NO, DINO! DOWN BOY!!!

First things first: Cary Nord’s run on Conan has been spectacular. Together with Kurt Busiek and Dave Stewart, Cary Nord resurrected Conan for a new generation of readers. His raw yet refined style masterfully captured the tensions inherent in Robert E. Howard’s famous adventurer, and, better yet, brought the savage decadence of the Hyborian Age to life.

That said, issue #44 isn’t his best work. #44, which concludes writer Tim Truman’s adaptation of “Rogues in the House,” is Cary Nord’s final issue as penciler. Issue #44 disappoints for the same reason the last few issues disappointed: Nord and Richard Isanove don’t work well together. Both are talented artists, but when mixed, the result is lackluster. It’s unfortunate, though Isanove has done his best to adapt to Nord in this issue.

It’s admirable that Richard Isanove is trying to change his style. His first few issues, while competent, were a mismatch with the series’ tone. In #44, he’s attempted a new, colder look with darker lines and less color. It shows a lot of versatility on Isanove’s part, but, unfortunately, the new look still doesn’t work for Conan.

Tim Truman tries valiantly to make #44 entertaining. He’s at a disadvantage, as “Rogues in the House” is far from Howard’s best work. Truman adapts by doing the only thing that could possibly make “Rogues in the House” good. He brings in outside characters, and looks ahead to future arcs.

#44’s biggest story problem is the vast use of unnecessary panels. Where tempo and tone made parts 1 and 2 of “Rogues in the House” moody and intriguing, they merely drag out this fourth installment. In retrospect, perhaps issues #43 and 44 should have been edited to fit into one comic.  

Worth the money? Yes, if you’re a fan. Casual readers, not so much.