I haven't read any of Howard's fiction I still appreciated the references, and also some references to the 1982 film which I have seen countless times.

The writing is engaging and keeps the story flowing well, and the artwork is on top form and the best it's been so far.

This shows that whilst I am more or less new to Conan (in a writing and comic sense), this series is very accessible and I highly recommend it.

[Mark Tallen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was very enjoyable. I especially liked how there were links to Robert E.Howard’s original material and that it was respectful to the source material. The artwork is fantastic and the essays at the end of the book are great, very informative. Keep up the excellent work Heroic Signatures and Titan Comics.

[The Geeky Viking · Rating 5 out of 5]

Writer Jim Zub and Artist Roberto De La Torre are giving Roy Thomas and John Buscema a run for their money on this latest series of Conan from Titan Comics and Heroic Signatures. Conan is the character that got me into comics and these latest series is as close to those original books as anyone has come. Really hope these guys stick around on this book for years to come, but thankful and grateful for everything they're delivering at the moment. Highest recommendation possible.

[Paulo "paper books only" · Rating 4 out of 5]

What's better than having Conan on a graphic novel? Having Conan and Kull - the two best known creations of Howard. In this tale he is thrown back in time to a time where Kull rules and see them fight - and as I watch it I knew none could win - so good. Really loved the tale about Atlantis and probably the conclusion of a tale started on book 1 and ended on book 12 (or 1 through 3 if you are reading these small paperbacks. This is one I am going to buy to keep.

[Zachary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm glad they brought back the art style from the first few issues. The coloring is amazing, really giving the visuals a strong depth. I still don't know how I feel about this convoluted story, but it's pretty fun nonetheless.

[Jim Reddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Conan meets Robert E. Howard’s other character King Kull in this volume that collects issues 9-12 of Titan’s Conan the Barbarian comic. A pulpy sword & sorcery crossover with a fantastic combination of writing, art, colors, and lettering.

[Josh J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sword and Sorcery is an all time favorite genre of mine, Jim Zubb’s dutiful writing and Roberto de la Torre’s frantic and evocative art elevate this story to something truly wonderful. Check it out!

[Ángel Javier · Rating 3 out of 5]

Viendo la valoración de este volumen, me pregunto si el problema está en mí, y no en los señores Zub y De la Torre. Ciertamente, soy bastante exigente en lo referente a los cómics de mi bárbaro favorito, pero oigan... este es, objetivamente, mediocre. Reconozco que es entretenido, y que De la Torre se aleja poco a poco de la sombra de Buscema (lo que a veces es bueno, y a veces no tanto), pero el guionista se toma unas licencias con Conan que considero más que cuestionables.

En primer lugar, insisto con el tema pictos: para el Conan de Zub, son los mejores amigos del mundo. Para todas las demás versiones del personaje, enemigos ancestrales de su pueblo. Vale ya. No digo que no se pueda aliar con Brule, por ejemplo, pero que se note que lo hace con renuencia, a disgusto. Sí, Conan tenía prejuicios raciales. Es un señor de hace 16.000 años, milenio arriba, milenio abajo, no se lo tengamos demasiado en cuenta.

En segundo lugar, Zub ni se molesta en explicar cómo es posible que Conan entienda el valusio a la perfección —porque supongo que en la corte del rey Kull se habla valusio—. Cualquier chorrada hubiera valido (un conjuro, un despertar repentino de esa memoria ancestral que tanto le gustaba a Howard), pero el guionista ni se molesta. Conan entiende y habla cualquier idioma, ya está. Es el Champollion de la Era Hiboria. Di que sí, Jim.

Luego, los poderes de la espada mágica no los comprende ni Crom. Permite viajar por el tiempo, romperse y recomponerse... y yo qué sé qué más cosas. ¿Y de dónde vienen esos poderes? ¿Del trompazo que le dio Brule a la Piedra Negra con ella? Pues supongamos que sí, pero vamos, es un suponer, porque explicaciones, cero.

Ahora, este recadito va para De la Torre: en un momento dado, sobre la figura de Kull aparece la figura totémica de un león. Señor De la Torre, el tótem de Kull es el tigre, como todo seguidor de Howard sabe. El león, en todo caso, será el de Conan, que por algo es conocido como Amra («león»), en toda la Costa Negra. Menuda cagada.

Y dejo lo mejor para el final: la aparición estelar de Yag-Kosha.

Vamos a ver, Conan reconoce al alienígena proboscídeo porque ya ha tenido lugar la aventura de la Torre del Elefante. Vale. Y Yag-Kosha reconoce a Conan porque...

Bueno, pues parece ser que porque es capaz de ver el futuro de manera limitada, pero lo suficientemente detallada como para conocer el servicio que Conan le va a prestar en el futuro. Vale, venga. Entonces, sabe que el cimerio va a matar su forma física y permitirle vengarse del malvado hechicero Yara. ¿Y por qué entonces, en cuanto se encuentre con Yara por primera vez, no se lo carga y punto? Porque, según la historia de Howard (y todas sus adaptaciones en cómic), Yara aprende magia de Yag-Kosha y luego lo somete a su voluntad aprovechando la debilidad de su mentor. ¿Es Yag-Kosha una especie de Doctor Manhattan, capaz de ver el futuro, pero no de cambiarlo? Pues supondremos, de nuevo, que es así, porque si es por Zub... lo mismo es que el semidiós tiene Alzheimer y se le olvidará todo en cuanto Conan vuelva a su época. Eso se llama «lazy writing». Y, por cierto, el no molestarse ni en presentar a la criatura elefantina (ni un mal flashback, vamos), no ayuda a atraer nuevos lectores, que se sentirán más perdidos que un pulpo en un garaje en cuanto esta y el bárbaro se pongan a charlar como viejos amigos.

En fin, un tomo que, si no te tomas la mitología del personaje mínimamente en serio, es hasta entretenido, pero, a poco que profundices, tiene más agujeros de guion que un queso gruyere. Thomas podía ser un tostón a veces, pero el tío se lo curró muchísimo durante décadas, haciendo encaje de bolillos para que cualquier basura que un clon de tercera de Howard escribiese sobre Conan encajara en la cronología del personaje. Zub parece ya aburrido de tener que documentarse mínimamente a los ocho o nueve episodios de la nueva cole. Tómeselo en serio, buen hombre, que el cimerio se lo merece. Y si necesita ayuda, yo le echo una mano, hombre, que me temo que me conozco al personaje bastante mejor que usted...

[Shivesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jim Zub’s run truly hits its stride in The Age Unconquered. After eight issues of world‑building, suspense, and those classic standalone Conan tales—thief, reaver, soldier, general—we finally step fully into the cosmic horror he’s been quietly threading through the narrative since the beginning. This volume feels like the moment where all that careful groundwork pays off. The Black Stone and its enthralled forces move from ominous background presence to genuine existential threat, and the shift gives the entire arc a sense of scale and dread that feels both Howardian and distinctly Zub’s own. As someone who’s been collecting these issues individually, I feel lucky to have experienced the slow burn month by month, and I’d happily read an even more expansive novelization if Zub ever chose to write one. His instincts are undeniably novelistic—long arcs, intelligent character setups, and that uneasy awareness of forces far older and far more terrifying than any mortal.

One of the real joys of this volume is the interaction between Conan and Kull—a proto‑Conan figure only obsessives like me tend to know from the original pulps. Zub handles their dynamic beautifully. Kull isn’t a duplicate or a shadow; he’s a true foil, a different kind of barbarian king with his own worldview and weight. Seeing these two icons share page space feels like a reward for longtime readers, and the supernatural elements surrounding them hit harder because of it. The art amplifies all of this: bold, shadow‑heavy, and atmospheric in a way that leans fully into the horror. The action sequences feel massive, mythic, and dangerous, and the sorcery has that cold, creeping quality that makes the stakes feel genuinely dire.

As always, the essays at the back of each issue are a highlight. The discussion of Thoth‑Amon versus Thulsa Doom—how they’re portrayed in the films, the comics, and the original literature—is exactly the kind of deep‑cut context I love. They’re often conflated, but they are absolutely not the same villain, and this volume’s portrayal of Thulsa Doom as a lich‑king‑style undead sorcerer feels truer to his roots.

This is the volume where Zub’s run stops being “promising” and becomes something genuinely special.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

In diesem dritten Fortsetzungsband reist Conan 80.000 Jahre in die Vergangenheit und landet bei Kull und dem Pikten-König Brule. Eigentlich wollte er sein Leben beenden, denn er war vom Schwarzen Stein des Thulsa Doom besessen. Auch Yag-Kosha, der Elefantengott aus der bekannten Geschichte mit dem Elefantenturm hat hier einen Gastauftritt, der sich am Hofe in Valusia aufhält, bevor er in besagtem Turm für viele Jahrhunderte gefangen gehalten wurde.
Conan bleibt nichts anderes übrig, als sich Kull auf der Suche nach Atlantis anzuschließen, und wie soll es anders sein, erwarten die beiden eine Menge Abenteuer und erfahren mehr über den Schwarzen Stein, was schließlich zur Konfrontation mit Thulsa Doom führt.

Wie in den beiden Vorgängerbänden spielt Autor Jim Zub mit diesem Mythos und seiner Geschichte. Erzählt wird der Band wie gewohnt mit vielen klassischen Textunterschriften und weniger Sprechblasen, aber Conan war ja noch nie großartig bekannt dafür, ein großer Redner zu sein.
Die Reihe geht genauso stark weiter wie sie aufgehört hat und man darf dem vierten Band gespannt entgegenfiebern.

[Shannon Schmelzle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great Conan adventure, this time with 100% more Kull and, like, 75% more Brule, the Spear-Slayer.

Without getting too far into this, I feel like this volume does start tying some stuff together. One criticism I could see of the first two volumes is that they seem distantly related, taking place at different times with different artists and only this "black stone" being a connector. But I feel like this volume starts to pull some of these things together.

Roberto De La Torre returns to art chores here and his Buscema inspired artwork just works so well for me here. And, mild spoilers, it's rare that a "breathtaking cityscape" splash ever really impresses me, but his Valusia was truly a sight to behold and looked so original to me.

Still hate the price tags on these trades, I would almost recommend picking up the book monthly since it is basically the same price and you won't be months and months behind. But, if you are like me and didn't get in at the beginning and are just collector OCD enough that you couldn't stand having trades leading into single issues, then this is the only way to go.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is volume three of Zub's "Black Stone" storyline of Conan comics, and while I haven't read the previous two volumes, it doesn't really matter - I'd guess he's had to fight wizards and monsters, flexing his "mighty thews"💪🏼 and killing anyone and anything within reach of his sword 🗡️

That said, it's exactly what I want from a Conan comic, and - Bonus! This one sees him cast back in time 80,000 years to Valusia and an encounter with Kull of Atlantis! 🐯

Further fan service with an appearance by Yag-Kosha, the elephant-headed alien from Robert E. Howard's original Conan story, "The Tower of the Elephant".

All told, an excellent (if at one point gratuitously sexist) adventure, and I hope my library has more in this series.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Roberto de la Torre's illustrations are impeccable. He has a classic yet timeless style. Conan is adrift in time and meets his slightly less famous ancestor Kull of Atlantis. This arc is very plugged into the mythos on a number of axes between Kull, Thulsa Doom, and the continued threads of Black Stone that Titan Comics is using to their Conan line together.

When you get just the right mixture of adventure and action and myth and Bronze-Age sensibilities, there's nothing quite like it. It may not be fine dining, but it's meat straight off the bone, and sometimes that's just what whets the appetite.

[Jeff · Rating 3 out of 5]

The third volume of the Titan Comics re-launch of Conan the Barbarian is an improvement over the lackluster Volume 2, largely due to the return of artist Roberto De La Torre. His dense, vibrant line work is a clear homage to the glory years of Conan comics, and yet he still manages to bring a fresh and contemporary energy to his panels. Jim Zub's story is OK, but the decision to resurrect skull-headed antagonist Thulsa Doom as the primary baddy was a poor one, given the general silliness of that character.

[Brendon Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so good! There were so many surprised and nods to other Conan works that really nailed it for me. The art was amazing, the prose was perfect. I am loving the Jim Zub run. This is Conan!
My only gripe is the fact that the cover gallery was so small again. The first volume had the same issue and they fixed it in the second one, making the covers a tad bigger but then reverted to the old format here. Not sure why. I love the essays at the back as well, always a nice touch. Can't wait for the next Volume!

[Alex Sarll]

After a second volume poleaxed by Conan not being himself, this finds a much more entertaining way to mix things up and takes him out of his time instead. Not to the present, as in his recent Marvel stint, but even further back through the aeons, for a team-up with fellow REH creations Kull and Brule. De la Torre is on particularly fine form, with a double-page view of Valusia to rival Sidney Sime.

[Chad · Rating 3 out of 5]

Conan gets thrown back in time where he meets up with Kull. Kull seems very bland and without a whole lot of characterization even though he's another Robert E. Howard creation. I'm not digging this run as much as Zub's time on Conan while at Marvel. I get the throwback thing but Meh.

[Enrique Nares · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pareciera que Conan se encuentra con el horros cósmico.

El epílogo me parece muy interesante habla de las influencias que recibe el autor en su época y en general el pensamiento y corrientes religiosas/teologicas por ejemplo la teosofía y las humanidades anteriores

[Noah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always preferred Kull stories over Conan stories, and of course you can’t have Kull with Brule. So you can imagine that this is as close to a perfect story as I could imagine. Writing and art are in tip top shape, and it has all the characters I love most.

[Ted · Rating 4 out of 5]

Using the Atlantean Sword from the Schwarzenegger movie as Thulsa Doom's weapon was a nice touch.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing journey into the past to deal with the Black Stone. Good combat. Many highs and lows.

Mortal man is trapped in a prison of the present or madness of their memories.

[Sadie Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fuckkkkkkk yeeeeeeaaaaagggggg

[Sohrab Rezvan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my least favorite book of the series so far. I just don't like time travel. Notwithstanding that, an average Conan story.

[Alex Fyffe · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Al Capwned · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a bit disappointed by this one but time travelling is not my favourite thing in this type of books (or any books probably).