Conan the Barbarian #16
Written by Brian Wood
Art by Davide Gianfelice
Colors by Dave Stewart
Letters by Richard Starkings & Comicraft
Cover art by Massimo Carnevale
Dark Horse Comics
Release Date: May 15, 2013
Cover Price: $2.99
In Conan the Barbarian #16, Conan and Belit get a much needed rest from all the troubles they’ve been having as of late. Disease, war, angry fathers, are all left behind as they take shelter in Ophir for some well deserved rest. Or so they think.
I wish writer Brian Wood would stop being so insanely good on this title. No, I don’t wish that, but I hope he at least stays on this book for the rest of his life. This issue starts as a really nice character piece on Conan and Belit and the romance that’s blossomed between the two, takes a left turn and ends up being a classic Conan type tale..with a very interesting twist. I really can’t get over how much I enjoyed this issue. Wood’s writing and feel for this character has just kept getting better and better with each issue of this series.
The art on this book is INSANE!!!! Artist Davide Gianfelice should NEVER leave Conan!! Ever!!! OK, so, you can tell I like him a lot. So will you, once you see his work here. He’s got the perfect style for this book, and for comics in general. Fantastic page layouts that really tell a great story, great expressions that let you know what’s going on without you having to even READ the word balloons, just all around greatness. I’m really hoping that he stays on this title for awhile, at least this arc. After that, Dark Horse REALLY needs to give him his own series…letting him drawn anything he wants.
When you go into your comic store this Wednesday, make this the very first book that you pick up. I don’t care if you’ve never read the series before, you’ll be a regular reader after this issue. THIS is the point where everyone should jump onto Conan the Barbarian.
I have never wished more for someones wishes to NOT come true in my nearly fifty years on this planet. To each their own? Sure. But this title is about as far from Howard’s vision as you can come. Wood’s departure will not come soon enough.
Comment by Bob Freeman — May 14, 2013 @ 1:57 pm
This is an awful, awful Conan story. I almost have to assume this review is some sort of joke…
Comment by Bob — May 14, 2013 @ 3:12 pm
I have read Conan since the Lancer paperbacks. I have never missed purchasing a related REH comic since the first of Marvel’s Conan and Kulls (Creatures on the Loose #10). To call myself a fan of REH and a completist is an understatement. Now, for the first time in some 45 years, due to Wood’s lack of understanding and caring of the character and the often appalling art (Lolos) I will no longer be purchasing Conan the Barbarian. It is sa, but I refuse to any longer play the sucker.
Comment by Paul — May 14, 2013 @ 4:31 pm
Obviously this guy does not read the comments, or is not paid too. He just dings his paycheck at the door, and if you are doing this for free then stop selling out mate. Wood’s take on Conan is abysmal at best of times, with only a decent story being the Woman on the Wall for me, the rest was lacking and juvenile and had no substance, almost like wanting steak and getting a burger king burger instead. Nuff said.
Comment by Dave Houston — May 14, 2013 @ 5:54 pm
I think I’m gonna be sick… P.S. Hayes you shouldn’t be writing about Conan – you don’t know the first thing.
Comment by Ed — May 15, 2013 @ 4:19 am
WOW
Comment by Chad Redding — May 15, 2013 @ 9:29 am