Conan and the Midnight God #1

Dark Horse Comics

Writer: Joshua Dysart

Penciller: Will Conrad

Cover: Jason Alexander (the moops!! Hahahahaha)

“Give me three days to unsheathe the sword of Aquilonia.”

“My sword, Pallantides. My sword.”

Holy moly, it must be my birthday! Conan and the Midnight God #1 is here, and by Crom, it’s exquisite.

Writer Joshua Dysart approximates Howard’s writing style with the same skill as (former) Conan writer Kurt Busiek. Actually, he does it a little better. The dialogue in CMG#1, above quote included, is fantastic. It’s very hard to write moody, medieval-sounding dialogue that doesn’t read like outtakes from Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Dysart is more than up to the task, and, hey, the plot, pacing and character development are good too! Dysart captures Conan’s mind and spirit in thirty-two pages; thus far, Tim Truman hasn’t done it in four issues of the regular Conan series.  

There are too many nice things to say about penciler Will Conrad, but, brevity is the soul of wit an’ all… Will Conrad brings the Hyborian age to vibrant life, especially an imposing prologue that depicts the sack of Venarium. You’d always wanted to see it, and Conrad does justice to an integral scene in the Cimmerian mercenary’s life. For awhile now, I’ve been dreading the thought that, some day, Cary Nord will give up duties as penciler on the regular Conan series. If Dark Horse hires Conrad to take over, I’ll put my fears to rest. Conrad’s style is particularly apt for depicting an older Conan: where Nord’s style captures the furious intensity of a reckless young adventurer, Conrad’s art portrays the restless barbarism barely contained below the surface of King Conan. Only one complaint: the backgrounds could be a little more imaginative. Aquilonia looks a tad like Du Lac from Shrek. But then again, the fight scenes are luscious. And Pallantides has never looked better.

Worth the money? Yes. Every red cent. I really, REALLY hope this miniseries continues to live up to it’s early promise.