This volume starts out with some fantastically Conan moments. His theft and escape are both funny and brazen. Following this up, we see Conan in a classic story, The God in the Bowl, where he first runs afoul of someone who will become a long term problem in his life. After this misadventure, Janissa is introduced, and I’m not sure how I feel about her. On first appearance, she seems to be a simple substitution for Red Sonja, down to her kind of silly revealing costume.
Overall, the volume is excellent. More gorgeous artwork from Cary Nord and some crackerjack writing from Busiek, who continues to get at the heart of Conan. Conan loves what he does, even when he is disgusted by the fickle whims and petty betrayals of so called civilized people. In the shadow of ancient and corrupt magics, he is a candle of brute reason.
In rereading this volume for the first time in quite a while, I admit I’m more curious about Janissa and what will happen with that character. And I really liked the priest of Ibis, Kalanthes. I’m not sure if he returns either, but I wouldn’t mind. Can’t wait for the next volume. This is very much a series to read.
Conan: Volume 2: The God in the Bowl and Other Stories
Author: Kurt Busiek
Artist: Cary Nord
Publisher: Dark Horse Books
ISBN: 1-59307-403-4
Pages: 176
-Matt
No comments:
Post a Comment