Howard only wrote one story with Bêlit, but Thomas wisely decided to keep Bêlit around. So instead of making only a cameo appearance in Conan’s life, Bêlit had a sustained presence in Conan’s title for the better part of forty issues. Bêlit even met a certain flame-haired She-Devil, who was also known to be one of the greatest warriors of her era. Both women were present when Conan faced the legendary King Kull, in CONAN THE BARBARIAN #68’s time-bending adventure that featured several of Howard’s most memorable creations.

The dynamic between Bêlit and Conan was quite interesting. On Bêlit’s ship, the Tigress, her word was law, and even Conan followed her lead. On land, it was a more equitable partnership, and Bêlit never let Conan forget that she was just as formidable as he was. They were such a strong unit that kingdoms rose and fell around them. They could have stayed together forever as a legendary duo.

But everything ends eventually – and tragically. In CONAN THE BARBARIAN #100, the demise that Bêlit had evaded in QUEEN OF THE BLACK COAST finally caught up with her and her crew. Only Conan was left alive against a strange creature that resembled an ape with wings. Bêlit had promised that she would protect Conan, even in death. Somehow, she kept that promise, as an apparition of Bêlit distracted the creature long enough for Conan to avenge his loss. Conan placed Bêlit’s body on the Tigress and let the ship serve as her funeral pyre. Conan eventually took on other lovers, and even a queen when he became king. But there was only one Bêlit. No one else came close.