Conan The Barbarian (TB) – Volume 01 Issue 24

3 weeks ago 17

“A Nest Of Serpents – Part Four: The Nest Breath ”

Sorcery can be a powerful ally if one chooses to employ it. For Conan, he despised the practice no matter who wielded it. So, when the Darfarian shapeshifter known as Zula clutched a magic amulet around his neck, Conan’s face turned sour. There had to be another way to open the massive stone door blocking the tunnel leading beneath the city of Keshatta. Zula argued differently.

An aura of low green light began to radiate from the snake-bound spirit trapped inside his amulet. Conan cautiously stepped backwards as a low rumble emitted from the massive stone archway in front of them. The structure sensed the Stygian magic coming from Zula’s device, and in seconds the door slid open allowing passage through. It was at this point both men realized they would have to continue forward. Down into the darkness where the brood of snake beasts lay.

Will Zula honor his pact with Conan and help the barbarian rescue Princess Livia? What dark horrors await Conan and Zula underneath the Stygian temple of Set? Can the sorceress Athyr-Bast exact revenge upon Conan before he escapes the city of nightmare?

“Serpents In Human Form: The Sinister Villains Of Stygia”

Jeffrey Shanks continues his series with a look at the infamous villains of Stygia. From the minds of Robert E Howard and various writers at Marvel Comics, readers will learn Thoth-Amon was not the only foe of Conan the Barbarian. If you’re a fanatic of Conan or the setting you will want to read this article.

Review

I was unaware that the sorceress Athyr-Bast began her conquest of power back in the Marvel Comics Conan the Barbarian series (1993). It’s fun to see these old characters being repurposed for a new generation of readers. I’m glad to see the return of Zula and Athyr-Bast.

A Nest Of Serpents was an interesting story arc with outstanding art by Fernando Dagnino. I hope Dagnino becomes the permanent artist on Conan. He is definitely an asset to the comic book industry. I give issue 24 five out of five stars.