Conan the Barbarian: 21 Best Comics for Fans

Conan the Barbarian has thrilled readers for decades with his relentless quests for power and glory. This roundup examines the most compelling comic adaptations of Robert E. Howard's iconic character, highlighting the strengths and contributions of each series.

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Reviews

Queen of the Black Coast: Conan the Barbarian #7

When Conan demands passage on the Argus, he discovers a captain with an unexpected appreciation for raw strength. Tensions between the barbarian and the crew simmer, but an alliance forms as they sail toward the black kings of Kush. The short journey reveals much about Conan's code and the dangers lurking in the coastal waters.

Conan the Barbarian: The Original Comics Collection Vol. 3

Following Conan's mercenary career with the Crimson Company, this volume sees the Cimmerian's legendary exploits reach new heights. Traveling alongside pirate queen Belit, Conan battles through Hyboria's wild jungles and storm-tossed seas, earning his title as Amra in epic tales of swordplay and sorcery. The masterful storytelling of Roy Thomas and John Buscema unites Conan with Kull and Red Sonja in battles against the Stygians, as Belit's rightful rule of the Black Coast hangs in the balance.

Conan the Barbarian Vol. 1: Into the Crucible

Following Conan's farthest journey yet, tensions rise as he agrees to compete in the mysterious Great Crucible. Facing deadly traps and competing rivals, the barbarian's wits and strength will be put to the ultimate test in this thrilling tale from Jim Zub.

Conan the Barbarian: The Original Marvel Years

This hardback omnibus captures Conan's evolving adventures through the 1980s, featuring a masterful desert city saga by Val Semeiks, the haunting "Drumsong" by Larry Hama, and Michael Higgins' compelling origin story. The collection brings together the talents of veteran creators like Gerry Conway and Don Perlin, offering both familiar fans and new readers a rich look at Conan's formative years and legendary exploits.

Conan the Barbarian #3

This 160-page mass market paperback from 1979 presents Conan the Barbarian's third comic adventure. The cover and pages show significant wear, with signs of previous ownership including writing and highlighting. While the core story remains intact, collectors should be aware that this copy may show signs of library usage and lacks any included CDs or accessories.

Conan the Barbarian Vol. 1, No. 37 (True Believers Edition)

This issue of Conan the Barbarian brings you back to the 1970s with a classic original story. Expect to see familiar elements of the series that made it a fan favorite. The cover might be different from what you expect, but the content inside should deliver the adventure you're looking for.

Conan the Barbarian #5

Traveling east in search of adventure, Conan reaches the port city of Argos where he impresses the Queen of the Black Coast with his strength and spirit. Their bond forms amidst passion and treasure, though tragedy strikes when Bêlit meets her end. Seeking solace in Shadizar's seedy streets, Conan joins a group of thieves known as "The Gloryhounds, " struggling to forge a new path among the criminal underworld.

The Savage Sword of Conan Volume 1

The Savage Sword of Conan brings the classic barbarian back in all his uncensored glory. Volume one collects the first three issues of this acclaimed new series, featuring all-new Conan stories from John Arcudi, Jim Zub, and Frank Tieri, along with a fresh Solomon Kane tale and exclusive art. Get ready for ancient monsters, exiled Princes, and Conan facing impossible choices in the desert wastelands.

Conan the Barbarian: The Original Marvel Years Vol. 7

In this seventh volume of the Marvel Conan series, writer Christopher Priest crafts rich character stories around the iconic barbarian, introducing memorable figures like the haunted Tetra and the brave Captain Delmuro. Together, they face off against Keiv the Thief, while Priest also introduces one of Conan's most dangerous adversaries - the Devourer of Souls. The hardcover edition brings together issues 172-194 and the 10-11 story arcs from the Conan Annual, spanning 680 pages of epic sword-and-sorcery adventures.

Conan the Barbarian #11

In this tale, young King Kull has bizarre visions of an evil spreading from his home village, calling him to seek out the legendary Conan. Together, they brave storms and pirates to reach Atlantis, where Kull's darker purpose becomes clear - to face a horrifying threat that's tearing through dimensions.

Conan the Barbarian: The Original Marvel Years

This hardcover marathon of Conan storytelling brings together the talents of Val Semeiks and Christopher Priest for a thrilling ride through Marvel Comics' most memorable runs on the character. Spanning nearly 600 pages, it captures the epic scope of their collaboration, from the dark depths of Thulsa Doom's machinations to the untold tales of Red Sonja and the Heku Trilogy. Savor every panel as the saga builds towards its unforgettable climax, where even Conan's darkest enemies threaten to overwrite time itself.

Conan The Barbarian: The Original Comics

This hardcover omnibus brings Marvel's classic 1970s Conan the Barbarian series back to life with restored four-color pages that match the original editions' majesty. Writer Roy Thomas and artist Barry Windsor-Smith raised the bar for comic book storytelling as a young Conan, born in Cimmeria's frozen wastes, learns to be a thief, mercenary, pirate, and warrior in the untamed kingdoms of the Hyborian Age. Each adventure stands as a peak moment in Conan's journey from ordinary man to king, with the oversized format doing justice to the tale of a Cimmerian's rise to legendary status.

Conan the Barbarian Epic Collection: Original Marvel Years

Following Conan's adventures across Hyboria, this 2021 collection features the masterful storytelling of Roy Thomas and John Buscema, transforming the barbarian into a legend. Join Conan in the swamps of Stygia, the jungles of Kush, and the realm of Khitai as he battles monsters, demons, and fellow warriors. The edition includes Neal Adams' iconic illustrations for 'The Curse of the Golden Skull, ' teaming the hero with Juma against the sorcerer Rotath in all-new and classic tales alike.

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

Fans of the stone-skinning barbarian will want to strap on their fur cloaks and grab this one-handed read about Conan's early days before he became the legend. At just 160 pages and a compact size that won't make your arm fall asleep on the couch, it's a quick way to sate your thirst for sword-wielding nonsense. The paper's a bit thin, but the story's so action-packed you might not notice until the pages start curling at the edges.

Marvel Conan the Barbarian Complete Collection Vol. 1

In this epic adventure, Conan leaves his frozen homeland of Cimmeria for the untamed Hyborian kingdoms, where he hones his skills as a thief, mercenary, and warrior. The original comics of Roy Thomas and Barry Windsor-Smith set new standards for comic book storytelling, bringing Robert E. Howard's iconic creation to life in four-color brilliance. Marvel's restoration matches the majesty of the original editions, capturing every detail of these early exploits that would make Conan king.

Conan the Barbarian Epic Collection

The original Marvel years of Conan reign in this sturdy paperback, featuring the legendary tales of the barbarian and his pirate queen Bêlit. In one unforgettable adventure, they face off against the Lord of the Lions for the honor of Amra. Master storytellers Roy Thomas and John Buscema deliver a thrilling saga that brings together Conan, Kull, and Red Sonja in a battle between Robert E. Howard's greatest creations. The collection also presents full-color editions of Jim Starlin and John Buscema's black-and-white Conan stories, including the rare "Crawler in the Mists. "

Conan the Barbarian: The Original Comics Omnibus

Roy Thomas and Barry Windsor-Smith brought sword and sorcery to comic books with these classic 1970s adventures, now restored in vibrant color. Fans will relive Conan's original exploits from the pages of Conan and Savage Tales, as the definitive collection returns in glorious new form.

Conan the Barbarian: The Original Marvel Years Volume 10

The original Conan stories from Marvel comics come together in this collection featuring artwork by Michael Docherty and Gary Hartle. Writer Roy Thomas brings Howard's classic character into new territory, exploring dark forests and mountaintops as Conan faces off against vampires and sorcery. The tales blend classic fantasy elements with Thomas's own creative twists, including memorable additions like the Devourer of Souls and the mysterious Isparana.

Conan the Barbarian Epic Collection

In a tale of adventure that takes Conan deep into the heart of forbidden lands, the pirate queen Bêlit and the mighty barbarian set sail on a dangerous journey down the River Styx. Their quest leads them from the treacherous shores of Shem to the mysterious Lost Valley of Iskander, where dark magic and deadly creatures test their resolve. As Conan uncovers ancient secrets in the shadowed city of Luxur, he discovers an ally in Zula, a fierce fighter with magic powers that might just be the key to their survival.

Conan the Barbarian: Thrice Marked for Death

Set sail with Conan as he returns to the shores of the Black Coast, where his memories of Belit and the Tigress still haunt him. In a high-stakes heist that threatens to tear him apart, our barbarian must face the chaos that has defined his legendary journey. Jim Zub's compelling narrative pairs perfectly with Doug Braithwaite's signature artwork, bringing Howard's sword and sorcery classic to thrilling new life.

Conan the Barbarian: Bound in Black Stone Vol.1

In this Eisner-nominated series, young Conan of Cimmeria yearns for adventure beyond his village, his mind already picturing the unspeakable evils and legendary allies he'll meet in the Hyborian Age. When the time comes to chase blood-soaked glory, he takes his first fateful step into legend. This graphic novel brings together an action-packed script from Jim Zub and dynamic artwork by Roberto De La Torre, breathing new life into the character Robert E. Howard immortalized 90 years ago.

Buyer's Guide

The Conan the Barbarian comic series brings readers deep into the wilds of Hyperborea, where mighty warriors clash with sorcerers and monsters. The best comics capture the essence of Robert E. Howard's original stories while offering fresh, compelling narratives for modern readers.

Storytelling Quality

When evaluating a Conan comic, look for a solid plot with well-developed characters. The story should faithfully represent Howard's style while showing growth from previous adaptations. The pacing should keep readers engaged, with each issue building towards meaningful conclusions.

Artwork and Visual Style

The visual aspects are crucial in bringing Conan's world to life. The artwork should balance detailed character designs with dynamic action sequences. The color palette often reflects the story's mood, from warm tones in elven forests to cold blues in frozen wastelands.

Adaptation Fidelity

While interpretation is inevitable, a good adaptation respects Howard's original vision. This includes accurate depictions of characters, locations, and magic systems. However, thoughtful modernization can enhance the story without sacrificing authenticity.

Additional Features

Look for extras that add value to the core story. This might include character profiles, world-building details, or connections to other comics in the series. High-quality production values, like premium paper and professional layout, also indicate a commitment to reader satisfaction.

FAQ

What makes this collection of Conan comics unique?

This Conan the Barbarian collection stands out from other comic series due to its high-quality art standards and a diverse range of storytelling. Each issue features new adventures that expand the legendary character's backstory and world, unlike previous licensed runs that often retold classic tales.

The artwork varies between creators but maintains a consistent epic fantasy style that matches the character's original mythology. This collection serves as both an introduction for newcomers and a rewarding read for fans who want to explore the source material beyond movie adaptations.

How does the writing compare to the original stories?

The writing balances modern storytelling techniques with the beloved elements of Robert E. Howard's original tales. It maintains the grittiness and action of the source material while offering nuanced character development and strategic plot twists.

Each writer brings their own style to the series, resulting in a collection that reads smoothly while honoring the pulp fiction roots of the Conan stories. The pacing effectively builds tension and reward throughout each issue.

What kind of art styles will readers encounter?

The collection showcases multiple artistic approaches, from realistic to more cartoony interpretations of Howard's characters and settings. Some issues favor detailed, traditional comic book art, while others embrace modern visual storytelling techniques.

These varying styles enrich the reading experience by providing different visual perspectives on Conan's world, though all maintain a clear commitment to depicting the dark fantasy elements that define the series.

Is this suitable for both new and experienced readers?

While new readers will enjoy the entertaining storytelling and engaging artwork, experienced Conan fans will particularly appreciate the depth of world building and character development. The collection serves as an excellent gateway to the larger narrative that began with this series.

Each issue stands alone while contributing to a larger story arc, making it accessible for casual readers while offering enough complexity for dedicated Conan enthusiasts.

What makes it different from previous Conan adaptations?

This collection focuses on original stories rather than retelling classic tales, allowing for fresh takes on the character's adventures without relying on established source material. The character design and world-building differ enough from movie adaptations to offer a distinct Conan experience.

Unlike shorter series or graphic novel formats, this collection presents a fuller narrative arc, creating a more substantial reading experience that captures the essence of Howard's original stories.

Why choose this collection over other fantasy series?

Conan's blend of action, world-building, and character development sets it apart from other fantasy series, offering readers a more dynamic reading experience. The high-quality art and distinctive storytelling make it memorable among similar collections.

Whether you're new to Conan or a returning reader, this collection provides a compelling entry point into the series, combining the best elements of both modern comic book storytelling and classic fantasy fiction.

As an Amazon Affiliate I receive compensation through qualified purchases.