104 replies to this topic

[Aquilonia]

I prefer honest reviews too, Zack.

[Battleborn]

Her was my response to the Kabooooom Review:

I TOTALLY disagree.In my opinion this arc of Conan The Barbarian (Queen Of The Black Coast) is a pile of crap.It's nothing more than a bastardization not only of the Conan character himself as Robert E Howard described him but also of the actual tale itself .I have no problem with creative input or expanding on a character or story but in this case it's just the opposite.Cloonan has Conan looking like a little twelve year old child and Harren has him looking like a haggard frightened old man,for God's sake.This is nothing more than Dark Horse Comics trying to cater to the pop culture crowd.Personally I have already canceled all of my future subscriptions of Conan The Barbarian atleast until this arc is done,and that is a BIG stretch for me because I absolutely LOVE Conan,but if this is the direction Dark Horse is taking the character then they and their pop culture audience can keep it.I'm done with it.

[johnnypt]

Yeah ... I find it hard to trust reviews that like that.

As a reviewer, I know there is nothing easier and ego-stroking than to write glowing reviews all the time. They are popular, get endless shared around by the creators, companies, etc ... if you are extra cool you might even get used as a blurb on the trade edition.

While critical reviews are buried deep in the internet. Me, I have to give my honest opinion, even if it is an unpopular one.

Who knows? Maybe that guy really, really loved the speed lines! But the fact that he didn't even know they were called speed lines leads me to question ...

So he gave Becky's issues lower ratings than the last two? To each his own indeed. He did have it right by referring to "Brian Wood's Conan". But 5/5 ought to be reserved for the very best issues of any series, it's hard to make the argument that the last two are better than the first three.

[Ironhand]

The Kaboom reviewer refers to "new dimensions of Conan"? These are dimensions that do not, in fact, exist! Wood should invent his own slim, sensitive barbarian wuss, and keep his civilized paws off of Conan.

[Ironhand]

All right, I read #5, and am somewhat mollified by the panels later in the comic where Conan is kicking ass. The speed lines didn't bother me, I hardly noticed them. But I still don't like Conan the Disconsolate.

And before anyone says "Ironhand, why don't you just keep your mouth shut until you read the comic?", I will say "Why doesn't DH use covers that aren't so outrageously bad that they force us to complain?"

[Dave the Rage]

Guys, about to start some controversy, apologise before the storm from me.

I loved issue 5 of Conan QotBC, I want to stay within the confines of the Cromrades and not pop above the parapet to take an arrow, but I can't be silent on this topic. I actually enjoyed issue 5 The Argos Deception more than any other issue. I hate the skinny Conan yes, but I am starting to like Woods alot. His writing style is not that of Thomas, he has Conan coming from a more kniave young civilised upbringing, and what I mean by that is the fact that he has Conan doubt his outcome as he walks to the gallows. The words he uses do leave me feeling a bit miffed, but it suited the story and his angle. His surreal use of language and metaphores leaves me intrigued and fulfilled. I especially liked the fact that Conan times his fight and plans for his sword in his hands by the end. The lust of the commander chasing Belit and her dispatching them as any Alexander Dumas heroine would do that was trained in death dealing...excellent depiction of Belit that gives her power and pose that others in the past have not give her?! Conan's dagger hitting home right between the eyes of the large fiend, after nearly being hung, inprisoned and starved of life, that is the Conan I know and enjoy. The artwork and back drops again leaved me feeling fulfilled as that of how I imagined Hyboria. I can only fault the winging Conan and the doubtful Conan as Woods not realising that a Lion does not think like that when it is surrounded by Hyenas, the lion is sure of his strength, ability and power without doubts of that of a scavanger predator. Though he had to do Conan as if to tell his tale from that angle, I understand this and still enjoyed this issue more than others.

(Email sent also to REH comic group also).

Edited by Dave the Rage, 26 June 2012 - 12:47 AM.

[deuce]

Can we petition to change the cover???? This cover is putrid...The board outcry caused Conan the Cimmerian final issue cover changed...

You mean this one?

http://www.google.co...29,r:0,s:0,i:68

[Dave the Rage]

Can we petition to change the cover???? This cover is putrid...The board outcry caused Conan the Cimmerian final issue cover changed...

You mean this one?

http://www.google.co...29,r:0,s:0,i:68

Sry but I love this cover, and the man moob piercing on bottom left.

It screams battle and mayhem to me.

[johnnypt]

Guys, about to start some controversy, apologise before the storm from me.

I loved issue 5 of Conan QotBC, I want to stay within the confines of the Cromrades and not pop above the parapet to take an arrow, but I can't be silent on this topic. I actually enjoyed issue 5 The Argos Deception more than any other issue. I hate the skinny Conan yes, but I am starting to like Woods alot. His writing style is not that of Thomas, he has Conan coming from a more kniave young civilised upbringing, and what I mean by that is the fact that he has Conan doubt his outcome as he walks to the gallows. The words he uses do leave me feeling a bit miffed, but it suited the story and his angle. His surreal use of language and metaphores leaves me intrigued and fulfilled. I especially liked the fact that Conan times his fight and plans for his sword in his hands by the end. The lust of the commander chasing Belit and her dispatching them as any Alexander Dumas heroine would do that was trained in death dealing...excellent depiction of Belit that gives her power and pose that others in the past have not give her?! Conan's dagger hitting home right between the eyes of the large fiend, after nearly being hung, inprisoned and starved of life, that is the Conan I know and enjoy. The artwork and back drops again leaved me feeling fulfilled as that of how I imagined Hyboria. I can only fault the winging Conan and the doubtful Conan as Woods not realising that a Lion does not think like that when it is surrounded by Hyenas, the lion is sure of his strength, ability and power without doubts of that of a scavanger predator. Though he had to do Conan as if to tell his tale from that angle, I understand this and still enjoyed this issue more than others.

(Email sent also to REH comic group also).

No controversy, you seem to be in line with a lot of the reaction to this issue. It seems I'm among the minority on this one, but it just didn't do as much for me as the previous four issues. I'm hoping next issue brings a little balance back with art and words.

[Slashing Sword]

Can we petition to change the cover???? This cover is putrid...The board outcry caused Conan the Cimmerian final issue cover changed...

You mean this one?

http://www.google.co...29,r:0,s:0,i:68

And I thought we caused the change

[Dave the Rage]

Guys, about to start some controversy, apologise before the storm from me.

I loved issue 5 of Conan QotBC, I want to stay within the confines of the Cromrades and not pop above the parapet to take an arrow, but I can't be silent on this topic. I actually enjoyed issue 5 The Argos Deception more than any other issue. I hate the skinny Conan yes, but I am starting to like Woods alot. His writing style is not that of Thomas, he has Conan coming from a more kniave young civilised upbringing, and what I mean by that is the fact that he has Conan doubt his outcome as he walks to the gallows. The words he uses do leave me feeling a bit miffed, but it suited the story and his angle. His surreal use of language and metaphores leaves me intrigued and fulfilled. I especially liked the fact that Conan times his fight and plans for his sword in his hands by the end. The lust of the commander chasing Belit and her dispatching them as any Alexander Dumas heroine would do that was trained in death dealing...excellent depiction of Belit that gives her power and pose that others in the past have not give her?! Conan's dagger hitting home right between the eyes of the large fiend, after nearly being hung, inprisoned and starved of life, that is the Conan I know and enjoy. The artwork and back drops again leaved me feeling fulfilled as that of how I imagined Hyboria. I can only fault the winging Conan and the doubtful Conan as Woods not realising that a Lion does not think like that when it is surrounded by Hyenas, the lion is sure of his strength, ability and power without doubts of that of a scavanger predator. Though he had to do Conan as if to tell his tale from that angle, I understand this and still enjoyed this issue more than others.

(Email sent also to REH comic group also).

No controversy, you seem to be in line with a lot of the reaction to this issue. It seems I'm among the minority on this one, but it just didn't do as much for me as the previous four issues. I'm hoping next issue brings a little balance back with art and words.

though man enough to admit it, appreciated.

[Slashing Sword]

Guys, about to start some controversy, apologise before the storm from me.

I loved issue 5 of Conan QotBC, I want to stay within the confines of the Cromrades and not pop above the parapet to take an arrow, but I can't be silent on this topic. I actually enjoyed issue 5 The Argos Deception more than any other issue. I hate the skinny Conan yes, but I am starting to like Woods alot. His writing style is not that of Thomas, he has Conan coming from a more kniave young civilised upbringing, and what I mean by that is the fact that he has Conan doubt his outcome as he walks to the gallows. The words he uses do leave me feeling a bit miffed, but it suited the story and his angle. His surreal use of language and metaphores leaves me intrigued and fulfilled. I especially liked the fact that Conan times his fight and plans for his sword in his hands by the end. The lust of the commander chasing Belit and her dispatching them as any Alexander Dumas heroine would do that was trained in death dealing...excellent depiction of Belit that gives her power and pose that others in the past have not give her?! Conan's dagger hitting home right between the eyes of the large fiend, after nearly being hung, inprisoned and starved of life, that is the Conan I know and enjoy. The artwork and back drops again leaved me feeling fulfilled as that of how I imagined Hyboria. I can only fault the winging Conan and the doubtful Conan as Woods not realising that a Lion does not think like that when it is surrounded by Hyenas, the lion is sure of his strength, ability and power without doubts of that of a scavanger predator. Though he had to do Conan as if to tell his tale from that angle, I understand this and still enjoyed this issue more than others.

(Email sent also to REH comic group also).

I actually liked this issue as well... minus the wierd faces by Harren. I also agree that Conan is more sure of himself than has been depicted. I really liked Belit's handling of the guards showing she really deserves to be the pirate queen. Speed lines did not bother me as well.

Couple of things did not make sense...

- Why would the sentries agree to Belit proposition and go against court ruling?? They should not have this athority.

- When the brute grabs Conan's wrist with knife... we see large kracking sound effect implying bones are broken... yet, no signs of it when Conan throws the knife and later beheads him with full force... same goes with his knee blows under brute's feet but later he is standing normally without any pains. I'm sorry, but Conan is still human and breaking two major bones must be extremely painful for anyone.

Edited by Slashing Sword, 26 June 2012 - 02:21 AM.

[Taranaich]

Having read the comic (haven't gotten around to issue 4, so if any of this is explained or mediated, I'm a numpty), I'm of two minds. I loved Belit's transformation, the art was lovely - I even fairly liked the faces, they're different, if nothing else - and Harren has a great eye for action. Messantia looked great, and even if I'm a bit skeptical about Belit actually managing to take over the city (it'd be like a pirate could take over Venice) I think it's an interesting idea. So I liked this quite a bit more than the adaptation issues.

But there is no way on earth or the Land of Mists Howard's Conan would ever just walk sullenly to the gallows. Ever. Conan would constantly search for a way to escape and panic like a trapped timber-wolf. We know this, because we know what Conan acts like in captivity ("Rogues in the House," "The Scarlet Citadel," "The Hour of the Dragon," et al): Wood, in choosing to only read "Queen of the Black Coast" and no other stories, thus depicts Conan entirely out of character in comparison to every other situation where Conan is in jail, both when he was a young man ("Rogues" happens before this story in DH's timeline, after all). And you can bet Conan would take the first opportunity he saw to escape - because that's exactly what Conan does.

Seeing Conan march to his death, head bowed in submission, even saying "I'm going to die today" - no, not even Arnold's Conan was that pathetic. Not even Konahn would allow himself to die in such a manner.

[ZackDavisson]

So I am clearly in the "hate the speed lines" minority. I can deal with that ...

And yes, Taranaich, Howard's Conan wouldn't do that. But ...

Conan's head wasn't bowed in submission was it? I sort of read it as matter of fact, knowing the idea that he would die but wasn't afraid of it. I actually liked that line.

[Ironhand]

I am so entirely in agreement with Taranaich that that's what I've been trying to say for weeks. Only he said it better.

Edited by Ironhand, 27 June 2012 - 05:23 AM.

[Gin-Wulf]

So I am clearly in the "hate the speed lines" minority. I can deal with that ...

And yes, Taranaich, Howard's Conan wouldn't do that. But ...

Conan's head wasn't bowed in submission was it? I sort of read it as matter of fact, knowing the idea that he would die but wasn't afraid of it. I actually liked that line.

even if it was meant in that light it is still very un conan like. even when conan thought he may die he still would go sword swinging, after conan fights Thog and is mostly dead and thinks he hears more men on the other side of the door, he thinks he may die but still grips his sword to kill as many as he can before he dies., so a conan that puts his head down even to except death is so far from what conan is , it is like this team has not even read a full conan story .

[Taranaich]

Conan's head wasn't bowed in submission was it? I sort of read it as matter of fact, knowing the idea that he would die but wasn't afraid of it. I actually liked that line.

Going bravely or fearlessly to your death doesn't matter one iota if you're still going to your death. It doesn't matter how heroic you are: if you're still allowing someone else to put your head into the noose, and don't fight back, then you're still submitting to the will of another.

Besides, we know what Conan would do if he expected to die:

Any other man would have already died there, and Conan himself did not hope to survive, but he did ferociously wish to inflict as much damage as he could before he fell.
- "The Scarlet Citadel"

[Officer Aggro]

I'm with you guys, but could it be possible that Conan was relying on Belit's promise to help him escape before attempting anything else? After all, she did swear that to him in his cell, and maybe he didn't wish to jeopardize her plan. It was the whole reason he subjected himself to such a grim scenario anyway, so perhaps it's not entirely fair to compare this to any other circumstance where he was actually captured and imprisoned against his will instead of voluntarily. Yeah, he probably wouldn't give up and bow his head as he did, but I'm trying to rationalize this. All those other times he was imprisoned he could only rely on himself, as far as he knew, and that was his only choice until other opportunities presented themselves.

[Gin-Wulf]

that could be the case, but then i think there should have been a narrative explaining that conan had to fight his barbarian instinct of killing his guard taking his weapons and splitting skulls till he is free or dead, that is was hard for him to do nothing and put his life in some one else's hands.

[Aquilonia]

that could be the case, but then i think there should have been a narrative explaining that conan had to fight his barbarian instinct of killing his guard taking his weapons and splitting skulls till he is free or dead, that is was hard for him to do nothing and put his life in some one else's hands.

That is a good point, but Wood seems to know little about the character.