Published On: 2021-08-25 by Marvel
Artist: Cory Smith
Colorist: Israel Silva
Letterer: VC's Travis Lanham
Catch-up on Last Issue
Last issue, Conan stopped a coup, broke free of a dark power and left Khitai a little wiser for all his troubles.
In This Issue of Conan The Barbarian #24
Zub and Smith found a way to create a prequel of the classic Conan story, Queen of the Black Coast, that ties seemlessly with the original Robert E. Howard story. You don’t need to know the classic to enjoy this issue. Many know Conan for his land-based adventures, but he has a long history on the seas as a pirate. Conan the Barbarian #24 shows us the younger Conan learning that the sea should never be underestimated.
The Comic's Themes
This month we’re playing with man versus nature and one’s ability to deny destiny. There have been many good stories and movies about man fighting against the ocean. The water and storms can mix to create a nightmare scenario for any hero. Some will die. Others like Conan will pit his warrior’s spirit against nature every time.
Naogu gives Conan a difficult time for bringing trouble wherever he walks. Conan #24 takes this a step further and presents us with the gods messing with Conan; setting him up for something bigger.
How's Conan The Barbarian #24's Writing?
The Dialogue
Jim Zub is writing tales in the spirit of Robert E. Howard. I really like the narrator aspect of Conan the Barbarian #24. While Cory Smith’s artwork shows us the perils of sailing the ocean, the narrator word balloons elevate the story giving it an epic-ness. Every characters dialogue is pitch-perfect with the mandatory number of “By Crom’s” throughout.
Comic Art Review
Israel Silva’s colors add the mood. As the Crow (Conan’s ship) gets deeper and deeper into the storm, the colors become more blue and green. The water’s colors consume Conan’s world. The moment the storm breaks, Silva’s color palette returns to normal. I want the Belit full-page as a poster. Behold the Queen of the Black Coast!
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- Conan 24 Page 1
On the Cover
The primary cover by Geoff Shaw is a good one featuring Conan battling the storm.
We have additional cover by Roberto De La Torre and Frank D’armata. I’m not sure what it has to do with our story, but it sure looks great.
The Comic Panel by Panel
There are a lot of great panels in Conan the Barbarian #24. Among them are the ship fighting against the ocean and the storm. The waves keep getting bigger threatening to capsize the vessel.
World Building
Fans of the original Conan the Barbarian movie will appreciate Naogu. He reminds me of the narrator of that movie. His look, how he acts and the way his magic works. It’s a nice connection.
Fans of the novels, will like the easter egg reference to Gods of the North.
Who's In This Issue of Conan The Barbarian #24
- Conan
- Naogu (navigator, sorcerer)
- Belit
The Big Question for Next Issue
Something or someone is playing with Conan's fate. Who or what is it?
"No word or spell can stop it. No defense against destiny's call."
Who Will Like Conan The Barbarian #24?
If you are a fan of Belit, you must buy this issue. I do my best to avoid spoilers and was pleasantly surprised with the full-page introduction to the Queen of the Black Coast.
I Need More Content like Conan The Barbarian #24
If you are unfamiliar with Belit, there are a few sources to review.
More Reviews
Conan The Barbarian #23Should You Buy This Comic Book?
For a bridging, fill-in issue, this one is really good. You have to buy it just to prepare for Conan the Barbarian #25 (Marvel's Conan #300 and an extra-special anniversary issue).