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| Suspended Animation, February 20, 2004 |
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Conan: The Legend, published by Dark Horse Comics, 20 pages, 25 cents.
After being at Marvel for over 30 years, the rights to Robert E. Howard's barbarian character Conan now resides at Dark Horse Comics. And, so far, this new comic age of the legendary Cimmerian is off to a particularly impressive start. I mean, with a 25-cent zero issue sporting an intriguing story and incredible artwork, how can comic fans, present and potential, go wrong?
It all begins with the caravan of a spoiled and bored prince, as it makes it's way through the west, where the city of Aquilonia once stood. Upon discovering a chamber in the ruins, the prince happens upon a statue of Conan, and becomes fascinated by his legend. Writer Kurt Busiek's characters are interesting, and this "appetizer" has me looking forward to the series.
Cary Nord's artwork on Conan is possibly the best seen since the character's first comic incarnation, under artist Barry Windsor-Smith. Besides the attention to detail, and sense of realism, Nord's style is highly dramatic, and energetic, getting a further boost from the deep, rich colors by Dave Stewart. I don't really want to employ the over-used term "cinematic" in a description of this comic work, so it will have to suffice to say that this is what should be the look of the next Conan movie, come to comics.
Batman, published by D.C. Comics, 32 pages, $2.25.
The latest storyline in D.C.'s Batman series is some of the best material the title has enjoyed for the last couple of years. Writer Brian Azzarello primarily writes crime comics, and is new to super heroes. I read somewhere about the unique way he is approaching the character; he just imagines the cape as a trench coat. It works. Batman is one of the few super heroes who are not out of place in a crime noir setting.
Due to some racy content, recommended for older readers. Find both titles at your local comic shop.
Mark Allen
Shudder at Vance's Light's End horror short stories narrated by actor William Windom at www.plan9.org.
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Any statements made, expressed or implied are solely those of columnists or persons interviewed and do not represent the editorial position of the administration, who does not accept responsibility of such statements. All characters and artwork shown are trademark and © of their respective owners.
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