Conan #8
Dark Horse Comics
Writer: Kurt Busiek
Artist: Greg Ruth
Letters: Richard Starkings & Comicraft
Price: $2.99

Rating: 4 stars

Conan #8 is a great stepping on point for new readers of this dynamic Dark Horse Comics series. Inspired by the tales told by Robert E. Howard, creator of our favorite Cimmerian, writer Kurt Busiek and regular artist Cary Nord have brought a breathe of fresh air to this old school character. Each issue has been beautifully drawn with an exceptional script backing it up. From a tale of the Frost Giants to Conan?s innate brutality, there is no stone left unturned in making this book as palatable as possible.

Part one of ?Born on the Battlefield? gives insight into Conan?s first eight years of life. Featuring art by guest contributor Greg Ruth, there is a brutal, unflinching quality to the tale being told. From his birth in the middle of a bloody fight to his blooming awareness of how torturous life can be, it is vividly obvious that Conan?s destiny was written in his first few moments of breath.

As much adulation as Busiek has received in his past works, from Avengers to Astro City, never does he seem to be having as much fun as here. Each script is spare, written to the talents of the artists. Where a classic battle scene will do the trick, Busiek is willing to let dialogue take a back seat, but when narration must be foreboding and precise, he is there to keep the readers in the picture. Busiek?s enjoyment of the character permeates each panel, bringing the reader along for the ride.

In an interesting side note, Dark Horse has opted to not tell the ?Born on the Battlefield? tale in sequence. Instead it will be interspersed between story arcs, following the way that Howard told Conan?s origin in his work. This is sure to keep the reader?s interest while staying true to the original creator?s vision.

If you are tired of the same old super hero grind, Conan is the perfect title to pick up. It doesn?t have the same stresses of character development and presentation, and thus can focus on the fantastic journey within. From reader?s exposure to the movies, books and comics, we know Conan, and the man presented to us here is certainly Crom?s favorite warrior, complete with a fresh coat of paint. I hope this book stays around for the long haul, as it gives great bang for the buck.

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