Conan The Barbarian

Conan The Barbarian was the first comic book series dedicated to Robert E. Howard's character. The series was launched in 1970 by Marvel Comics and was discontinued after a lengthy 275-issue run in 1993. Marvel also launched numerous spin-off series such as King Conan and Savage Sword of Conan.

Marvel editor Roy Thomas bought the rights to Conan for Marvel Comics as he was looking for new ways to expand Marvel lines. Thomas would serve as a writer for many years on title. To launch the series he recruted British artist Barry Windsor-Smith who would stay on the series for almost 25 issues. The issue showcased in Adventures Into Digital Comics was inked by Sal Buscema, who would later enjoy a big career as an illustrator at Marvel and lettered by Sam Rosen.

Dark Horse Comics has recently started to collect the entire series in trade paperbacks. Here is a summary of each book now available.

Chronicles of Conan Volume 1: Tower of the Elephant & Other Stories - In the early 1970s, Robert E. Howard's Conan the Barbarian exploded on to the comics scene. Writer Roy Thomas teamed with a young artist named Barry Smith, and together the two mapped out some of the most stirring and memorable Conan adventures to come along since those written by Howard himself. Over the course of their 24 issue run together, Thomas and Smith defined Conan for a generation of comics readers, and now those stories are collected here in a series of trade paperbacks. Featuring completely remastered color and text corrections, and containing material not available for nearly thirty years, these books are the perfect companions to the upcoming all-new Conan series from Dark Horse.

Chronicles of Conan Volume 2: Rogues in the House & Other Stories - Compiling the early Conan the Barbarian stories by writer Roy Thomas and artist Barry Windsor-Smith, this collection contains some of the most powerful and compelling comic stories ever created. Following Robert E. Howard's pulp hero Conan through the early part of his life, Thomas and Windsor-Smith (then going by the name "Barry Smith") wove together pieces of the fantasy, horror, and science fiction genres, all built around the framework of Howard's original fiction. Featuring completely remastered color and text corrections, these stories have been unavailable in color since their original publication, nearly thirty years ago. A must for Conan fans and art afficionados alike.

Chronicles of Conan Volume 3: The Monster of the Monoliths and Other Stories - This is the third volume in a series collecting the early Conan comic-book stories by Roy Thomas and Barry Windsor-Smith. Originally created in the 1930s, Robert E. Howard's Conan the Barbarian has survived to emerge as one of this century's most powerful and popular characters. Even more impressive than the character's lasting appeal over the past seven decades, is the caliber of talent involved in all of the various Conan incarnations. Of those, there are few that speak as clearly and as uniquely as artist Barry Windsor-Smith. Over the course of these early stories, Windsor-Smith's stunning evolution from comic-book cartoonist to full-fledged artist is apparent and thrilling to behold. This volume collects issues #14, #15, and #17-#21 and features completely remastered color.

Chronicles of Conan Volume 4: The Song of Red Sonja and Other Stories - Volume four collects the end of Roy Thomas and Barry Windsor-Smith's seminal run on Conan the Barbarian. As with any collaboration between two extremely talented artists, before their partnership on Conan came to an end, Thomas and Windsor-Smith were producing the finest work of their careers up to that point. And like those great collaborations, we're left to wonder, "what if they'd stayed together..." This compilation features two outstanding creators at the top of their game, working on a compelling character who's popularity has never faded. Also included is the first issue of acclaimed artist John Buscema's definitive run. Collecting issues 23 through 26 of the original Marvel series and material from the second and third issues of Savage Tales, originally published in the 1970s. As an added bonus, this volume features Richard Isonove, colorist of Marvel's Origin: The True Story of Wolverine and Neil Gaiman's 1602, bringing to life Thomas and Windsor-Smith's ultimate masterpiece, Red Nails.

Chronicles of Conan Volume 5: The Shadow in the Tomb and Other Stories - The return of Conan is at hand. By the mid 1970s, Robert E Howard’s seminal Sword and Sorcery hero had cut a path through the comic-book world, restored to vivid life by prolific writer Roy Thomas and his host of talented artists. Of those artists, none contributed more to Conan’s legacy than the legendary John Buscema. Taking the lush and detailed realism that had already been established in the comic-book series, Buscema pushed the look of Howard’s creation in an entirely new direction, illustrating what would become the definitive version of Conan for an entire generation of readers. Collecting issues #27-#33 of Marvel’s Conan the Barbarian series.

Chronicles of Conan Volume 6: The Curse of the Golden Skull and Other Stories - In the eight decades that have passed since prolific pulp writer Robert E. Howard created his seminal Sword and Sorcery adventurer, Conan, many other scribes have tried to recreate the passion and energy Howard infused into his stories. Few have come as close as comics writer Roy Thomas did during his long and influential run on Marvel's monthly Conan the Barbarian series back in the 1970s. Collaborating with the most acclaimed and talented artists of the time, Thomas wove a narrative tapestry of action, intrigue, and heroism that's as powerful today as it was when it was published nearly 30 years ago.

Chronicles of Conan Volume 7: The Dweller in the Pool and Other Stories - Throughout his adventures across the mythic Hyperborean world, the barbarian called Conan crosses swords with many colorful and dangerous characters, somehow always finding himself on the wrong end of a wizard's wrath, or staring down the hungry jaws of a nightmarish beast. Proving himself more than a match for whatever comes his way, Conan has become one of the most enduring and strangely endearing characters in all of popular culture. The stories in this edition feature more tales of thrilling adventure and chilling betrayal as only writer Roy Thomas and artist John Buscema could deliver.

Chronicles of Conan Volume 8: Brothers of the Blade and Other Stories - In a fantastic world filled with malevolent magicians and dangerous doppelgangers, one man pits his flesh, blood, and steel against an endless tide of enemies-natural and supernatural-that would seek to destroy him. That man is Conan! Whether he's going toe-to-toe against a lumbering beast or taking on a shipload of cut-throats and pirates, Conan's strength, cunning and iron will know no equal. Collecting issues #52-#60 of the original series.

Chronicles of Conan Volume 9: Riders of the River-Dragons and Other Stories - From the turbulent seas to the deepest, darkest jungles, the barbarian Conan moves ever closer to his destiny as king and conqueror. Allied with the deadly she-pirate Bêlit, Conan journeys further into the most savage and untamed Hyborian lands, and into his own heart of darkness. Collecting Conan the Barbarian #60-63, #65, #69-71. It's Sword and Sorcery at its finest!

Chronicles of Conan Volume 10: When Giants Walk the Earth and Other Stories - Treading the long and winding path toward his eventual monarchy, Conan becomes witness to the corruption and devastation of many a fantastic kingdom along the way. Not the least of which being the marvelous, and equally dangerous, lands of Harakht--home to the fearsome Hawk-Riders and their enormous avian beasts. Despite the overwhelming odds and the presence of a mysterious, earthbound space rock, it will take more than a flock of giant and savage birds to strike fear in the Barbarian's heart. With his lover Bëlit--the Queen of the Black Coast—at his side, no threats, terrestrial or otherwise, will prevent Conan from fulfilling his destiny. Featuring nine more issues from the famed Roy Thomas/John Buscema run on Conan the Barbarian, stories showcasing Conan’s adventures with Belit the She-Pirate, one of Robert E. Howard's most powerful and beloved female characters. Collecting Marvel's Conan the Barbarian #72-77, and #79-81.

Chronicles of Conan Volume 11: The Dance of the Skull and Other Stories - From the savage swamps of Iskander to the burning wastes of Stygia, Conan battles mutated man-dragons and a corpse-devouring abomination in this most recent volume chronicling the legendary exploits of literature's greatest fantasy hero! Before the bronzed Cimmerian can return to the arms of his lover Belit, Queen of the Black Coast, he must face deadly treacheries and the dark spells of a cunning sorceress. Once reunited, the two shall storm the serpent throne and its dark owner—Thoth-Amon! With wit and steel alone, Conan seeks victory and a prize without rival on destiny's bloody road to kinghood! Featuring nine more issues (#82-90) from the famed Roy Thomas/John Buscema run on Conan the Barbarian, stories showcasing Conan's adventures with Belit the She-Pirate.

The Chronicles of Conan Volume 12: The Beast King - Conan and Bêlit, Queen of the Black Coast, reunite with their pirate crew aboard the Tigress only to be drawn into the vermin-infested swamps of Stygia. In the dark depths of this haunted land, they battle for their lives amidst stately pleasure gardens transformed into treacherous dens of deceit. There, a twisted beast-king reigns supreme, his hordes of abominations descending mercilessly upon the Cimmerian and his lover. Together, the two shall face monstrous man-crabs and a sultry sea-witch, but when an ancient secret is unleashed it means only one thing for a member of their heroic party-death! Featuring ten more issues from the famed Roy Thomas/John Buscema run on Conan the Barbarian, stories showcasing Conan's adventures with Bêlit the She-Pirate, one of Robert E. Howard's most powerful and beloved female characters.

Chronicles of Conan Vol. 13: Whispering Shadows and Other Stories - A new era begins for Conan the Barbarian, as he sets out, once more alone, into the savage heart of Hyboria- his wit, his strength, and his blade his only allies against a flood of foes both human and super-human! Presenting more of the celebrated Roy Thomas/John Buscema Conan the Barbarian run, as well as a special guest artist appearance by Sal Buscema! All featuring completely re-mastered color; all proving once again why Conan is the greatest and most savage Epic Fantasy character of all time. Collects Marvel's Conan the Barbarian #92 and #101-108.

Chronicles of Conan Volume 14: Shadow of the Beast - Conan faces his most arduous adventure yet as he matches his wits and brawn against the very forces of nature itself-no small task, even for a man who's done battle with wizards, otherworldly beasts, and ancient gods. But will the strength of steel really be enough against such powers? All this plus the tenth anniversary story by Roy Thomas and John Buscema, this volume marks the end of an era-collecting the final issues of Roy Thomas's celebrated run on Conan the Barbarian. Featuring completely re-mastered color, this volume is a must for fans of classic sword and sorcery! Collects Conan the Barbarian Issues #108-115.

Chronicles of Conan Volume 15: The Corridor of Mullah-Kajar and Other Stories - Following a legendary writer like Roy Thomas is no easy task, but J.M. DeMatteis (Justice League, Spider Man: Kraven's Last Hunt, Moonshadow) found himself doing just that when he collaborated with writer Len Wein on Conan #116-and then became the book's new regular writer with Conan #118! Dark Horse's latest Chronicles of Conan collects six issues from the regular series run, as well as the second Conan King-Size Annual. Readers will marvel at the strange new landscapes, creatures, and magical foes that DeMatteis brought to the series, while still getting a Roy Thomas fix with his "Phoenix on the Sword" adaptation from Conan Annual #2. This volume collects Conan the Barbarian issues #116 to #121 and Conan Annual #2.

Chronicles of Conan Vol. 16: The Eternity War an Other Stories - Following a renowned writer like Roy Thomas was no easy task, but J.M. DeMatteis (Justice League, Spider-Man, Moonshadow) found himself fit for the job when he became Conan the Barbarian's next regular writer with Conan #118! This volume continues the period when DeMatteis worked with legendary artist John Buscema, collecting five of their regular series issues, as well as Conan Annuals 4 and 5, which were created by Roy Thomas, John Buscema, and Ernie Chan! Enjoy the continuing story lines, growing cast of characters, and increasingly strange sorcerers and monsters in the regular series segments, while getting a look at an older Conan's fight for his throne and queen in the unbeatable Thomas/Buscema/Chan Conan Annual collaborations: "The Return of the Conqueror" and "Bride of the Conqueror"!