In Review: Conan the Barbarian (2023-) #22 – Conan Faces Stygian Terror

Synopsis: The Great Serpent’s influence twists and turns, pulling Conan into their deadly coils as the Cimmerian and his allies are lured into Stygia…

What they find on this journey will make their blood run cold and set the stage for a conflict beyond their wildest imagination!

The Story

Picking up where the last issue left off, Conan and the town enslaved by the Stygian sorceress Athyr-Bast continue to suffer under her cruel rule. Forced to fight in the gladiatorial arena for the amusement of her guests—fellow Stygian sorcerers—Conan faces a series of brutal opponents.

Having defeated all who stand before him, the Cimmerian is given the ultimate test: a battle against Athyr-Bast’s monstrous champion, the giant known as Krum-Va the Carver. After a ferocious duel, Conan emerges victorious, edging one step closer to Athyr-Bast herself. With the sorceress now within reach, he seizes the chance to strike her down.

Artwork

Fernando Dagnino and Diego Rodriguez bring some brilliant art to this book. The fight sequences in the gladiatorial arena are nothing short of spectacular, with dynamic action and brutal intensity. Given what’s been achieved in films like Gladiator, it’s easy to imagine the battles in this issue playing out on the big screen.

A standout moment comes midway through the book with a magnificent double-page splash, capturing the moment Conan beheads one of his opponents in truly cinematic style.

Overall

This is a great story that feels like a launch point for Conan’s deeper journey into Stygia. Adding more fuel to the fire is the unexpected return of Zula, the shapeshifter Conan previously battled in an earlier issue. It’s an intriguing development that hints at even greater challenges ahead.

I’m genuinely looking forward to seeing where this arc leads—and can’t help but wonder if we’ll eventually witness the re-emergence of Thulsa Doom.