My Rating
“The Blue Orchid”
Conan, Atta, and a slave girl named Zaria have escaped the clutches of Prince Yezdigerd’s guard only to find themselves outcasts in the Mountains of Night. One thing haunts their thoughts. Who possesses the mystical gem known as the Blue Orchid Diamond. A treasure worth a king’s ransom in gold. Will a Cimmerian, Zamorian, and Nemedian work together to discover the whereabouts of such a legendary prize? The answer is a resounding no.
In the cold dark of night, Zaria deceives her two rescuers, leaving them with less treasure and one fewer horse. To the east, the vixen race towards the cliff side village of Shukhan – a safe haven where killers, thieves, and pirates wait for an opportunity to grow their fortune and sharpen their blades. It is a true nightmare place for anyone seeking to hide recent acquisitions, stolen or otherwise.
Who is the true ruler of Shukhan? How far will Atta go to share his bed with Zaria once more? Will Conan survive a drunken brawl with an entire tavern full of cutthroats and murderers? Who is the old crone of Shukhan Crag?
“The Wolves Of Dundalk”
Something is eating the families of Dundalk and the local militia are powerless to stop it. Most residents blame this nightmare on wolves, but those have been hunted to extinction years ago. What type of man has the gall to end the slaughter? A Puritan. Solomon Kane.
Review
The Blue Orchid is a masterpiece in comic book storytelling. Crafted by Roy Thomas and Plotter/Artist Robert De La Torre, this work has become my favorite in the Titan Comics run of Savage Sword of Conan. This is an amazing story with some of the best Conan art to date. In my humble opinion, of course.
The backup story by Enrique Dueñas is pantomime-esque in nature with an almost Disney-style artwork. Fun! But don’t tell the residents of Dundalk there are no wolves.
I give this issue five out of five stars. The Legacy of Robert E Howard and his characters are in good hands. I wish Titan Comics nothing but the best.
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