My Rating
“A Nest Of Serpents – Part Two: Diamond In The Dirt”
Into the pit! Conan is now a slave of the Stygian sorcerers of Keshatta, and they want his blood for their grizzly entertainment. As the barbarian locks weapons with a behemoth gladiator, the roar of the crowd fills the arena with fresh excitement. For no one has stood against Krum-Va the Carver and lived to tell the tale. However, there may be hope for the one calling himself Amra of Akbatana.
Elsewhere, within the complex, Princess Livia is keeping a close eye on the sorceress who enslaved Conan and the other Bamulas. Why would the plotting Athyr-Bast choose to retain them instead of placing each on the slaver’s auction block? It is clear. The witch seeks power and influence over wealth. This is information the Princess can use to manipulate their captures.
Will Conan survive the Stygian arena long enough for Princess Livia to plan their escape? Has the sorceress Athyr-Bast become too familiar with her new playthings? Who is the hooded figure that stalks Amra of Akbatana from the shadowy corners of Keshatta? Collect the series to find out!
“Stygia: Land Of Sinister Sorcery And Dark Mystery, Part One”
Writer Jeffrey Shanks delivers a fascinating history of Stygia, in part one of two featured articles only available inside issues #22 and #23 of Conan the Barbarian. In this edition, we discover the unique geographical features that span from lush river deltas, all the way to harsh, unforgiving deserts in the east. Readers will also learn the tyrannical social structure which dominates the population through a megalomaniacal council of sorcerers known as the Black Ring. I would suggest picking up a copy of this book before it fades into the sands of time. Forewarned is to be forearmed.
Review
Conan finds himself back in the arena as the “Nest Of Serpents” plot thickens. Artist Fernando Dagnino plants his flag here with stunning illustrations reminiscent of Golden Age comic books and pulp magazines. The work reminded me of vintage John Connor of Mars panel layouts. Very Frank Frazetta, if you ask me. I give this issue four out of five stars.
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English (US) · 