Conan and the People of the Black Circle #3 has Conan and Yasmina on the run again after escaping from the Wazuli tribesman who attacked them after their leader was killed. But they’re not the only ones pursuing the duo as the sorcerer Khemsa and Gitara are on their heels too. And add to that the soldiers with Kerim Shah and it’s easy to understand at the beginning of this issue why Conan would have Yasmina exchange clothing with a random girl traveling on the road in order to throw off their many pursuers. It would work with some but since they’re traveling so close to  the black peak of Yimsha, home of the seers of the Black Circle, they would need more than that to protect them as Conan tells her this is the closest even he’s traveled to the black mountain. He still doesn’t know that Yasmina wanted to bargain with him to kill the black seers for revenge for her brother so her inquiries as to whether or not he would ever attack them are answered with him only saying if he had to defend himself. That’s about to be put to the test as they finally encounter Khemsa on the road ahead of them ready to take the Queen.

I’ve been enjoying this series because of its premise and the actual events taking place, however I have felt that one of the weaker aspects in the last issue was the direct interaction between Conan and Yasmina. I found it lacking in some ways. This issue starts off with the two of them interacting and it started to gain some traction before they were interrupted by Khemsa and Gitara so there’s still no common goal or understanding between the two. The confrontation between the two parties was good and finally some action between the two (and there’s been more chemistry between Khemsa and Gitara than Conan and Yasmina.) Before it can go any further it’s interrupted by the black seers who attack Khemsa for betraying the circle and ultimately take Yasmina for herself. Once again the action is strong here and the artwork is as solid as ever. The story is strong as well as aid comes from an unexpected quarter but makes perfect sense, and even an explanation is given as to why the Black Circle dappled in human affairs and killed Yasmina’s brother, the king. Their first introduction in terms of dealing with Conan boosted their status in my eyes as formidable threats, and their actions after capturing Yasmina gives a good reason for why they have to be dealt with next. The switching of another allegiance felt very hasty but considering the mentality of the people involved it’s not so far-fetched although another group now trying to kill Conan could make things too convoluted down the line.

SUMMARY

Conan and the People of the Black Circle #3 is another solid issue in this series and does an excellent job of demonstrating why the Black Circle is viewed with such fear by people. The events in this issue move the series along wonderfully and builds the anticipation for a confrontation between Conan and the Black Circle, and for the rescue of Queen Yasmina. I still feel that the interactions between Conan and Yasmina have been underdeveloped but there are enough events taking place to make it stand out less and make this series still feel engrossing.

Writer: Fred Van Lente

Artist: Ariel Olivetti

Release date: 12/11/13