My Rating
“Conan: Wolves Of The Tundra”
The trap had been laid, or so the family thought. A savage, created by the very curse which flowed through their own veins, had been systematically killing those responsible for infecting him. Now the beast was at their front door looking to end the nightmare with a ferocious slaughter. As it was told to the Cimmerian in the light of day, to rid oneself of lycanthropy, the infected must slay the pack leader before the next harvest moon.
Was Conan’s salvation waiting for him inside that farmhouse, in the dark, where evil resides? How many innocents have been slaughtered on the days when the moon corrupts his mind? Can one warrior defeat a legion of monsters on their very own doorstep?
“Conan: City Of The Dead. Novel Preview”
Conan of Cimmeria and a small band of treasure hunters have descended into an underground catacomb in search of a forgotten artifact. What they find in the water-filled tombs of an ancient kingdom is much more than what they bargained for. Now they are in the fight of their lives as a host of ghoulish creatures attack them from every dark corner and passageway.
Will the motley band of adventurers escape the cannibal onslaught of beasts who crave nothing more than human flesh? Why did the tomb builders divert a stream so it flows into the center of the complex? How many more secrets are waiting for them in depths unknown?
“John C. Hocking. A Biography”
Celebrated writer, John C. Hocking, provides readers with a two-page biography detailing his life after being introduced to Robert E. Howard’s most famous fantasy character, Conan the Barbarian. From his early childhood, when John was given a small library of stories taken straight from the pages of crumbling pulp fiction magazines, to his first Conan manuscript, which he submitted to TOR publishing in 1995. John C. Hocking is not only a seasoned fantasy writer, he is also a lifelong fan of the Hyborian Age.
“Master Of The Hunt – Part 03”
The Gawr had been set loose upon the mortal realm of Wales after stealing the fabled Golden Mead of Annwyn from the Tylwyth Teg. Now the monster sought refuge in the old castle tower of d’Orbec. There it brought the corpses of those it hunted to feast upon until it grew hungry once again.
After battling the Puritan, Solomon Kane, the monster retreated to the old castle tower of d’Orbec to feast upon the son of Gwenllyan Maddocks – a modest farmer and good Christian wife. Solomon gave chase with the Hunter’s Horn, a relic forged in the time when Englishmen prayed to the pagan gods for their salvation. The true test would come when Solomon chose to blow the horn of Arawn, the mythical king of Annwyn and the master of the Wild Hunt. Would the forgotten Celtic deity respond to a follower of Yahweh? Solomon Kane would soon find out.
“Call Thee To Crom”
Writer Jim Zub gives the readers an original poem written to the Cimmerian god, Crom.
“Conan: Lure Of The Pit Creature”
During the time of Conan’s travels, he once lay victim to a natural sinkhole. Down and down the Cimmerian fell into darkness with only the light from the far surface above to guide him. There he discovered a lost underground city, of what origin he could not rightly fathom. There a mysterious woman leads the displaced swordsman on a chase through the winding streets of the crumbling polis. What Conan would find next would waiver even his war born demeanor.
Reviewer Notes
We have reached issue three of the new Savage Sword of Conan magazine published by Titan Comics, and I’m very pleased by the hard work and dedication the writers have placed into Robert E. Howards world of Hyboria. It appears that Titan will also be publishing two novels written by Conan alumni John C. Hocking in the near future. It appears that the characters of Robert E. Howard will continue for a new generation of readers.
As for this issue, the stories were quite diverse, with Solomon Kane taking center stage once again. I only hope in future issues, however, that Conan gets at least one continuing storyline. I don’t think random short stories will sustain Savage Sword in the long run, but at least the writing and artwork are really well done. My plan is to crack open some of the original Marvel editions I have in my collection to make a comparison between old and new concepts.
If you like Conan, or just a fan of old pulp fiction characters, you should check this series out. I’m giving issue three of Savage Sword of Conan three out of five stars. The randomness in this issue just seemed a bit odd to me, however the entertainment level is still present.
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