My Rating
“Bound In Black Stone – Part 03 The Fortress”
Into the dark depths Conan and his Pict companion Brissa did journey. The Fortress of Black Stone lay the focal point of the ghoulish invaders, and it would be here that the Cimmerian would reap his revenge. For all the blood spilled by the undead warriors, it was that of Conan’s countrymen which enraged him the most. In the underground tunnels carved by ancient madmen the ancestors of both Pict and Cimmeria would see vengeance.
As Conan and Brissa lurked through darkened hallways and corridors, their hearts raced with anticipation. Where was all the life they burned to take? The citadel appeared to stand unused for centuries. Then Conan’s steel blue eyes detected two hooded figures appearing from an archway leading into dark shadows below. Whoever or whatever they were, the figures moved at a hurried pace. Like panthers stalking their prey, Conan and Brissa followed intently. The two seasoned warriors knew if there were a pair of butchers, then there would be more.
Through unlocked doors Conan and Brissa did follow. It was there, deeper into the construct, a damp prison was discovered. What lay inside of the rusted holding cells shocked Conan to his very core. It was the remnants of the Etienne village. Had Crom spared these men so they may die like cattle? Conan quickly approached the iron bars but stopped abruptly as his appearance was taken as a ghostly specter. Could it truly be the son of Corin who the barbarian named Hydallan knew so well? Conan step to the cage as he knew it would breathe fire back into his clan.
What foul things await Conan and Brissa inside the Fortress of Black Stone? Will Brissa keep her word to Conan and shepherd the wounded Cimmerians out of the Black Stone Fortress? Can Conan survive the brackish waters worshipped by the hooded cultists? Collect the series to find out!
Reviewer Notes
I’m not sure if I can hype a series anymore, but in my opinion, Titan’s “Conan the Barbarian” is the best run of 2023. I was psyched when Dynamite release their latest Red Sonja project. Then I began reading the Titan series. Conan is clearly the winner when compared side by side. I must give issue #3 of Conan five out of five stars.
If you’re on the fence about diving into another Conan storyline, you want to pick up this Titan series. I recommend reading the Free Comic Book Day issue #0 first as it explains Conan’s motivations and his deep melancholies. The writing is on par with Robert E. Howard’s original work and the art is amazing. I recommend this run for anybody with a Hyborian library.
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