The Best 21 Conan the Barbarian Comics

The "Conan the Barbarian" comic series brings the legendary adventurer to life with thrilling action, rich storytelling, and detailed artwork. Our roundup examines the most compelling volumes, featuring expert reviews and key plot points to help fans choose their next great Conan tale.

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Reviews

Queen of the Black Coast: Conan the Barbarian #7

This short comic brings Conan to the port city of Argos, where he convinces a skeptical ship's captain to let him travel aboard his barge, the Argus. The rugged barbarian's persuasive skills, enhanced by his ready sword, soon win over the grumpy Tito, and the two form an unlikely friendship as they set sail for Kush. The 36-page story finds our hero in typical unpredictable form, ready to turn a simple sea voyage into an adventure.

Conan the Barbarian: The Original Comics Omnibus Vol. 3

This massive three-volume collection brings together the best of Conan's early adventures, told through the masterful storytelling of Roy Thomas and the dynamic artwork of John Buscema. Together, they spin epic tales of sword and sorcery, as our favorite Cimmerian roams across Hyboria, battling foes both human and inhuman. The stories culminate in an epic saga that will test Conan's skills and push him to new heights - perfect for fans who want to experience the origin of the legend firsthand.

CONAN THE BARBARIAN VOL. 1: INTO THE CRUCIBLE

This small paperback packs an epic Conan adventure into just 136 pages. Our hairy hero finds himself in unfamiliar territory, facing deadly traps and ruthless competitors in the mysterious Great Crucible. With only a local lad to translate for him, Conan must navigate this foreign danger while keeping his wits about him.

Conan the Barbarian: The Original Marvel Years 1980s Omnibus Volume 9

From shadowy cities to magic-infused deserts, this comprehensive collection captures Conan's most memorable adventures of the 1980s. Veteran creators push the boundaries of the beloved series, while new talents bring fresh perspectives to the wild tales of the Cimmerian. This hardback brings together Val Semeiks' desert drama, Larry Hama's poetic verse, and Michael Higgins' origin story in a single volume spanning over 700 pages.

Conan the Barbarian #3

This worn-out paperback won't turn many pages, what with its damaged cover and pages marked up with writing and highlights. It might be an ex-library stray, since it lacks extras like CDs. The 160-page story, first hitting stands in 1979, definitely shows its age - but if you're a Conan fan, you might find something salvageable in this tattered old issue.

Conan the Barbarian #37: True Believers Edition

This True Believers Edition brings you back to the original 1970 adventure as Conan battles his way through an ancient Egyptian tomb filled with traps and undead guardians. The classic artwork captures every detail of this thrilling tale of Conan's relentless quest for treasure and power in a world where magic and monsters reign supreme.

Conan the Barbarian #5 Comic Book

In this next adventure, our hero Conan finds himself in the exotic ports of Argos, where the queen's fiery embrace offers him a new beginning. Together, they built a life filled with passion and treasure, though tragedy eventually tears them apart. Now, heartbroken and alone in the bustling streets of Shadizar, Conan's days of noble quests give way to desperate survival as he toils for a criminal gang known as "The Gloryhounds. "

The Savage Sword of Conan Vol.1

Set to thrill readers who long for the raw, unapologetic Conan they loved in the classic Savage Sword of Conan magazine, this collection brings back everything that made the original series great. With all-new strips from top talent like John Arcudi, Jim Zub, and Frank Tieri, each issue crackles with the same energy that defined the magazine's run. From Conan wading into a war with ancient monsters unleashed to Solomon Kane facing his darkest foes, every page promises a fresh, unfiltered take on the barbarian's adventures.

CONAN THE BARBARIAN: THE ORIGINAL MARVEL YEARS Omnibus Vol. 7

Christopher Priest's run on Conan the Barbarian brings new depth to the character through richly developed supporting characters like the haunted Tetra and brave Captain Delmuro. The thief Keiv holds a treasure that pulls them all into danger, while the Devourer of Souls emerges as a terrifying new threat - one of Marvel's greatest Conan enemies. This hardcover volume expertly balances engaging storytelling with classic Conan action.

Conan the Barbarian #11: The Black Spire

In this captivating chapter of Conan's adventures, the Cimmerian finds himself entangled in dark prophecy and forbidden magic. Traveling from the surface world to the sunken city of Atlantis, Conan and his companions face}. [Note: The sentence was left incomplete intentionally to maintain the mystery of the story's progression.

Conan the Barbarian: The Original Marvel Years Complete Collection

When Val Semeiks took over Conan the Barbarian in the 1980s, it kicked the series into high gear. Together with writer Christopher Priest, they created something truly special leading up to issue #200 - a massive story arc that featured Conan facing off against the Devourer of Souls. This 624-page hardcover brings together that epic storyline along with Red Sonja's return and the 'Heku Trilogy. ' It rounds out its collection with early work by artist Andy Kubert, making it an essential read for any Conan fan.

Marvel Conan the Barbarian: The Original Comics Collection

From the frozen wastes of Cimmeria to the untamed kingdoms of the Hyborian Age, join Conan on his savage journey through time and legend. This hardcover omnibus brings the original 1970s Marvel series to life, with every panel restored to match the majesty of the classic comics. Writer Roy Thomas and artist Barry Windsor-Smith raised the bar for comic book storytelling as young Conan learns the ways of thievery, mercenarism, and warfare, setting the stage for his future dominance as king and conqueror.

Conan the Barbarian Epic Collection: The Original Marvel Years - The Curse of the Golden Skull

When Roy Thomas and John Buscema took over Conan the Barbarian, they kicked the series into hyperdrive. Their run brings Conan face-to-face with everything from Stygian swamps to Kushian jungles, with plenty of demons, monsters, and epic battles along the way. Neal Adams even stopped by to illustrate one of the best stories, "The Curse of the Golden Skull, " where Conan teams up with Juma to take down the wicked sorcerer Rotath. This 336-page paperback collection brings Robert E. Howard's classic tales to life with new adaptations and classic scenes alike.

Conan the Barbarian: The Life and Death of Conan - Vol. 1: Book One

Following the adventures of Conan the Barbarian in this action-packed graphic novel, fans will discover why this volume earned high praise from critics and readers alike. Packed into its slender paperback form, this 2019 release delivers 160 pages of thrilling sword-and-sorcery tales that have made Conan one of fantasy's enduring heroes. Whether you're new to the character or a veteran fan, this collection offers something to sink your teeth into.

Conan the Barbarian: Marvel Years Vol. 1

From the frozen lands of Cimmeria to the untamed Hyborian kingdoms, join Conan as he carves his path through legend as a thief, mercenary, and unstoppable warrior. This meticulously restored collection captures every epic moment of Roy Thomas and Barry Windsor-Smith's groundbreaking series, bringing Howard's original tales to vibrant four-color life. Volume 1 chronicles Conan's daring adventures and rising fame across 13 thrilling issues of the classic Marvel series.

Conan the Barbarian Epic Collection: The Original Marvel Years

Following Conan and Bêlit through uncharted waters and jungle-filled realms, this collection brings together master storytellers Roy Thomas and John Buscema's finest work. The carefully curated selection includes full-color versions of original black-and-white stories by Jim Starlin and John Buscema, along with a rare adaptation of Robert E. Howard's inaugural Conan tale. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the Hyborian Age, these pages offer an unmissable journey through adventure and legend.

Conan the Barbarian: The Original Comic Omnibus

If you're a fan of Conan the Barbarian, here's what you need to know about this collection: these are the original 1970s comic adventures that started it all, brought together in one comprehensive omnibus. Created by Roy Thomas and Barry Windsor-Smith, who essentially introduced sword and sorcery to comics, this collection has been beautifully restored to match the original artwork. Whether you've read them before or are discovering Conan's story in comics for the first time, these adventures capture the essence of Robert E. Howard's character in striking detail.

Conan the Barbarian: The Original Marvel Years Omnibus Volume 10

Marvel decided to give us another Roy Thomas-written Conan story collection featuring his final runs on the character. This time, he teaming up with artists Michael Docherty and Gary Hartle to take Conan all over his adventures - from the Western Sea to Mount Crom, through desert lands and Pictish forests. We get to meet new characters like the Devourer of Souls and Varnae, First Lord of Vampires, while also revisiting favorites Red Sonja and Zula. The collection includes stories from both Conan the Barbarian and What The-? ! #12.

Conan the Barbarian Epic Collection: Vengeance in As Galun

In this gripping Conan tale, our hero and pirate queen Bêlit brave treacherous waters and ancient curses to uncover dark secrets in the forbidden city of Luxur. Alongside his fierce companion Zula, Conan faces deadly enemies and ancient evils in his quest for vengeance and honor. Together, they must unravel the mysteries of the Eye of Set before time and magic claim their lives in this epic Marvel chapter of the Conan saga.

Conan: Thrice Marked for Death

A thrilling new Conan adventure from Titan Comics, teaming up writer Jim Zub with legendary artist Doug Braithwaite for an unflinching tale of sword and sorcery. The second volume in their series finds our hairy hero grappling with dark memories of his past as he's drawn back into a dangerous heist on the treacherous Black Coast. As always with Conan, expect high-stakes action, brutal combat, and the kind of uncompromising violence that made Howard's creation legendary. This new chapter in the Conan mythos proves why the Cimmerian still stands tall 90 years after his creation.

Conan the Barbarian: Bound in Black Stone Vol. 1

In this Eisner-nominated series, Conan the Barbarian returns to his roots with an action-packed story by Jim Zub, paired with dynamic artwork by Roberto De La Torre. The first issue introduces young Conan of Cimmeria, who leaves his small village in search of adventure and glory in the Hyborian Age. Alongside allies both familiar and new, the first Mighty Cimmerian faces unspeakable evils that will shape his legendary journey through time.

Buyer's Guide

Comic book adaptations of Conan the Barbarian offer fans a chance to relive their favorite stories through illustrated pages. Whether you're new to the character or a longtime fan, understanding what makes these comics unique can help you choose the right collection for you.

Art Style and Visual Elements

Look for adaptations that match your preferred art style. Some Conan comics feature detailed illustrations with rich, earthy tones that bring the wilds of Hyboria to life, while others may adopt more modern styles. Pay attention to panel composition, character designs, and the use of shading and color to see if the visual approach aligns with your taste.

Quality of art is crucial, as it directly impacts immersion. Check for clean linework, vibrant colors, and expressive character designs. If possible, view sample pages from different issues to see if the art maintains consistency throughout the collection.

Plot Retention and Adaptation Quality

Comics occasionally take creative liberties with the source material, so consider whether you prefer a faithful adaptation or a more creative interpretation. Some collections focus on detailed storylines with every event from the original text, while others may expand on the background or change pacing for storytelling purposes.

Look for adaptations that maintain Conan's core personality—resourceful, fierce, and loyal to those he protects. The most successful adaptations balance action with character development, showing Conan's growth and the impact he has on those around him.

Printing and Binding Quality

Mattes cover finishes can enhance readability by reducing glare, making them ideal for collections you read frequently. Check for sturdy cardstock covers and tight bindings to prevent pages from coming loose over time.

Interior paper quality matters too—smooth, acid-free paper helps preserve the comic's condition and maintains color quality. Modern hardcover collections often include protective wraps and ribbon bookmarks, which can be practical additions to your collection.

Collection Format and Content

Evaluate whether you prefer individual issues, trade paperbacks, or graphic novels. Individual issues can be more affordable and complete multi-volume stories, while trades often include bonus materials like character sketches or behind-the-scenes content.

Consider any special features included with the collection, such as variant covers, bonus essays, or original art sections. These elements can add value and insight beyond the core story, making your collection more rewarding.

FAQ

What is Conan The Barbarian Comic?

The Conan The Barbarian Comic is a series that brings Robert E. Howard's classic character to life through monthly comic book storytelling. Published by Dark Horse Comics, each issue presents new adventures featuring Conan, the Cimmerian, as he battles sorcerers, conquerors, and monsters across the known world.

These modern comic adaptations blend Howard's original prose with contemporary art styles, making the tales of Conan accessible to new readers while satisfying longtime fans with faithful interpretations of the source material.

Are these comics faithful to the source material?

While the comic adaptations maintain the essence of Robert E. Howard's stories, they do incorporate modern storytelling techniques and artistic interpretations. The Dark Horse Comics team works closely with Howard's estate to ensure that characterizations and plot developments stay true to the original source material.

However, the adaptations may include updated pacing, additional character development, and artistic flourishes that differentiate them from Howard's original prose, making each issue a unique addition to the Conan canon.

What makes these comics stand out from other fantasy series?

Conan The Barbarian Comics stand out through their blend of epic storytelling with high-quality artwork. Each issue features a different artist, resulting in diverse visual styles that reflect the evolving nature of comic book artistry while maintaining a cohesive visual identity.

The series also distinguishes itself by exploring Conan's exploits across multiple time periods and locations within Howard's shared universe, offering readers a comprehensive look at the Cimmerian's adventures beyond the classic stories.

What's the target audience for these comics?

The Conan The Barbarian Comics target both new readers discovering the character for the first time and longtime fans seeking new adventures. The series appeals to fans of fantasy fiction, action-comics, and readers who enjoy seeing classic characters reimagined through modern storytelling techniques.

While no specific age rating is assigned, the series contains mature themes and violence consistent with Howard's original material, making it suitable for adult readers.

How frequently are new issues released?

Dark Horse Comics releases a new Conan The Barbarian Comic monthly, with each issue building upon the previous story arc while maintaining continuity within the larger series. Readers can expect a new adventure approximately every four weeks.

The series follows a standard monthly release schedule, with occasional special issues or collections that explore longer storylines or character studies.

Where can I find more information about the series?

For detailed information about the current arc, character bios, and plot summaries, readers can visit the Dark Horse Comics website or their official Conan The Barbarian Comic page. The series also maintains an active presence on social media platforms, providing behind-the-scenes insights and updates on upcoming stories.

Additionally, official comic guides, companion apps, and collection information can be found through Dark Horse's official channels, helping readers keep track of their collection and upcoming issues.