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King Conan #2
Rei Conan: A fênix na espada / O Deus da meia-noite
O segundo e espetacular volume de Rei Conan está chegando com uma dose dupla de emoções hiborianas! Nosso grande destaque é a mais nova adaptação do primeiríssimo conto do Cimério escrito por Robert E. Howard: A Fênix na Espada. Pela primeira vez desde que assumiu o trono da Aquilônia, Conan é alvo de uma tramoia assassina arquitetada por um influente bando rebelde, que tem como arma secreta o demoníaco feiticeiro Thoth-Amon! Uma história repleta de intriga e suspense, fielmente adaptada por Timothy Truman e ilustrada pela sensacional equipe artística formada por Tomás Giorello e José Villarrubia. Em nossa segunda atração, um atentado à rainha Zenobia deixa Conan enfurecido a ponto de declarar guerra ao ancestral e macabro reino da Stygia! Com texto de Joshua Dysart (B.P.D.P. Origens: 1946-1947) e arte de Will Conrad (Buffy, Vingadores Secretos), a elogiada aventura O Deus da Meia-Noite aguardava há anos o melhor momento para ser publicada, e encontrou em Rei Conan o título perfeito para, enfim, desembarcar nas bancas e livrarias brasileiras. Além de compilar duas sagas inéditas, esta edição inclui uma entrevista com Tomás Giorello, uma bela galeria de capas e artes originais, e as tiras biográficas de Bob Cano-Duplo, nas quais são retratados episódios reais da vida de Robert E. Howard.
268 pages, Hardcover
First published February 26, 2013
1 person is currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
Timothy Truman
541 books57 followersTimothy Truman is an American writer, artist and musician. He is best known for his stories and Wild West-style comic book art, and in particular, for his work on Grimjack (with John Ostrander), Scout, and the reinvention of Jonah Hex, with Joe R. Lansdale. Truman is currently writing Conan and is an instructor at the Pennsylvania College of Art and Design.
Truman's first professional comics work was Grimjack with writer John Ostrander, for the independent comics company First Comics. Grimjack first appeared in Starslayer #10 in November 1983, before moving to his own series after issue #18 in 1984, and continued for 81 issues. Along with being a fan favorite and often imitated character, Grimjack almost single-handedly defined the "grim and gritty" action comic character archetype.
Truman has been continuously creative for more than 20 years, displaying his pulp sensitivities in his writing. In 1985, he created Scout, which was followed by Scout: War Shaman, a futuristic western. A year later, he relaunched the Hillman characters Airboy and The Heap for Eclipse Comics. He also developed The Prowler, a Shadow type character, and adapted The Spider for Eclipse. In 1991, at DC Comics he created Hawkworld, a reinvention of Hawkman. With author Joe R. Lansdale, he reinterpreted Jonah Hex as a horror western. In it, their creation of villain Edgar Autumn elicited a complaint from musician Edgar Winter. With his son, Benjamin Truman, he created A Man Named Hawken.
Truman was chosen by Dark Horse Comics to illustrate a newly completed Tarzan novel and wrote a story arc for the comic book. He also wrote virtually the entire run of Turok: Dinosaur Hunter for Valiant Comics, after David Michelinie launched the book with its first three-issue story arc and subsequently departed the series. For the defunct SF imprint of DC, Helix, he created The Black Lamb. He also worked on a typical pulp adventure Guns of the Dragon, featuring Enemy Ace and Bat Lash; and wrote Star Wars at Dark Horse Comics. While at Dark Horse Comics, he took over the writing of Conan from Kurt Busiek in 2006, and after that series ended he started Conan The Cimmerian.
Truman's startling work, Simon Girty, Renegade was a two-volume black and white graphic novel that translated the horrors and triumphs of the American settler's western frontier in a fresh, interesting light. In bold, black and white use of positive and negative space, Truman appealed to both young and old audiences in West Virginia and Pennsylvania. It was especially important for West Virginians that had been struggling against novelist Zane Grey's portrayal of Lewis Wetzel in an overly romanticized, florid light. Truman himself is an avid historian who dislikes nothing more than to see a drawing of a war using the wrong weaponry, and the second volume of his two-volume series on Simon Girty was devoted to the errors caught in his first volume.
Tecumseh! a graphic novel based on the West Virginia Outdoor Theater, is a colored graphic novel that shows the play from beginning to end. It renewed interest in the warrior in Appalachia. When asked why he used "Tecumseh" instead of "Tecumtheh" he explained he didn't want to explain to the mainstream audience the variance in spelling — the movement on pronunciation began with General William Tecumseh Sherman who came from a family that wanted to commemorate the warrior, but felt the lisping "Tecumtheh" would be unmanly.
Truman's first professional comics work was Grimjack with writer John Ostrander, for the independent comics company First Comics. Grimjack first appeared in Starslayer #10 in November 1983, before moving to his own series after issue #18 in 1984, and continued for 81 issues. Along with being a fan favorite and often imitated character, Grimjack almost single-handedly defined the "grim and gritty" action comic character archetype.
Truman has been continuously creative for more than 20 years, displaying his pulp sensitivities in his writing. In 1985, he created Scout, which was followed by Scout: War Shaman, a futuristic western. A year later, he relaunched the Hillman characters Airboy and The Heap for Eclipse Comics. He also developed The Prowler, a Shadow type character, and adapted The Spider for Eclipse. In 1991, at DC Comics he created Hawkworld, a reinvention of Hawkman. With author Joe R. Lansdale, he reinterpreted Jonah Hex as a horror western. In it, their creation of villain Edgar Autumn elicited a complaint from musician Edgar Winter. With his son, Benjamin Truman, he created A Man Named Hawken.
Truman was chosen by Dark Horse Comics to illustrate a newly completed Tarzan novel and wrote a story arc for the comic book. He also wrote virtually the entire run of Turok: Dinosaur Hunter for Valiant Comics, after David Michelinie launched the book with its first three-issue story arc and subsequently departed the series. For the defunct SF imprint of DC, Helix, he created The Black Lamb. He also worked on a typical pulp adventure Guns of the Dragon, featuring Enemy Ace and Bat Lash; and wrote Star Wars at Dark Horse Comics. While at Dark Horse Comics, he took over the writing of Conan from Kurt Busiek in 2006, and after that series ended he started Conan The Cimmerian.
Truman's startling work, Simon Girty, Renegade was a two-volume black and white graphic novel that translated the horrors and triumphs of the American settler's western frontier in a fresh, interesting light. In bold, black and white use of positive and negative space, Truman appealed to both young and old audiences in West Virginia and Pennsylvania. It was especially important for West Virginians that had been struggling against novelist Zane Grey's portrayal of Lewis Wetzel in an overly romanticized, florid light. Truman himself is an avid historian who dislikes nothing more than to see a drawing of a war using the wrong weaponry, and the second volume of his two-volume series on Simon Girty was devoted to the errors caught in his first volume.
Tecumseh! a graphic novel based on the West Virginia Outdoor Theater, is a colored graphic novel that shows the play from beginning to end. It renewed interest in the warrior in Appalachia. When asked why he used "Tecumseh" instead of "Tecumtheh" he explained he didn't want to explain to the mainstream audience the variance in spelling — the movement on pronunciation began with General William Tecumseh Sherman who came from a family that wanted to commemorate the warrior, but felt the lisping "Tecumtheh" would be unmanly.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 1, 2022
I recognize the genius of Tolkien and Rowling with their Middle-Earth and Hogwarts but neither has inspired the sequels, prequels and participation by the best and brightest that have followed Robert E. Howard in expanding the saga of Conan in the Hyborian Age from L. Sprague de Camp through Robert Jordan and then the multiple comics and graphic novels of the Marvel pantheon.
Where were we? Oh yes, in The Phoenix on the Sword, Conan is no longer a thief or freebooter. He is King of Aquilonia and heavy hangs the head that wears the crown. Or in Conan’s words: “When I defended her forts at Black River, Aquilonia called me not foreigner, but hero! When I overthrew Numedides, I was her liberator! Now they’ve put a statue of that tyrannical swine in the temple of Mitra…a shrine to a saintly monarch, butchered by a red-handed barbarian! They burn incense in his memory…men whom he maimed and blinded, whose sons died in his dungeons, whose wives and daughters he raped. Damn the fickle fools. In the old free days, all I desired was a sharp sword and a straight path to my enemies. Now no paths are straight, it seems, and my sword is all but useless.”
This story is drawn directly from what Howard wrote for Weird Tales. Many reprints and repackagings have been successful over the ensuing 80+ years. Some have featured Frank Frazetta’s iconic illustrations. That set a high bar and when Marvel purchased the rights in the 1960s, with Roy Thomas editing, John Buscema’s art was superb - again setting a standard for graphic novel treatment. This Dark Horse version with Tomas Giorello’s drawings and Jose Villarubia's coloring is very good. The storyline is well adapted and King Conan comes off as a man who sees the future and it does not work for him. The audience of Conan followers will agree while enjoying this tale of treachery mixed with mysticism.
This is my first Dark Horse edition of Conan, but I won’t rule out more in the future.
Where were we? Oh yes, in The Phoenix on the Sword, Conan is no longer a thief or freebooter. He is King of Aquilonia and heavy hangs the head that wears the crown. Or in Conan’s words: “When I defended her forts at Black River, Aquilonia called me not foreigner, but hero! When I overthrew Numedides, I was her liberator! Now they’ve put a statue of that tyrannical swine in the temple of Mitra…a shrine to a saintly monarch, butchered by a red-handed barbarian! They burn incense in his memory…men whom he maimed and blinded, whose sons died in his dungeons, whose wives and daughters he raped. Damn the fickle fools. In the old free days, all I desired was a sharp sword and a straight path to my enemies. Now no paths are straight, it seems, and my sword is all but useless.”
This story is drawn directly from what Howard wrote for Weird Tales. Many reprints and repackagings have been successful over the ensuing 80+ years. Some have featured Frank Frazetta’s iconic illustrations. That set a high bar and when Marvel purchased the rights in the 1960s, with Roy Thomas editing, John Buscema’s art was superb - again setting a standard for graphic novel treatment. This Dark Horse version with Tomas Giorello’s drawings and Jose Villarubia's coloring is very good. The storyline is well adapted and King Conan comes off as a man who sees the future and it does not work for him. The audience of Conan followers will agree while enjoying this tale of treachery mixed with mysticism.
This is my first Dark Horse edition of Conan, but I won’t rule out more in the future.
February 21, 2023
Really nice comic adaptation of the Robert E. Howard story. Art and writing is spot on. Recommended
April 26, 2025
Great adaptation of what I believe to be the very first Conan story ever published. Ironically, it's a story close to the end of Conan's life, so in a way Howard worked backwards. The art is great on this series, perfect for stories featuring an older, grizzled Conan.
In this story, Conan is king of Aquilonia, but he's facing a plot from several traitors seeking to overthrow him. And as you can guess, Conan ain't having none of that. Thankfully, he gets some help.
In this story, Conan is king of Aquilonia, but he's facing a plot from several traitors seeking to overthrow him. And as you can guess, Conan ain't having none of that. Thankfully, he gets some help.
May 28, 2021
La adaptación de la primera historia de Conan publicada de Robert E. Howard raya a la misma altura que el resto de la serie que Truman y Giorello realizaron sobre la etapa del cimmerio como monarca de Aquilonia. Magnífico el texto, muy fiel al original, y enriquecedor en el añadido, que convierte cada relato en una rememoración del anciano rey para el escriba de las Crónicas Nemedias.
El apartado gráfico es una maravilla, tanto por Giorello como por Villarrubia, dibujante uno y colorista el otro, con unos retratos, una narrativa y un par de splash pages colosales. Todo maravilloso.
El apartado gráfico es una maravilla, tanto por Giorello como por Villarrubia, dibujante uno y colorista el otro, con unos retratos, una narrativa y un par de splash pages colosales. Todo maravilloso.
February 11, 2017
Tim Truman's art, as always, rocks.
The story seems well-adapted from the original. This volume first appeared as four issues of the King Conan comic book series, so the transitions and the chapter breaks can range from clumsy to dramatic, and include a story-within-a-story framework that is, well, less than desirable for a single volume. All-in-all, still probably my most favorite of the Dark Horse comics.
The story seems well-adapted from the original. This volume first appeared as four issues of the King Conan comic book series, so the transitions and the chapter breaks can range from clumsy to dramatic, and include a story-within-a-story framework that is, well, less than desirable for a single volume. All-in-all, still probably my most favorite of the Dark Horse comics.
July 8, 2021
Spectacular rendition of this REH Conan tale! Loved the framing, the delivery, and almost all the imagery. Very well-told and -drawn, several stirring art cells and sequences. The only negative (and I debated subtracting a star for it), the art selection for the cover: it's a horrid piece, the worst in the book, and there were several far superior pieces that should have been chosen (though ironically it does beat out the even worse variant included inside!). The closing essay from Mark Finn is a nice addition as well. Truman and Giorello truly know the Cimmerian.
March 1, 2013
The art is OK, though one gets the impression Giorello is still going throuhg some growing pains. Too many times are the characters (mostly Conan) facing the reader and seems to be "posing" for our benefit. It has a tendency to detract from the flow. Also, much of the art is presented as spread across two pages, this being a trade paperback, alot of the art is lost in the spine, loosing, in some cases, important details of AN image. This probably didn't happen in the single issues as you can easily "spread" a floppy comic. Luckily, the letterer seemed to be familiar with the problem and never puts a word-bubble going thru the spine.
The coloring seemed to me to be a little "off". I can't put my finger as to what it was that made it seem so. But I can say that there are a couple of the images appearing in their original black and white at the end of the book, and those seemed much nicer than the colored versions.
All the covers from the original mini-series are reproduced within the book without the original tittles, and are in some ways, the highlight of the collection as they are all very nice pieces of artwork.
I have to admit that I don't remember reading the original REH Phoenix on the Sword story (though I must have), nor do I remember reading the Marvel adaptation (though some parts of the story did somehow feel familiar). The story starts out with a very ripe, (but still Arnold-worthy) white-haired and bearded Santa-Conan. Funny, but to me, Conan never gets to be "that" old before dissapearing in the seas, last seen going West. Sure, some grey was to be expected, but a full on Arnold-Santa-Clause version just doesn't work for me. The story might have been better told had the sribe-interview part of it been omited. Hence leaving more room to the actual story.
The story ends with Santa-Conan walking away with his scribe and an ominous green snake watching them go. This portends to a possible cliff-hanger of a match between Santa-Conan and Thulsa Doom in the future. Bring it on, I say, just give Santa-Conan a good shave and maybe die his hair a little ;-)
Funniest scene of the book... Double page spread of Conan sleeping while craddling his sword like a teddy-bear... all that was missing was him sucking his thumb.
The coloring seemed to me to be a little "off". I can't put my finger as to what it was that made it seem so. But I can say that there are a couple of the images appearing in their original black and white at the end of the book, and those seemed much nicer than the colored versions.
All the covers from the original mini-series are reproduced within the book without the original tittles, and are in some ways, the highlight of the collection as they are all very nice pieces of artwork.
I have to admit that I don't remember reading the original REH Phoenix on the Sword story (though I must have), nor do I remember reading the Marvel adaptation (though some parts of the story did somehow feel familiar). The story starts out with a very ripe, (but still Arnold-worthy) white-haired and bearded Santa-Conan. Funny, but to me, Conan never gets to be "that" old before dissapearing in the seas, last seen going West. Sure, some grey was to be expected, but a full on Arnold-Santa-Clause version just doesn't work for me. The story might have been better told had the sribe-interview part of it been omited. Hence leaving more room to the actual story.
The story ends with Santa-Conan walking away with his scribe and an ominous green snake watching them go. This portends to a possible cliff-hanger of a match between Santa-Conan and Thulsa Doom in the future. Bring it on, I say, just give Santa-Conan a good shave and maybe die his hair a little ;-)
Funniest scene of the book... Double page spread of Conan sleeping while craddling his sword like a teddy-bear... all that was missing was him sucking his thumb.
February 19, 2013
It’s Good To Be the King … Or Is It?
Plenty has been written about the lives of kings. No doubt, plenty more will be written as time continues its inexorably march onward, and there are lessons still to be learned in exploring the moments that separate the wheat from the chaff. As any king can tell you, there’s something to be said about growing old and looking back on the recklessness of a youth spent learning to rule, but, when you’re King Conan, there’s no doubt going to be many hopeful usurpers reaching for your crow. This story – one of the very first ones written by Howard – deserves to be told, and Dark Horse has delivered an impressive adaptation, indeed.
(NOTE: The following review may contain minor spoilers necessary solely for the discussion of plot and characters. If you’re the kind of reader who prefers a review entirely spoiler-free, then I encourage you to skip down to the last two paragraphs for my final assessment. If, however, you’re accepting of a few modest hints at ‘things to come,’ then read on …)
Yes, Conan’s become king, seizing the throne for his own rule, but, as he didn’t expect, he’s quickly grown weary of it. Leading is passé, he’s learned, and the real joy is serving under a kind who allows and endorses adventure. As he tells his men, he’d rather be riding alongside them into battle or, worse, possible death. It’s what he craves; it’s what sets him apart from other kings. While others go into the wild seeking adventure, our hero is left in the castle to lord over it all. However, little does King Conan know that conspirators have secretly flooded his castle, and they’ve set their eyes on the ultimate prize: to take back the throne and put an Aquilonian back in charge!
As KING CONAN: THE PHOENIX ON THE SWORD opens, it becomes clear that the mighty Conan has learned one of the hardest lessons of true leadership: being king is a very different task than wanting to be king. He remembers how folks – peasants, mostly – threw gold at his feet when he served the castle; now that he’s running it, they’d just as soon fill his veins with poison.
This is a tale of reflection, told by an aging Conan to a young ‘reporter’ for the age, and the barbarian allows it to unfold selflessly. Having achieved a measure of wisdom, he’s no longer concerned with how he may look – he’s honest about his feelings of kingship and serving as the steward to an entire people – and, instead, he lays it bare for his audience – Primas the scribe (as well as the readers) – to hear. And what a great place from which to begin? Even at his advanced age, Conan still commands a sword and an axe first; no longer a young man, he’s still enamored with the ‘sporting side’ of life. No doubt, remembering this story is as fascinating for him as it is for those of us hearing and seeing it for the first time.
And – if we didn’t know it yet, then we definitely know it before this yarn is over – nothing stands between a wicked sorcerer and his evil, magic ring.
Timothy Truman has done a stellar job adapting this from Howard’s original story, and Tomas Giorello’s artwork – at times grim, at other times determined – is a perfect match for a world where no one truly knows what danger lurks around the next corner. Naturally, I could quip about a panel here or a splash there, but so much of PHOENIX is a marvel to behold I’ll not trouble you with a few lesser groans. It’s lofty when it needs to be, and it’s bloody when it must be. Also, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that there’s a brilliant afterword provided by Mark Finn. What’s so exceptional about it is that Finn provides the proper historical context for the retelling of this particular Conan story – where it fits in with other Conan works; what distinguishes it from others; what are the highs and lows of the various contributors; and (most impressive) even a brief philosophical discussion of how the best Conan stories are adapted procedurally. There are additional sketches and unused artwork aplenty, all of it as remarkable as the story just told. It’s an impressive and reverential collection that deserves to be on the bookshelf of any Conan aficionado.
KING CONAN: THE PHOENIX ON THE SWORD is published by Dark Horse Comics. The story is written by Timothy Truman (though, to be exact, this is an adaptation of a tale originally written by Robert E. Howard, himself); the artwork is by Tomas Giorello; the coloring is by Jose Villarrubia; the lettering is by Richard Starkings and Comicraft’s Jimmy Betancourt; and the chapter-break and cover artist was Andrew Robinson. This volume bears a cover price of $14.99 (a bargain, by Crom, if ever there were).
HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION POSSIBLE. It’s kingly. It’s regal. It’s a sight to behold from cover to cover. I’ve made it no secret in penning my reviews that I’m a fan of most things Conan (some stories and artwork just don’t tickle my fancy, but many – even the less memorable ones – are still better than most swords and sorcery tales done today). I personally think KING CONAN: THE PHOENIX ON THE SWORD has something for everyone … even folks who are not a fan of the barbarian. The tale is richly told – albeit, yes, with some deservedly bloody renderings – with a decidedly Shakespearean flavor. The life of kings can be a treacherous business, and there was none who embraced treachery as openly as King Conan. Rejoice, all ye peasants, for your king has arrived.
In the interests of fairness, I’m pleased to disclose that the fine folks at Dark Horse Comics provided me with an advance digital copy of KING CONAN: THE PHOENIX ON THE SWORD by request for the expressed purposes of completing this review.
Plenty has been written about the lives of kings. No doubt, plenty more will be written as time continues its inexorably march onward, and there are lessons still to be learned in exploring the moments that separate the wheat from the chaff. As any king can tell you, there’s something to be said about growing old and looking back on the recklessness of a youth spent learning to rule, but, when you’re King Conan, there’s no doubt going to be many hopeful usurpers reaching for your crow. This story – one of the very first ones written by Howard – deserves to be told, and Dark Horse has delivered an impressive adaptation, indeed.
(NOTE: The following review may contain minor spoilers necessary solely for the discussion of plot and characters. If you’re the kind of reader who prefers a review entirely spoiler-free, then I encourage you to skip down to the last two paragraphs for my final assessment. If, however, you’re accepting of a few modest hints at ‘things to come,’ then read on …)
Yes, Conan’s become king, seizing the throne for his own rule, but, as he didn’t expect, he’s quickly grown weary of it. Leading is passé, he’s learned, and the real joy is serving under a kind who allows and endorses adventure. As he tells his men, he’d rather be riding alongside them into battle or, worse, possible death. It’s what he craves; it’s what sets him apart from other kings. While others go into the wild seeking adventure, our hero is left in the castle to lord over it all. However, little does King Conan know that conspirators have secretly flooded his castle, and they’ve set their eyes on the ultimate prize: to take back the throne and put an Aquilonian back in charge!
As KING CONAN: THE PHOENIX ON THE SWORD opens, it becomes clear that the mighty Conan has learned one of the hardest lessons of true leadership: being king is a very different task than wanting to be king. He remembers how folks – peasants, mostly – threw gold at his feet when he served the castle; now that he’s running it, they’d just as soon fill his veins with poison.
This is a tale of reflection, told by an aging Conan to a young ‘reporter’ for the age, and the barbarian allows it to unfold selflessly. Having achieved a measure of wisdom, he’s no longer concerned with how he may look – he’s honest about his feelings of kingship and serving as the steward to an entire people – and, instead, he lays it bare for his audience – Primas the scribe (as well as the readers) – to hear. And what a great place from which to begin? Even at his advanced age, Conan still commands a sword and an axe first; no longer a young man, he’s still enamored with the ‘sporting side’ of life. No doubt, remembering this story is as fascinating for him as it is for those of us hearing and seeing it for the first time.
And – if we didn’t know it yet, then we definitely know it before this yarn is over – nothing stands between a wicked sorcerer and his evil, magic ring.
Timothy Truman has done a stellar job adapting this from Howard’s original story, and Tomas Giorello’s artwork – at times grim, at other times determined – is a perfect match for a world where no one truly knows what danger lurks around the next corner. Naturally, I could quip about a panel here or a splash there, but so much of PHOENIX is a marvel to behold I’ll not trouble you with a few lesser groans. It’s lofty when it needs to be, and it’s bloody when it must be. Also, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that there’s a brilliant afterword provided by Mark Finn. What’s so exceptional about it is that Finn provides the proper historical context for the retelling of this particular Conan story – where it fits in with other Conan works; what distinguishes it from others; what are the highs and lows of the various contributors; and (most impressive) even a brief philosophical discussion of how the best Conan stories are adapted procedurally. There are additional sketches and unused artwork aplenty, all of it as remarkable as the story just told. It’s an impressive and reverential collection that deserves to be on the bookshelf of any Conan aficionado.
KING CONAN: THE PHOENIX ON THE SWORD is published by Dark Horse Comics. The story is written by Timothy Truman (though, to be exact, this is an adaptation of a tale originally written by Robert E. Howard, himself); the artwork is by Tomas Giorello; the coloring is by Jose Villarrubia; the lettering is by Richard Starkings and Comicraft’s Jimmy Betancourt; and the chapter-break and cover artist was Andrew Robinson. This volume bears a cover price of $14.99 (a bargain, by Crom, if ever there were).
HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION POSSIBLE. It’s kingly. It’s regal. It’s a sight to behold from cover to cover. I’ve made it no secret in penning my reviews that I’m a fan of most things Conan (some stories and artwork just don’t tickle my fancy, but many – even the less memorable ones – are still better than most swords and sorcery tales done today). I personally think KING CONAN: THE PHOENIX ON THE SWORD has something for everyone … even folks who are not a fan of the barbarian. The tale is richly told – albeit, yes, with some deservedly bloody renderings – with a decidedly Shakespearean flavor. The life of kings can be a treacherous business, and there was none who embraced treachery as openly as King Conan. Rejoice, all ye peasants, for your king has arrived.
In the interests of fairness, I’m pleased to disclose that the fine folks at Dark Horse Comics provided me with an advance digital copy of KING CONAN: THE PHOENIX ON THE SWORD by request for the expressed purposes of completing this review.
May 22, 2017
Edição belíssima, continuando a saga de Conan Rei - neste caso, reminiscências...
A Fênix na Espada: Conan Rei contando as reminiscências de antes da tomada do trono. Os desenhos e Giorello intercalando as memórias dentro de memórias. O jovem rei Conan ajudado a combater os traidores e outras criaturas.
A Era de Conan: Um prólogo, mas com restos de A Hora do Dragão, mostrando a ascensão das trevas.
O Deus da Meia-Noite: Uma comitiva stígia chega até Aquilônia, onde Conan reina com a sua esposa Zenobia; bruxaria antiga na corte do rei; marchando em direção à Stygia, Conan enfrenta uma frágil paz... Já na terra de bruxas e feiticeiros, ele enfrentará algo mais.
A Fênix na Espada: Conan Rei contando as reminiscências de antes da tomada do trono. Os desenhos e Giorello intercalando as memórias dentro de memórias. O jovem rei Conan ajudado a combater os traidores e outras criaturas.
A Era de Conan: Um prólogo, mas com restos de A Hora do Dragão, mostrando a ascensão das trevas.
O Deus da Meia-Noite: Uma comitiva stígia chega até Aquilônia, onde Conan reina com a sua esposa Zenobia; bruxaria antiga na corte do rei; marchando em direção à Stygia, Conan enfrenta uma frágil paz... Já na terra de bruxas e feiticeiros, ele enfrentará algo mais.
September 29, 2018
Yeah okay, perfectly good series if you like this stuff. Just not my cup of tea.
February 11, 2022
Brutal, misterioso e sanguinário, monstros e feiticeiros malignos, enfim tudo o que se espera nas aventuras de Conan.
November 24, 2013
Parece que no puedo resistirme a un Conan dibujado por Giorello y es que le va tan bien el dibujo de este artista que parece hecho a medida, tanto como el color de Villarrubia con el que crea una conjunción perfecta. Ya los disfruté en su momento en “Conan Rey: La Ciudadela Escarlata” y aunque esta historia la publicó Weird Tales anteriormente a la de la ciudadela, vemos personajes reincidentes, como el hechicero.
Espada y brujería de la vieja escuela cimeria y un viejo Conan Rey que hastiado del peso de la corona y de los enemigos, que en política no se enfrentan cara a cara, cuenta la historia de un traidor a un escriba. Es la historia de como trataron de derrocarlo una vez que subió al trono de Aquilonia. Una conspiración de viejas sangres de la ciudad, urdida con agentes tales como nobles, un poderoso mago de Estigia venido a menos y un bardo, que nunca suelen traer nada bueno.
Conan es valiente, poderoso, decidido, violento, pero ademas cuenta con el favor de las deidades a las que no atiende, pero a las que tampoco molesta. Esta es la historia de como en la espada del cimerio se grabó con un fénix y con que propósito. Absolutamente recomendable, aunque breve como suele ocurrir con estos tomos. Eso si, cada pagina es un deleite y es que me reconozco muy fan del tandem Giorello/Villarubia. Como extras tenemos paginas a lápiz de Giorello y es que parece que esos lapices han encontrado un destino mas que apropiado dibujado esta etapa del rey Conan. Deseando estoy echarle el ojo a “Conan Rey: La Hora del Dragón” que acaba de terminar este mismo mes de ser publicada por Dark Horse en 6 grapas, con los mismos tres autores.
Espada y brujería de la vieja escuela cimeria y un viejo Conan Rey que hastiado del peso de la corona y de los enemigos, que en política no se enfrentan cara a cara, cuenta la historia de un traidor a un escriba. Es la historia de como trataron de derrocarlo una vez que subió al trono de Aquilonia. Una conspiración de viejas sangres de la ciudad, urdida con agentes tales como nobles, un poderoso mago de Estigia venido a menos y un bardo, que nunca suelen traer nada bueno.
Conan es valiente, poderoso, decidido, violento, pero ademas cuenta con el favor de las deidades a las que no atiende, pero a las que tampoco molesta. Esta es la historia de como en la espada del cimerio se grabó con un fénix y con que propósito. Absolutamente recomendable, aunque breve como suele ocurrir con estos tomos. Eso si, cada pagina es un deleite y es que me reconozco muy fan del tandem Giorello/Villarubia. Como extras tenemos paginas a lápiz de Giorello y es que parece que esos lapices han encontrado un destino mas que apropiado dibujado esta etapa del rey Conan. Deseando estoy echarle el ojo a “Conan Rey: La Hora del Dragón” que acaba de terminar este mismo mes de ser publicada por Dark Horse en 6 grapas, con los mismos tres autores.
February 12, 2016
Competente versão em quadrinhos do conto clássico de Robert E. Howard, a gênese de Conan e de todo o subgênero de Espada e Magia. Mesmo sendo bastante fiel à história original, portanto sem muitas surpresas quanto à trama, a arte de Giorello mostra uma visão vibrante da fantasia sinistra do universo de Conan. É uma versão à altura do legado do Cimério. Porém, mesmo colorida e com belos enquadramentos, a HQ não tem, na dobradinha roteiro e arte, o mesmo vigor do Conan escrito por Roy Thomas e ilustrado por grandes artistas, como John Buscema e Alfredo Alcalá, sempre em preto e branco, na revista Espada Selvagem de Conan. Os roteiros extraíam o melhor dos contos de Howard, num incrível trabalho de edição. E as ilustrações em preto e branco passavam toda a brutalidade daquele mundo.
March 3, 2013
Tim Truman adapts the classic King Conan story to graphic novel format better than one could imagine. The choice to have elderly Conan himself relate the story to a scribe is a great way to allow us to see the king of King Conan became in his later years. The art from Giorello in these King Conan stories is perhaps the best I've seen from him thus far.
December 31, 2014
I liked it well enough, but probably not as much as the previous one. There was more politics, and more in the way of background things going on, but I found some of the plotting a little confusing and felt as though I was dropped into the middle of something which could have done with a wider explanation.
May 23, 2013
Stunning artwork. Faithful adaptation of Robert E. Howard's original story. Couldn't ask for anything more!
July 4, 2014
Relectura para uno de los relatos más populares de Robert E. Howard por una dupla artística que ha consolidado su estilo narrativo lejos de la clásica interpretación Marvel.
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