King Conan The Phoenix on the Sword #2
Script by Tim Truman
Art by Tomas Giorello
Colors by Jose Villarrubia
Letters by Richard Starkings and Comicraft
Cover by Andrew Robinson
Dark Horse Comics
Release Date: February 29, 2012
Cover Price: $3.50

I really REALLY wanted to like King Conan: The Phoenix on the Sword #2. Honestly, I did. But, for a variety of reasons, I just couldn’t.

First off, let’s get this outta the way. Tim Truman is a legend in the business. That being said, everyone has an off day. The biggest problem that I had with this issue is that Conan is hardly in it. He doesn’t show up until the last quarter of the book, and then it’s just for a reveal that really doesn’t mean that much. This issue will probably read better in trade than it does in single issue format.

Art wise, this book is spectacular. Tomas Giorello has a real feel for the look and feel of the world of Conan. He does a great job overall, lavish backgrounds, textures that look REALLY real. I’d be glad to have him draw Conan for as long as he wants.

If I had to grade this book, it would get a C-. It looks great, but the story’s just not there. Truman spends a lot of time setting up the back story of the villain, which needs to be done, but not at the cost of the main character.