Published by: Marvel
Written by: Jason Aaron
Art by: Gerardo Zaffino
Issue four of the re-booted Conan the Barbarian is a strange beast (pun intended). The writing continues to be handled very nicely by Aaron, but art duties have been handed over to Zaffino for this issue. A departure from the previous three issues, which were, I think, great looking comics. 1-3 began a series of unrelated stories within the framing device of the Crimson Witch stalking our Hero in order to gain revenge and resurrect her Master.
Issue 4 drops any reference to the Crimson Witch, but does not suffer. The story is still fine, showing an older Conan, suffering from a mysterious ailment following his rise to become the King of Aquilonia. In a desperate attempt to avoid the monotony of court life, Conan decides to get back into the action, and eventually finds himself playing the part of a masked vigilante (a very slight nod to The Punisher in my opinion).
Gerardo Zaffino brings a more grittier art style, which on a few panels looks a bit off. The overall effect thought is pleasing and I wouldn't be unhappy if Zaffino took over a few stories here and there. He certainly knows how to draw the king of the jungle.
This new range also includes a novella, Black Starlight by John C. Hocking. I'm not sure how long it will be, but I have to say it is a great idea to include this. I won't be reading these till all the parts have been published, and will likely review them here when I do. Does anyone else think this is a good idea?
So, a strange issue. Good story, decent art, lots of blood and gore as I would hope. But no link to the overall plot arc. Hopefully it won't turn off the readers?
Issue 4 drops any reference to the Crimson Witch, but does not suffer. The story is still fine, showing an older Conan, suffering from a mysterious ailment following his rise to become the King of Aquilonia. In a desperate attempt to avoid the monotony of court life, Conan decides to get back into the action, and eventually finds himself playing the part of a masked vigilante (a very slight nod to The Punisher in my opinion).
Gerardo Zaffino brings a more grittier art style, which on a few panels looks a bit off. The overall effect thought is pleasing and I wouldn't be unhappy if Zaffino took over a few stories here and there. He certainly knows how to draw the king of the jungle.
This new range also includes a novella, Black Starlight by John C. Hocking. I'm not sure how long it will be, but I have to say it is a great idea to include this. I won't be reading these till all the parts have been published, and will likely review them here when I do. Does anyone else think this is a good idea?
So, a strange issue. Good story, decent art, lots of blood and gore as I would hope. But no link to the overall plot arc. Hopefully it won't turn off the readers?