Cary Nord

I enjoyed the pulpy, action-adventure mix of historical origins and sci-fi hero's quest - "an ancient nomadic warrior Aric is abducted by aliens and turns out to be worthy of their superpowered suit of armor just in time to come back to earth in the modern day," with all the trappings of Aric missing his old way of life and not understanding what's happened since then. Between The Force Awakens and this book, I've seen a lot of space-age claymores. Nord's artwork is up to the task of showing show more off the disparate settings (ancient field of battle, alien jail & plantation, modern-day Colosseum), and the action satisfies in all four issues collected here.

However, this book has a problem with women, and it's particularly bothersome because of how this book frames itself within the Valiant universe. A foreword (and lots of marketing) points to X-O Manowar as a launch point for the Valiant universe, a shot fired across the bows of Marvel and DC. Good for them! Show the big two the errors of their ways! Subvert some cliches and show us what superhero comics can really do! When Aric has a flashback to his passionate nights with his wife then wakes up and mourns her absence, I can almost let the trope slide. He's not just fighting for his freedom, he's fighting... for love! ...Or he would be, but his flashback shows that she only existed to love him physically (when he's away in battle, she "thinks of new tactics" to use on him, nice fantasizing there Venditti). Is Aric the ancient nomad warrior only aware of murder and sex? Is he the equivalent of a caveman crossed with Iron Man's armor and a lightsaber?

At the end of the book, the perspective shifts to a new character (I suspect Ninjak, Valiant's equivalent of Bruce Wayne) who's watching the news of Aric's arrival on Earth while two women pine for him in bed, observing that perhaps it's the "other" ladies' turns with him. He steps out of his bedroom and there's a whole waiting room of young women waiting for their number to be called to sleep with the billionaire playboy. Watch out, Aric the bold warrior who challenged the Roman empire, you're about to go toe to toe with... some lothario? I appreciate the division of characterizations, but there's a side effect that I hope was unintentional:

Unless I missed a background cameo, these scenes tell me that the only roles for women in the series are "fondly remembered nympho wife" and "prostitutes for the male rival." This element of the story is a cringeworthy blind spot that should be addressed in later volumes. As it stands, based on the first book, this pulpy adventure hits some fun beats but is not at all what I would recommend to people interested in trying out the Valiant universe beyond seeing "Who's Manowar? Okay, back to the great stuff." show less

This excellent series continues with the young Conan’s first encounters with “civilization.” Enemies are made, alliances are forged, and monsters are defeated with the requisite amount of sword swinging. Busiek and Nord weave some excellent character development in and around the action highlighting the young barbarian’s confusion, disdain, and inquisitiveness about city life and the opportunities it might offer him.

This was a wonderful collection of early Conan's adventures. It starts with exquisite introduction given through small group of foreign conquerors (unfortunately Stygia - or some elements of it - seems to be in full force yet) roaming Cona's remote lands hundreds of years after his death. While investigating the newly conquered lands this group comes across what looks like to be Conan's final resting place and story starts.

And what a story. We follow Conan as he seeks adventure in the far show more north seeking the ancient world of Hyperborea. We follow him as he assists Aesir against Vanir warrior bands that ravaged Aesir's land during the ever lasting feud between two. In these stories Conan meets the true Northerners, their way of life, meets strange monstrous giants in the far north and gets enchanted [to border of madness] by beautiful yet bloodcurdling daughter of the ancient gods and finally reaches the mythical Hyperborea where he will learn that myths and stories are sometimes so different from the reality.

Stories are usual Conan action story, we follow him as he makes pacts with honorable men and fights the treason and cowardice, suffers from the betrayal and great loss and has one of his first encounters with the magic that ends especially bad for him (which explains his dislike for magic and wizards). I especially liked the story arc placed in Hyperborea, land of dark-magic immortals that have grown tired of .... life itself.

Entire story is full of links and references to ancient myths and people and these just add to the [already great] overall experience.

Art is excellent and what is more important consistent throughout the story arcs. Panorama's of the wild North and various creatures - be it ones encountered by Conan or those we learn about from the stories about creation of Hyperborea - are so wonderfully drawn, they are truly epic.

Recommended to all fans of heroic fantasy and Conan in particular. show less

This definitely catches the spirit of Robert E. Howard. If you are expecting the Conan of the films, this is not it (although it is said the films do catch a bit of the ambiance, but I digress). The compilation is divided in short chapters, which make it very easy to read, and the art just works well to bring Conan's world to life. The main story is Conan's search for the land of Hyperborea, which his grandfather told him about, describing it as a paradise on Earth. Of course, as often show more happens, when you get there, paradise is not quite what it seems. Overall, a pretty good fantasy story. I am glad Dark Horse is bringing these new compilations of their updated Conan series. Busiek is adapting and expanding on Howard's work, and it works well. I will definitely be looking for other volumes. show less