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Kareem Ali 5

King Conan The Conqueror #5

 

  • The good

    Conan's triumph return is definitely felt. Introduction of those he would be facing gave a clear understanding of the current situation. Artwork requires you to notice all details

  • The bad

    Not entirely clear why Thoth-Mekri helped Conan

  • The ugly

  • King Conan The Conqueror #5 opens up with Conan confronting the undead creature holding the Heart of Ahriman in its hand, and the only obstacle left to him acquiring it. Trapped by the undead’s gaze, Conan is unsure of what to do until it extends its hand offering Conan the Heart. He takes it, surprised, and tests his luck by asking the creature who he is and if he knows the way out. The creature responds that he’s Thoth-Mekri, and he shows Conan the way out of the temple safely. After having experienced more than enough in the temple Conan doesn’t even look back as he’s racing out of the temple even though he can feel the dark forces he encountered coming in, and when he returns to his ship he enthusiastically tells his crew it’s time to set sail. And when he victoriously shows them the Heart of Ahriman they’re completely on board with what they now will come next: the fight to reclaim the throne. Conan had what he needed to bring the fight to Xaltotun but he also remembered the oath he took to the lovely girl who saved him from the dungeon and that’s part of his desire to make haste to raise an army. But once the people know that their king is indeed still alive it’ll cause an uprising that’ll spark fear in Xaltotun and his pawns. But the war won’t be easy because Xaltotun won’t give up the throne without a fight.

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    Even though I enjoyed the last issue I felt things were wrapped up pretty fast, and I was hoping that the series would return to its earlier form with its combination of story progression, character development and action. The opening was surprising to have the undead hand Conan the Heart of Ahriman and lead him out the temple but I actually loved it because it advanced the story past the temple and city with an entire issue still ahead. And I found stirring in me the excitement I had after reading the first issue when he returned to his ship and the next chain of events in the story started to unfold. Conan’s journey to retrieve the Heart was over but the battle to recover his kingdom was just beginning, and the introduction of Xaltotun, Valerius, Tarascus and Amalric was excellent and the writing was just mesmerizing. But unlike Conan rushing from the temple and through the city, you have to take your time to notice and appreciate the fine detail, and I don’t know if the artwork was based on specific instructions but Tomas Giorello does an amazing job in showing various emotions, so even the quick look on Akivasha’s face spoke volumes about her story and her existence. Or Conan’s image of Zenobia knowing the love that existed there showed a stark contrast to Valerius’s activities while the people suffered. It’s this combination of writing and drawing that make the adventure so engrossing. I don’t want to give away the entire issue but Conan’s triumphant return to seek to reclaim his crown is something that is definitely felt here, and so the panic in his enemies is very real. I don’t know how much can be covered in the final issue but with the way events unfolded here it should be a sight to behold.

     

    SUMMARY

    King Conan The Conqueror #5 returns the series to its earlier glory similar to Conan returning to Aquilonia declaring he was still alive. The masterful writing with the splendid artwork made this issue such a joy to read, and succeeded in everything a penultimate issue should strive to achieve. I felt Conan’s return and now I can’t wait for the head to head battle and conclusion next issue.

     

    Release Date: 6/26/14

    Writer: Timothy Truman

    Artist: Tomas Giorello

     

  • Rating ( 9.75 )
  • Total score 9.8

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