Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Writer: Fred Van Lente
Artist: Brian Ching
Colourist: Michael Atiyeh
Release date: 29 July 2015
Price: $3.50

Conan the Avenger #16 launches a new story arc, Blood Oasis. In this Dark Horse Comics interpretation of Robert E. Howard’s most famous creation the action is plentiful and the storyline true to the spirit of the pulp hero.

After saving the spoiled Natala from the “hideous god-thing” Xuthal, the pair find themselves roaming the desert in search of an oasis. It’s the kind of set-up you expect for the hero, and the payoff will not disappoint.

Conan, in comic books, has always been chatty, but in Conan the Avenger #16 the humour of the character emerges in a solid and pleasing way, without descending into campiness or farce. “Do you wear trousers on your head and hats on your ass where you come from?” Conan asks an opponent. Writer Van Lente gives Natala the lion’s share of clever patter too. “You always think with your loincloth,” she tells Conan. Later Natala complains, “I have sand in parts where no lady should have sand!”

After a violent sandstorm reveals Valerius and his party, they join forces to discover the oasis of the title and its mysterious Tower of Silence. Knowing this is a Conan story, who know what evil lurks in the heart of the tower? We can’t wait to find out. They also encounter the skulking Kerim Shah, a wild card whose motivation and intentions remain hidden.

Although the art is a far cry from the heady days when Barry Windsor Smith drew our favorite barbarian in a realistic Renaissance style, Brian Ching’s interpretation is reminiscent of Spider-Man draftsman Humberto Ramos and adds dynamism to the script. And Atiyeh’s colouring takes the stylistic art and grounds it.

Conan fans will have nothing in Conan the Avenger #16 to complain about, and if you’re new to the series this is a fine introduction.

Let Crom strike down any who may complain.

Reviewer: Joe Lovece
Review Editor: Steve Hooker