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Post by lordyam on Sept 29, 2017 22:42:19 GMT -5
Okay; This MAY be the last issue I do for a while (I'm on a month long hiking thing with no access to the internet). If I'm lucky I MAY be able to get 4 issues down. Issue #11: God in the Bowl Part 2: The God in the Bowl Recap: We start where the last issue ended, with everyone staring at the open bowl. Demetrio asks Conan if this is what he came to steal; Conan ridicules the suggestion. It's WAY too big for him to carry. Demetrio gives a "hmmmm" and gets to examining it. Based on the chisel marks being hasty it's logical that Kallian was the one who opened it (though Demetrio doesn't discount the idea that the murderer, who he suspects of hiding nearby). Promero goes back to ranting about how utterly unholy the sarcophagus is (the metal, the smell)....he even notices a disturbing image on the lid. Demetrio presumes it's a crown, and Promero says that's what Kallian thought (and look where it got him.) But no, it is a sign of Set; the sarcophagus was where the kings of set's worshippers were laid. Demetrio scoffs at the idea of moldy old bones getting up strangling Kallian and leaving (oh the irony) but Promero counters "It was no man who was laid in that bowl". Demetrio tells him to get a hold of himself, and notes that if Conan isn't the murderer than the real killer is still in the building. He orders everyone except Dionus, Arus, Conan Near and Promero remain with him and search the building; the only way out would be the way Conan entered. Conan says he saw only Arus, but Dionus declares "of course not, you're the murderer." He describes the punishments that are meted out; apparently killing a commoner only gets you the mines, whereas tradesmen gets you a trip to the gallows. If you murder rich men they burn you alive (nice commentary on the double standards actually; you find that nonsense even today.) As everyone hears the search continue, Demetrio defuses tension by asking Conan some more questions. He calmly reminds Conan what will happen if they don't find anyone, and Conan says that he would have killed Kallian if he got in his way but no. Kallian was dead before he arrived. Demetrio continues by saying that Conan was hired to steal something specifically. He's due for ten years regardless of his confession and his silence condemns him. However if Conan admits what he was hired to steal he may be saved from the stake. Conan sees the point, and admits to being asked to steal a zamorian goblet buried in the next room under a shemitish copper god. Premero confirms that there is such a treasure hidden under such a statue, and says that VERY few people knew about it. Dionus mockingly accuses Conan of planning to keep the goblet for himself, but Conan insists that he's no dog. He keeps his word. Demetrio asks Conan who hired him, but before Conan can answer the guards return. While they haven't found the murderer they HAVE found the trap door Conan used to enter, hewn in the way he claimed. It would have been impossible to flee that way, and Demetrio confirms that since only Arus and Kallian had keys (and Kallian's are still on his body) that no he couldn't have left. At this point the guard says he found the cable used by the killer. Demetrio is startled and orders the man to take it to him; as they enter another chamber the guard says that it was on a high pillar, black in color, and splotched. He says he couldn't reach it.....but when they get there it's gone. Dionus of course thinks he never saw it but the guard is VERY insistent. Demetrio doesn't believe the cable was there, since the pillar's so smooth "nothing but a snake" could climb it (oh Demetrio if only you knew.) Dionus points out that a Cimmerian could but while Demetrio concedes it's possible Conan's been here all along. Even if he had hidden the cable up there he wouldn't have had time to remove it. He announces he no longer believes Conan's guilt; rather the true killer is hiding in a secret nook. Demetrio says they may have to blame Conan if they don't find the killer but hints at another possibility....when he notices Promero is no longer there. At this point Promero rushes back in, announcing that he's found a newer symbol on the bottom of the bowl (how did he lift it?); it's the mark of.....Thoth Amon. Naturally Demetrio is curious, and Promero says that while few know his name north of the styx, down south people utter his name in whispers hoping he won't notice. Thoth is the mightiest sorcerer in Stygia, and even the King is bent to his will. There's a big dramatic speech about how he is DEATH, and Promero declares that he must have found the bowl and had it sent to Kalanthes hoping to kill him; the things of old don't die as man does, simply fall asleep. Kallian's greed unleashed it, and now it's heading for them!!!! Dionus shuts him up with a massive slap, and says he doesn't see anything to do but to arrest Conan. Conan notices something move in the next room, but while one of the guards is dismissive Promero believes him, certain that one of Set's children was unleashed and is now there. They have to search the room, and Dionus and one of his goons push Promero in. They declare they'll take Conan in; Conan moves for his sword but before it can erupt another guard brings in....Aztrias. Apparently the guard saw him lurking out back. Demetrio recognizes him and orders the guard to release him, saying that Aztrias is the governor's nephew. He apologizes to Aztrias, who takes it rather well. He notices the scene and asks if it's murder. Dionus confirms it, saying that Conan will go to the stake even if Demetrio has doubts. Aztrias immediately pretends not to recognize Conan, saying he's never seen such a villainous countenance. Conan is furious and immediately identifies Aztrias as his employer, also denouncing his story of returning from a party. He insists Aztrias tell the truth, and Demetrio says that if it is the case Conan is exonerated. He offers to keep the attempted theft quiet, since it's not unheard of for young nobles to have gambling debts. While Conan IS due ten years hard labor he'll arrange it for Conan to escape if Aztrias wants. It's up to him. Unfortunately, Aztrias in a moment of EXTREME stupidity denies it, saying that toil in the mines will be good for him. Conan is furious, and pretends to submit....before leaping forwards and decapitating Aztrias. The tension that's been building up for two issues explodes outwards; Demetrio only survives by leaping back (taking a leg wound), Dionus looses his ear and Conan denounces all the dishonesty that he's heard over the two issues.....THIS is civilization? Posthumo manages to grab him from behind but Conan immediately gouges his eye out (HA! Take THAT you son of a bitch.) Conan leaps back (his chance to take out the guard immediately lost due to Posthumo's grab). Arus tries to shoot a crossbow bolt at Conan but Conan incapacitates him with a kick before stepping on his face. Suddenly a loud scream erupts and Promero emerges, laughing maniacally and saying "the god...has a long neck" before keeling over dead. Dionus is horrified since he has no wounds, wondering what the hell is in that chamber. Everyone but Conan flees in terror (well Demetrio is willing but not wounded), and a curious Conan wanders into the chamber....to see this  The creature utters a single word. "Come." Conan leaps forwards, slashing it's head off with a single blow. After seeing the sight, Conan flees into the sunrise. The final shot shows the creature's long serpentine body lying sprawled on the ground. Review: Well the second Howard tale has been concluded, and while it's not as strong as the first half is pretty good. There is the minor plot hole of how Promero found the mark of Thoth, and Demetrio waffles on whether he believes there was a cable. Still overall it's a good story. It fully captures the darker side of civilization; the police are brutish thugs and even Demetrio is willing to do unsavory things (though he at least seems willing to make sure that innocents don't suffer for it.) The background of Thoth is creepy, and overall pretty well done. It does a good job laying the stage for the later rivalry between Conan and Thoth, directly preceding their titanic first encounter. The action sequence at the end was GLORIOUS, as all the tension that has built up explodes out in violence that is suitably gory (seriously Dionus and Posthumo MAJORLY deserved the beatups they go). Overall it's a great tale; definately one of Howard's better ones, with likable characters and a suitably creepy menace. 8 out of 10 for part 2. |
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Post by lordyam on Sept 30, 2017 0:39:12 GMT -5
Issue #12: The Hanumar Road
(note; apparently Conan's now 17 years old at this point according to the blurb)
Recap: Conan wakes up in a cell, to the sound of various people outside. He has a lump on his head so SOMEONE knocked him out. He goes to the window, asking where his sword and purse are, as well as why he's there. The guard orders him to be quiet or he'll beat Conan. Conan tries to respond to his challenge but the words die in his throat. He realizes that this is not the town where he was last he checked. He fled Numalia to the west, and found a road leading south. He got clothes and money and arrived in a town.....but this is not that one. He asks the guard what the town's name is but is told to shut it. The guard DOES accidentally reveal the name of their current location (Gravena) but Conan is sure that wasn't the place he was last night. The guard captain is sure that the magistrate will sentence Conan to hard labor and tells him to be quiet. Conan listens to the sounds of the market when suddenly he hears the name Kalanthes. He remembers what Promero says and formulates an idea......
Sure enough he calls out to Kalanthes, and Kalanthes decides to speak to Conan. Conan introduces himself and says that he has information that can spare him from a mighty foe, if he can secure his release. Kal is interested but skeptical. Conan could be bullshitting him. Conan namedrops Thoth Amon, which prompts Kal to take him more seriously (though he is still wary). Conan gives an abridged version of the last two issues and offers to sign on with Kal as a bodyguard; he's killed one demon and he can kill another. Kal is amused and intrigued but inclined to reject; he has men at arms AND a bodyguard....he gestures his hand revealing Janissa. Conan scoffs, saying he can break Janissa in two. Amused by Conan's bravado, and noting that Janissa tends to come and go a lot, he decides maybe Conan may be better. Janissa says "let him try" and this gives Kal an idea. He orders one of his men to find out Conan's fine and pay it, and another to bathe him (and give him a sword.
Later on a crowd has gathered in the square. Conan and Janissa circle, and Conan recognizes her from somewhere. Janissa confirms that she was in Bertinus five nights ago, and declares that they've talked enough. She lashes out but Conan is able to block it very easily, to the point Janissa admits he's faster than he looks. She dodges and delivers a flying kick to Conan before Conan blocks her strike. He recovers quickly and presses the offense, backing her against a wall. Janissa runs up the wall and draws a second blade, slashing Conan's face as she jumps off. Conan is shocked, saying he thought it merely a test of skill. Janissa blocks his strike, saying they're all death duels. She's confident she'll win, mocking him by asking if his pride is stung to be bested by a woman.....when Conan cuts it off with a single punch to the face, knocking her to the ground. Janissa recovers, FURIOUS. She charges, when Kalanthes declares enough. It IS a test of skill like Conan said and Conan has managed to both land a blow AND break her warrior's calm, something he had never thought possible. Conan's passed the audition, and Kalanthes even has a nice salve that will heal the wound. of
Later on they're hiking into Ophir, having bought supplies (including weapons and clothes for Conan.) Conan thinks it's a fair trade; freedom in exchange for a few day's service. Conan asks Kal how it is that he earned Thoth's enmity; Kal says that Thoth is in the service of none but himself. He admits that he knew Thoth once long ago....or rather thought he knew him before he turned out as vile as the serpent he claims to worship. Anyway Ibis is a god of peace and part of that means denying the enemy tools of war. He doesn't speak of swords and lances, but of magic. Even though man is indomitable and has shattered dark armies and empires, even the beaten ones leave behind relics. One such relic is the Eye of Tik Pilonga, a dark artifact that has long been sought by both those who fear it and who seek to control it. Kal found it in a Hyrkanian cavern, but only hours ahead of Thoth's cronies...they lost good men in the escape. He further explains that there are VERY few places with the power to destroy it, one of these being Hanumar (hence why Kal's made it his home, besides being a source of scholarship and learning.) Conan realizes that this is why Thoth sent the Serpent to kill him. Kal agrees, but admits that for Thoth to throw it away so recklessly means that he wants it FAR more than Kal guessed. Suddenly a scream pierces the air, and when Kal asks what happened Janissa explains that Davo (one of the servants) has been bitten by a serpent. Kal curses, explaining that he needs his unguents. NOW. There is a protected site a few hours from here that they MUST reach by sundown. Conan is confused but Kal is insistent....especially since serpents aren't native to this part of the world. We see a serpent with glowing green eyes slither away.
Later that night, as Kal tends to Davo Conan approaches Janissa, noting pain and fear on her expression. Janissa is hostile at first, assuming that Conan wants to sleep with her but Conan instead asks to see her moves impressed as he is. Janissa throws his "can break her in two" line back at him but Conan is genuinely complimentary (which Janissa grudgingly appreciates). He says that most women don't learn the blade either, especially not Zingaran women. Janissa guesses that he wants to know her story so she agrees (though in a hostile manner.) She explains that her father was a wealthy man but had no sons. Hoping to advance to nobility he made plans to sell his daughters. One of the daughters however wasn't all that keen about it and so angered about being sold sought to gain freedom by her own skills. As such she fled into the hills, searching out the bone woman. The Bone Woman recognizes her right away and agrees to give her strength and skill....but at a price. Janissa will be strong, but will serve the bone woman for twice the amount of time as the training. Janissa agrees, at which point the bone woman blows a yellow powder in her face knocking her out. She awakens in a hole jus in time to see a sword thrown down to her. Before she has time to comprehend she's told that her lesson is about to start. Suddenly a massive demon appears out of nowhere and leaps at her. As she screams, present Janissa explains that she was brutally raped (we also see the Bone Woman's malevolent smirk.)
The next day the bone woman tends her wounds and injuries, telling her to think on her mistakes. Tonight there will be TWO demons. She leaves as Janissa desperately protests.....the process continues for a long time. Janissa is raped at night by demons and by day she trains. Eventually she killed one demon and felt triumph before they overwhelmed her. This time she didn't just have food, but potions for healing (she also gave her advice on tactics) to the point where Janissa feels both the need to hug her and kill her. That night she kills two before falling. The process continues and eventually the bone woman gives her relics of fallen heroes (Saarkuti of Vendhya, who's bone makes her stronger and swifter, or Akkad of the Danu (who will show up in Book of Thoth).) Eventually she began to see the end coming...but it doesn't. Only after an indeterminate amount of time (a decade, years months) was she strong enough, killing all the demons sent at her for a month. She has served the bone woman ever since.
In the present Conan is horrified, expressing pity for her. Janissa doesn't want it and insults him, saying he was stupid enough to get drunk in Vantia an unfamiliar town. Conan realizes that was where he was that night....but wonders how she knew. At this point Janissa drops a bombshell......SHE was the one who knocked him out and left him in Gravena. The action moves to Davo's tent, as he's in complete agony. Sure enough his blood begins to form into scarabs. From afar Thoth Amon watches, VERY pleased with how things are turning out.
Review: Okay...first I'm going to address Janissa. I GET what Busiek was trying to do with her. He wanted a darker take on Red Sonja, while at the same time adding tragedy. Think about it. Janissa wanted freedom more than anything and gained the skills to achieve it....only to find that she'd traded it for a form of slavery. Where before it was daddy dearest now it's the infinitely more monstrous bone woman. I even get some of the idea behind the demon rape; the Bone woman wants to achieve liminality; Janissa will be so desperate to believe that the struggles she endured were worth it that she'll put up with all the horrible trauma the bone woman inflicted upon her. The problem was that the method (demon rape) was both tacky and somewhat nonsensical. Wouldn't it make sense to have the healing potions be used from the beginning (otherwise they'd have killed her long ago?) I'm not as bothered but I can see why people are offended.
There's also the plot hole of why the caravan went to Numalia if Hanumar's in Ophir (and why Kallian would send a runner if it was farther out.) Still in spite of these I enjoyed the issue. Kalanthes is a very likable character and you can see why he has followers. He also hints at a much deeper history with Thoth Amon, suggesting that there's a deeper story than just religious rivalry (which for the record WILL be answered in Book of Thoth. I ultimately enjoyed it but can see why devout Howardians didn't like it.) It also addresses something that kinda bugged me for a long time. When you get down to it Thoth's plan with the serpant was shockingly reckless. There was SO much that could have gone wrong (and in fact DID go wrong) yet he threw away a valuable asset for it. The eye of tik pilonga explains that little plot hole rather nicely. Thoth was desperate to prevent Kal from getting the Eye and so wanted to lay some traps along the way.
Overall despite it's flaws it's a good issue that advances the story. 7.5 out of 10
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Post by lordyam on Sept 30, 2017 1:42:08 GMT -5
lIssue #13: The Devil Within Recap: The next day, Davo is on a stretcher being pulled by some servants. He's in a lot of pain, and the crew is pressing on despite the pouring rain and mud. Things have gotten hard, even though their goal is less than a day away when suddenly there's a break in the clouds. Kalanthes points down to the valley below. The city of Hanumar is in reach (we find out that it's the site of a lot of battles that have changed the tide of many wars). Suddenly Davo is in pain and a servant calls Kalanthes over. His leg has swollen again and this time even though Kal tries his best Davo immediately exhales stinging insects and other bugs. The bugs immediately form into..... Thoth's face.  He and Kal exchange trash talk that has a LOT of subtle insinuations. These two DEFINATELY have a history. Anyway they debate philosophy for a while and eventually Kal manages to banish the face with some magic powder. Still, he's in a bad mood. The attack was only meant to delay, not to kill them. They have to reach Hanumar today. As the party continues downwards Conan makes the point that Davo is slowing them down. He and some others could take the horses and ride on ahead; Kalanthes says that he can't. Davo will die without Kal to replenish the healing spells. And yes he knows that this will slow them down and make it easier for Thoth to derail them. That is exactly why Thoth chose that method of attack; because he knows Kal won't abandon his friends. He gives Conan leave to speak and Conan points out that they could kill Davo. Kal admits they could but no. He won't abandon someone who's served him loyally (especially since he's known Davo from the moment he was born.) Conan counters that the Eye Thoth wants could easily cause great misery of Thoth gets his hands on it; Kingdoms could fall. By taking his time with Davo he could be risking them all. Again Kal agrees, but he points out "That is HIS way." He asks Conan what he would do if an injured friend held him back from a goal and killing him MIGHT (not even will but MIGHT) help him would he do it. Conan answers that he's a Cimmerian; when times were hard the tribal elders had to make difficult decisions like that. Kal says that yes, Elders have to do that. As do kings, emperor's and priests. But that isn't what he asked. What would CONAN do. Would HE kill a friend to aid himself? Conan can't answer and simply walks away, thankful that he isn't a king an emperor or priest. As Kalanthes is called to help with Davo Janissa approaches Conan, asking him why he's upset. Is it the evil manifestations or has Kal been telling jokes. Conan calls him a fool. "Yet here you are" Janissa counters. "You could desert him. Return to Nemedia, or strike for any of the mountain villages of northern Ophir. Why Stay?" "BECAUSE I SAID I WOULD, WOMAN" Conan bellows, before cursing under his breath that they're all lunatics. They continue onward, with Davo's condition getting worse (he grows talons, starts cursing in an unknown language and vomits blood hat becomes insects). Conan's mood gets worse and eventually he confronts Janissa about her getting him roped into this mess. He wants answers NOW. Janissa agrees to tell him; she was in a bad mood last night and just wanted to go to sleep but feels that there's no reason not to tell him. Turns out that the Bone Woman ordered her to do it; she's intrigued by Conan. Personally she couldn't care less if Kal or Thoth comes out on top. She does what the Bone Woman wants and that's that. She doesn't know why she gets her orders and the boss won't tell her even if she asked. Conan is angry but before he can take it further when a cry goes out for Kalanthes. Davo has hurled himself from the litter and his skin has split....Kal tries to calm him down with talk of his wife and children who he will see again but Davo is beyond help (the insects are leaking out of him at this point). As his chest expands he says "Kalanthes. Master it...." When suddenly he bursts open like a balloon. Insects come roaring out and form.....this.  Kal has his men hold the creature back and begins to prepare the powder to banish it when a massive tentacle thwacks him and knocks him over the ledge. Conan manages to save him and pulls him up (unfortunately Kal's lost the last of his powder. "Wizards." Conan says under his breath.) The creature immediately starts attacking Kal's men, saying "You see now where the pursuit of Kalanthes's foolish dreams leads. Think on this, then, as you choke on your own blood. The life of a slave is hard but softer than dying like this." Conan is shocked; he thought that the southern lands were silk jewels and soft women not monsters like the snake monster in the bowl and the plague demon. Thoth picks Conan up by the leg and while dangling him gives a rather awesome speech. "He talks prettily, the bird priest doesn't he? Peace and freedom and the harmony of nature. Well THIS is nature, little man raw and hungry. Wouldn't you rather be warm and fed? Wouldn't you?" Conan isn't having it and spits in Thoth's face. Thoth is furious, asking how much his defiance will be worth with the demon's teeth in his heart. Conan manages to cut the tentacle with a dagger and begins to cut himself free when Janissa cuts the rest of the tentacle away. Janissa sarcastically says there's no need for him to thank her, and Conan insist he'd have freed himself. They aren't done ye and they will settle this when things are done. Janissa tells him that he'll have to live through this if he wants to die that way. She asks if he has ideas when Conan notices a huge ass boulder nearby on a cliff. He orders Janissa to get one of the men, since he'll need an extra back. Janissa refuses and insists on helping. She has a back and the men are busy dying. Conan reluctantly agrees (though he calls her an idiot) and Janissa cuts off his cursing and tells him to push. Just as Kal's about to be overwhelmed, the boulder comes loose and shoots into him, knocking him down the mountain (it helps that Thoth monologues about how Kal can't have the spells to kill him.) Kal realizes that Thoth is delayed for a change but not for long. One of the servants says "long enough." He takes the lead horse, and tells Kal to go on without them. He and the few other servants will stay behind and delay Thoth. Conan agrees with this assessment and suggests an ambush. Kal however reluctantly agrees but says that Conan and Janissa will come with him; there may be more dangers ahead. He tells Conan to get on the bigger horse; They ride. Conan and Janissa ride out into valley Kal gives Conan and Janissa two feathers of Ibis. They are to guard them with their lives for they are rarer than diamonds and more valuable, since they can shield them from Thoth's magic. At this point they begin to hear the screams of the men behind them being horribly killed by Thoth and urge the mounts on. Thoth is now in pursuit, screaming Kalanthes's name. Janissa realizes that it's gotten bigger, to which Kal orders her to ride. Eventually they reach the gate of the city, and Kal thinks they'll be safe there. He's built wards into the city walls and the defenders come out to greet them. Suddenly Kal notices something odd. The men on the walls are still in shadow.....With dawning horror Kal realizes that they aren't shadows.  Well....Shit. Review: This was a GREAT issue. The action was top notch, with the demon creature Thoth summons being a terrifying threat. The desperate struggle to survive is incredibly well portrayed and easily up there with Howard's best. At the same time there are great character moments. Conan's discussion with Kalanthes about Davo is well done, showing a genuine moral dilemma that is far more sophisticated than most people would expect in a Howard story (those who haven't read anyway.) At the same time Kalanthes manages to avoid being preachy and irritating by using actual logic to back up his point (even if they DO kill Davo that isn'a guarantee of success and abandoning someone because it MIGHT help you is a dangerous line). Conan is at a loss for words and deeply uncomfortable at the question (which makes sense given how reluctant he was to abandon his friends in Hyperborea). He shows signs of being haunted by his failure to save them, since as Janissa points out he could easily run. Conan really could leave them and is clearly scared. However he stands and fights. It's great character development honestly. At the same time we see Kal and Thoth some more and Kal is compulsively likable as always; unlike the wizards of Hyperborea he's a good man. He truly cares for his servants, refusing to toss them aside even though it would be convenient to do so, and showing an honest desire to do good and help people. You can see why his men care for him and why Conan is willing to stay on. We also get further hints at a past with Thoth Amon, as seen by their little discussion early on. Thoth himself is MUCH scarier than he ever was in Marvel or De Camp's stories, and is a WONDERFULLY vile antagonist. Janissa however is regrettably a weak link. She does get better in Avenger, when Van Lente does her, but is overall a little too coarse for my liking. Overall it's a WONDERFUL issue. 9.5 out of 10. |
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Post by lordyam on Sept 30, 2017 3:11:58 GMT -5
Conan and Janissa fight their way through the street with Kal encouraging them onwards. He's deeply saddened by this. These people are his friends and he's lived there for decades. However as it turns out Thoth is incredibly smart; he didn't just delay them. He used the time to infiltrate the town and possess them. Now they must fight their way through the city and while the charms protect them, the situation is still pretty grim. The creature is still at their heels. Kal beckons onwards; they must reach the square. Conan volunteers to stay behind and face the beasts but Kalanthes says no. Destroy it by reaching the square. Janissa reminds him that Kal needs his sword and so Conan reluctantly agrees to move on. Thoth continues to taunt Kalanthes, calling him a rat in a maze; he will gain the eye and Kal's beating heart. The one bright side to the whole mess is that as Thoth absorbs insects from the people the infestation leaves; if they win the people may yet live. They reach the square of the Obelisk, which is free of the vermin. Kal tosses the eye to Conan; he must weave the spells and delay the beast. He tells Conan to stand with his back to the Obelisk and hold it in his grasp. The obelisk is old and ancient (older than Acheron) and has the power to destroy the eye. Kal orders Conan to remove the feather; Janissa protests saying that he'll be vulnerable to Thoth's magic but Kal counters that WITH it the old gods can't do their work and shatter the eye. Conan agrees and soon vines shoot up and engulf him. Conan feels a power flowing through him, and begins to drown in green. There is a prescence here, in the rocks and vines that submerges Conan. Ultimately Conan refuses to do this, since he doesn't like the sensation of the god in his mind. Conan, badly shocked by it, holds out the stone and tells Kal to do it himself if he wants the eye destroyed. Thoth is amused, saying that Kalanthes has always depended too much on hope; on weak men being strong. Fortunately Kal's explanation (that he needs to craft the spells that hold the creature back) convinces Conan, so he simply tosses the stone to Janissa and over her protests rips off the feather and palm strikes her into the obelisk. Janissa protests. "You Bastard. I never said I'd..." "Nor did I, woman, when you gulled me into this. Your mistress bad you serve Kalanthes...Serve him!" Janissa protests that she'll kill him before the obelisk's vines engulfs her. Thoth is confident now. He's had time to rip the shields apart, and sends Kal sprawling with a whack on the head. Fortunately Conan has recovered and stands tall against Thoth, sword swinging. He responds to Thoth's declaration that there is no hope with the perfect comeback. "Hope? Only fools depend on hope, Serpent! But strength...strength and a good sword arm...are all that a man has ever needed!" Thoth is incredulous at this; "Steel? Mere steel against magic?" Kal is panicked. Without the feather Conan will surely die. In spite of this Conan fights on, severing tentacles. However with each blow insects fly out, cutting his skin. Even as his thoughts go hazy he fights, but soon Thoth begins to absorb him, mocking him and telling him that he will die like Davo. In spite of his pain Conan refuses to give in and keeps hacking even as it moves slowly (as if in a sea of maggots). His skin burns and is blood takes fire but still he fights. Sure enough his clothes are burned away, and it feels like he's drowning....not in green but in offal. In spite of his pain Conan continues...and he sees a light. Even as it feels like his soul is being torn from his body he moves towards it and soon realizes he isn't alone. There's someone else here. Conan moves through it and soon comes across.....Davo. Whether it's a dream or not, Conan doesn't know. There is but one thing he can do. He raises his sword and slashes downwards, killing Davo and freeing him of his torment. As Davo dies, the demon shudders and despite Thoth's desperate attempts soon crumbles into nothing. From the wreckage Conan emerges, his clothes burned away. "Steel against magic....no...no chance hmm? No....hope?" At the same time the eye shatters in Janissa's hand, and as Kal thanks Ibis both he and Conan pass out. In the darkness Conan is assaulted by horrific dreams.  This pretty much sums it up really. Thoth is furious. Despite his protestations otherwise Thoth is deeply furious at having lost the eye and he intends to make Conan's death long and painful; Conan will beg for death before Thoth allows him to die. Conan challenges Thoth to do his worst. Despite Thoth's boasting that Conan can't comprehend Conan manages to endure the pain without breaking and soon the laughter dies away despite Conan's sureness he'll perish. The darkness comes but not oblivion. Sure enough a new currant emerges, this one hot and rocky. As Conan opens his eyes a mysterious voice asks him how he feels. Conan asks where Thoth is and we see that the Bone Woman has shown up. She confirms that Thoth has gone scurrying back to Stygia to lick his wounds. When asked what happened she is vague. Did Conan drive him off on his own? Did she? What does he think? Conan asks who she is. "Come now. You know who I am." "The Bone Woman." Conan glowers. She admits that Conan surprised her. She knew that he would be the monkey wrench to thwart Thoth, but thought he would perish. That he survived surprised her. She makes him an offer. She has great power and knowledge, and Conan has the potential for a great destiny. She'll guide him on his path and he'll have power over men and land, riches, luxury, WOMEN...."And You get?" Conan asks sceptically? "Oh I'll profit." she says. She continues by saying gather he'll do her favors from time to time....when Conan says "No." Almost like she can't comprehend she tells him that he's made an enemy in Thoth Amon....he has a long memory ESPECIALLY against those who slight him. Without her protection he'll be vulnerable to Thoth's wrath. "WITH it I'd be your slave, like Janissa." Conan counters. The Bone woman is intrigued; "You LIKE her? You can have her if you wish..." Once more Conan refuses. The Bone Woman drops the affability at this point and tells him "Think LONG on this, Barbarian. You have a choice to make that will affect the rest of your life, be it long or very VERY short." Conan is defiant. "Get out of my head, woman, before I snap your dry bones into kindling for my fire." The Bone Woman realizes that she's lost and leaves telling him only "We'll speak again." Conan screms "GET OUT WOMAN! GET OUT OF MY...." When suddenly he's awoken. He's lying in bed with Kalanthes in the room. He asks Conan if he'd like some water. Conan asks how long he's been out and is told that it's been five days since the final battle. Kal was worried the poison would take him but he rallied on the third day. He realizes Conan is hungry and so asks him if he can stand. Conan can and goes to the table. He asks where Janissa is and is told that Janissa left four days ago. "Not without some choice words about you, which I will not repeat." Conan goes back to his eating, musing that he feels the score was settled when she took his place on the obelisk. Janissa however probably won't feel the same way. Kal offers him a job, asking if he'd like to stay on. Conan refuses, and Kal points out that while Thoth won't necessarily find him easily with his taint gone but still hints there may be the possibility of revenge. Conan politely refuses. "Thank you but no." Kal understands and gives Conan a sack of gold for his troubles, which Conan eagerly takes. We cut to the day; Conan has been given clothes and food, and overall it's a good day. He has food, money a full belly and the people smile and wave (Aware that he saved them.) Unlike other cities he doesn't feel trapped. Suddenly a voice calls his name....It's the merchant and the two girls from the tavern. They explain that after his exploits Bertinus became unpleasant for any who'd been in the tavern that night so they thought it wise to get the hell out for a time. They're off to Corinthia and could use an extra hand (offering him a job.) Conan agrees and one of the girls notes he's in a good mood and asks if he's lucky in love. Conan denies it. He explains that he began to think civilization might not be for him, but trapped as he was between two great forces and having survived he feels that he's proven himself civilization's master. He's can take on the world and triumph. Review: This issue is PHENOMENAL. It has everything a good Conan story should have; action, otherworldly magic, a great story and even great character moments. The final battle with the avatar is easily one of the best Conan fight scenes EVER and Conan himself was at his absolute best, facing down the demon and enduring incredible pain but triumphing and destroying the beast from within. It's a marked contrast from Hyperborea; where before he failed this time he was able to face down the darkness and save his friends. It's a great contrast and it's wonderfully portrayed. Compare the ending of this issue with the ending of issue 7 and the difference will be apparent. However it's not just the action that sells the issue; it's the character moments. Even after the battle's won there's still a lot of drama; Conan endures Thoth's torture and wins out....but then we get the Bone Woman. This is the first time she and Conan interact and it's easily one of the highlights. She makes her pitch like a faustian devil, offering gold and riches and power...but at the price of Conan's soul. Fortunately Conan isn't stupid and sees through the lure. It's interesting. When Conan refuses the Bone Woman continues her pitch; it's like she can't comprehend being refused. When Conan continues she drops the affability and resorts to threats. She also shows just how little she thinks of Janissa, offering her to Conan as a prize (which Conan refuses since he respects her as a fighter). Her "we'll speak again" is rather ominous....but is never really followed up on (though the Bone Woman DOES reappear again in Avenger). By contrast Kalanthes is actually benevolent in his intentions. When he refuses to take his place on the altar it's for a good reason (to save the others); he's truly willing to die for his cause. More importantly while he makes a similar offer this time it's not a trap; he truly cares for Conan. Tellingly while Conan refuses he does so politely and respectfully. It's a very subtle moment but it's there and it's a real treat to read. All things said, this is EASILY on of the best issues DH has ever put out in Conan. 10 out of 10. |
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Post by lordyam on Sept 30, 2017 3:19:56 GMT -5
Arc review:
I'll come out and say this was't quite as good as the Hyperborea arc. That's not to say it was BAD; it was actually pretty good. It managed to weave God in the Bowl and make it a part of a larger tale in a way that was flawless and well executed. It even answered one of the weirder elements of the original story (why Thoth would be so careless with a serpent man). However there are problems, the biggest of which was Janissa. I truly get what Kurt was trying to do, and Janissa DOES become a much more compelling character later on but her introduction was rather clunky. Fortunately this was cancelled out by the other members of the supporting cast. Kalanthes was AWESOME; unlike most wizards he's a good man and genuinely wants to do good for the world. More importantly he doesn't treat his men as tools; he truly cares for them. As Book of Thoth reveals he's also an aristocrat by birth, meaning that he's also rather atypical of most elite. It's a great contrast to both the Hyperboreans (who represent the darkness of power and civilization) and Sjarl and Einar (who despite being barbarians were ultimately cowardly little shits who abandoned their people to save their own hides. Kal represents that civilization DOES have the potential to be noble; it doesn't always live up to it but it is there. The Bone Woman and Thoth are both monstrously terrifying antagonists as well; Thoth's methods of slowing Kalanthes down by attacking his friends and than possessing Hanumar was both efficient and monstrous and it was REALLY satisfying seeing him get a bloody nose from Conan kicking his ass. The Bone Woman is a LOT more subtle but still terrifying. She's basically an evil yoda, or if you want to bring the NJO into the mix, a darker Vergere. While Vergere used torture she was (prior to the incredibly stupid retcon) a good person who truly cared for Jacen (using torture only because if SHE didn't someone else would and so it was the only way to save Jane's life.) The Bone Woman is basically a manipulative cult leader; she puts Janissa through hell to ensure her loyalty and the poor girl can't even realize the tragic irony that she wanted freedom but is now slave to a monster. Conan really was right when he said she was a slave, and the Bone Woman is the puppet pulling the strings. It's a good dangle that was never followed up on as well as I'd like (though Janissa leaving the bone woman's service was wonderful.)
In summary it's a great story arc, but not quite as good as the intro. 8.5 out of 10
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Post by lordyam on Mar 15, 2018 2:35:53 GMT -5
Okay I'm going to try to start this up again (though it may be a few days). I've decided on a few rules. I am NOT going to do the Queen of the Black Coast adaptation again. Reading through it was torture barring a few bright spots. I'll even say point blank that the penultimate arc is among the worst comic storylines I've read PERIOD. I'm going to be lazy and just post my original reviews from all those years ago.
I will also cover a few of the miniseries (notably Book of Thoth and Midnight God).
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