The Best Issues of Conan the Barbarian: A Guide for Comic Enthusiasts

Conan the Barbarian has long been a beloved character in the world of literature and comic books. Created by Robert E. Howard, his tales have captured the hearts of many for decades. But which issues of Conan the Barbarian rise above the rest? In this article, we will explore the best issues of the series, particularly those written by Christopher Priest, as well as some notable milestones from the Savage Sword of Conan run.

The Savage Sword of Conan: A Unique Series

Savage Sword of Conan was a periodical published by Curtis Magazines, a subsidiary of Marvel Comics. Unlike other comic series, Savage Sword of Conan was not subject to the Comics Code Authority and thus allowed greater artistic freedom with its cover art and story content. Many renowned illustrators such as Neal Adams, John Buscema, Alfredo Alcala, Jim Starlin, Pablo Marcos, and Walter Simonson contributed to this series.

The magazine featured incredible cover art by artists such as Boris Vallejo, Earl Norem, Bob Larkin, and Joe Jusko. Stories in Savage Sword of Conan provided a diverse and sometimes graphic look into Conan's world, with an abundance of violence, gore, and nudity. These issues often jump around Conan's adult life without any particular order, covering both his original stories and original adventures penned by writers and artists working within the series.

Some notable issues of Savage Sword of Conan include:

Issue 1 (1974) - The debut issue sets the tone for the series with a classic Conan story, laying the groundwork for the series. Issue 50 (1980) - This landmark issue features a wraparound cover and showcases a variety of stories celebrating the series' legacy at the halfway point. Issue 100 (1984) - Another milestone issue, it includes a mix of new stories and retrospectives, making it a collector’s item and a celebration of Conan's journey. Issue 174 (1994) - This issue features a noteworthy story, continuing the high quality of writing and art established in earlier issues. Issues 200-235 (1995) - These final issues continue to explore Conan's character and adventures, maintaining the high quality of stories and art.

Christopher Priest's Run: The Best Conan Stories

Another highlight in the Conan the Barbarian series is the run of issues written by Christopher Priest, formerly known as James Owsley. Priest's work is often described as exceptional, comparable to that of some of the best writers in the industry. He brought a unique and captivating style to the character, making Conan the Barbarian even more compelling to readers.

Christopher Priest's run began in Issue 172 but really took off in the 180s, continuing through at least Issue 200. During this period, Conan's legacy was further enriched by the introduction of a cast of memorable supporting characters, who became integral to the storylines and provided emotional depth to the narrative. Here's a look at some of these compelling supporting characters:

Kaleb - A priest who serves as a concerned father figure, caring for his young daughter. Keiv - Initially a smarmy, shifty friend, Keiv's character was dramatically altered when he was stuck in the body of a mountain. Shapur - A classic upstanding knight and master of the guards, providing a balance to Conan's rough demeanor. Simeon (Mad Simeon) - Shapur's counterpart, a madman known for his often erratic behavior, reminiscent of Murdoch from the A-Team. Kobe - A man of few words, Kobe's character adds a layer of authenticity to the narrative, reflecting Conan's own eccentricities.

This period is renowned for its thrilling storylines, rich character development, and masterful storytelling. Christopher Priest's run of Conan the Barbarian is a must-read for any comic enthusiast. It encapsulates the best of what classic comic book storytelling can achieve, blending action, adventure, and emotional depth to create a memorable and immersive experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the best issues of Conan the Barbarian are those that bring out the character's nobility, grit, and humanity. Whether it's the rich storytelling of Christopher Priest or the visually stunning Savage Sword of Conan, readers are sure to find captivating tales that showcase the depth and complexity of Conan the Barbarian. From the graphic and visceral storytelling of the earlier issues to the more humanistic and emotional narratives of the Priest era, there's something for every fan to appreciate and enjoy.