Book Review: The Cimmerian, Volume 2

Various authors, The Cimmerian, Volume 2. Portland, OR: Ablaze Publishing. ISBN: 9781950912346.

 

Genre: graphic novels and comics

Subgenre: fantasy

Format: e-book galley

Source: NetGalley 

 

The publisher describes this series as the first time Conan "is brought to life uncensored! Discover the true Conan, unrestrained, violent, and sexual. Read the stories as he intended!" (from volume's description). I can say the publisher and artists succeeded. 

This volume includes two Conan stories: "People of the Black Circle" and "The Frost Giant's Daughter." The volume also includes the original text of Robert E. Howard's stories, so you can read the original source and compare to the comics adaptation. That is a nice touch for this volume. Furthermore, the volume includes other extras such as a covers gallery and a sketches gallery from the two stories. If you like to see how the art in the comics took shape, check out the extra material. 

In "People of the Black Circle," Conan is chief of the Afghuli tribe, and a princess contacts Conan. She seeks revenge for her brother's death, but soon Conan finds himself embroiled in schemes and intrigues. However, shows he is more than a barbarian. He is daring and strong, but he is also smart and cunning as well. This comic shows Conan as a well rounded individual, strong and brave but also intelligent and with common sense. It also shows violence, sometimes in gruesome ways, and that is part of the story. 

In the second story, Conan is the sole survivor of a battle in the middle of a snowy field. He then sees this semi-naked redheaded maiden, and filled with lust chases after her. He has no idea who she really is, and naturally she keeps teasing him to keep the chase going. In this story we see the more sexual Conan. Will he survive? You'll have to read to find out. 

Both comics are well written and well paced. Once you start reading, you just keep going. The art is well suited to the stories, though at times some of the details may blur a bit here and there. Still, art is colorful and captures the essence of stories well. 

Overall, these are very good adaptations of the story. If you enjoy a gritty style in your fantasy art, art that seems drawn a bit quickly yet captures the story well, then you'll like this. This is a series that both longtime fans and new readers can enjoy.

This makes a good selection for libraries with graphic novel collections. This is a series I would order for our library, and I would recommend it. I really liked it. 

4 out of 5 stars. 

Book qualifies for the following 2022 Reading Challenge: