Writer: Cullen Bunn

Artist: Sergio Dávila

Colors: Michael Atiyeh

Publisher: Dark Horse Comics

Robert E. Howard’s legendary creation is in very good hands with Dark Horse these days. This particular title and the Blood in His Wake story arc has been making me smile ear-to-ear since I opened it. I am, unabashedly, a Conan fan. Heck, my D&D characters, throughout different versions and even Dungeons and Dragons Online, is inspired by a character from one of the successor-written novels named Hordo. Since I was a kid, I could not get enough Conan. What I loved most about my collection of books was that I could open them and just let myself float away. So, it was especially refreshing to me when I opened this title up and on the very first page of Conan the Slayer #1 there, in the little letter-box was the same typeface that used to transport a young boy into the world of Conan. That the writing and artwork were above par might not have hurt either!

Cullen Bunn shows us that he has a deep understanding of our Cimmerian friend. The manner in which he assesses situations and people, the words that seem to come from someone who is much more than a mere barbarian. In this story, we find Conan with a group of Kozaki who had taken him in after he had been found wandering the desert wounded (Issue #1). Come forward in time a bit and Conan has become not just accepted by the group’s leader but has become a real part of the group. This is classic Conan. Always the outsider, but playing an integral part in whatever is around him. Bunn deftly shows us these relationships, the trust, the admiration, the questioning, the jealousy, and we all know where that usually leads, to the conflict.

Sergio Dávila’s artwork is bold, with rich textures and detail. One feels that we can actually be in harm’s way if we stand too close. It is a visceral and gritty visualization that works perfectly with the sinew-straining barbarian and his companions. Add to that the vibrant and saturating colors from Michael Atiyeh and it’s just like the visions in my mind while reading the original Howard tales on quiet, rainy days, brought to full life on the page. The way in which the panels flow, the story seems to be generated naturally and the images projected straight into our mind.

If you couldn’t tell, this new title hit the sweet spot on my bat and went into the upper deck behind left-center field. I am not sure what it is, but Bunn-Dávila-Atiyeh have nailed it. Conan is in fine hands in this title, and I really am eager to see the next issue!

Writing: 10/10

Artwork: 10/10

Overall: 10/10