A Quick ‘Comic Books Post’

Yesterday morning was spent at the hospital (blood tests etc) and then I had a Doctor’s appointment in the afternoon; I spent the bit in between trying not to fall asleep… Not the best day but I finally settled on a book to read so that’s a tick in the ‘Positive Column’ ;o) In case you’re wondering, my haphazard journey through the ‘Siege of Terra’ series has jumped to ‘The End and the Death – Part 1’. It’s a thick old book so there was no way I was going to finish it in a day. I made a little time then, for a couple of comic books, so I had a post for today :o)

Lets take a quick look then at what I picked up, in Forbidden Planet, on Saturday…

‘Conan The Barbarian’ #24 – Zub, Dagnino, Rodriguez (Titan Comics, Heroic Signatures)

Conan and Zula have faced down Thoth-Amon in his own lair; now they must escape the Stygian city of Keshatta but not until certain promises are kept…

I’m not sure what’s happening at the moment. Four consecutive issues bought has to be a record for me ;o) It certainly helps that this tale has been a bit of a joy to follow with loads happening and some real insight into Conan’s character. And the return of Zula as well, this story has it all and signs off in style with man-serpents, a burning city and promises of revenge all round. Another Tuesday for Conan really but a hell of a lot of fun for the likes of you and I, following his tale. I don’t normally do this here but I loved how Zula bows out when his task is complete; sparks will definitely fly if Conan ever sees Zula again.

You are probably getting tired me saying this but I can only say what I see :o) ‘Conan The Barbarian’ continues to go from strength to strength, long may it continue.

‘Skinbreaker’ #1 – Kirkman, Finch (Image)

After reading through ‘The Walking Dead’ (and watching it now with my eldest daughter), it was a bit of a jolt to see Robert Kirkman’s name on the front of a comic that couldn’t be more different than his zombie fare. So of course I bought it (and I know Kirkman has written other stuff, I just can’t afford to read it all).

There is plenty of plot bubbling under here but #1 is very much about being introduced to this brutal world through the absolutely gorgeous artwork of David Finch. For someone who likes to talk about comics here, I’m notoriously bad at commenting on artwork (at least from where I’m sat) but I’ve already set it up so lets keep going ;o) Finch’s art is so intricate and detailed that it almost tells the story all by itself. Honestly, I could just sit there for hours and just take it in. There is so much happening here but the artwork doesn’t overwhelm, it just does its job superbly.

And that’s not taking anything away from what Kirkman is doing here either. Any first issue will always be about introducing characters, setting etc and while Kirkman does exactly that here, it’s an intriguing setting with characters and a tribal culture that I want to learn more about. And the twist at the end sets things up perfectly for #2. Lets see if I can pick up single issues for the whole run...