In Review: Conan the Barbarian (2023-) #23 – Conan Pulled Into Stygia

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

Having subdued Athyr-Bast in the last issue, Conan and the shapeshifter Zula set out to uncover more of the Stygian plot. To do this, Zula takes on Athyr-Bast’s appearance so she and Conan can attend a meeting with the Stygian high sorcerer Thoth-Amon—arranged because of Amon’s growing interest in Bast, who has climbed the ranks thanks to her champion, Conan. But their path is anything but simple: Stygian factions stand in their way, claiming Athyr-Bast owes them a debt.

Artwork

The art team of Fernando Dagnino and Diego Rodriguez continue to fully embody the rich, dangerous worlds in which Conan dwells, using light and shadow with absolute mastery. The panels where Conan and Zula, disguised as Athyr-Bast, step into the throne room of Thoth-Amon are nothing short of breathtaking. I was particularly struck by the line of snake-head statues that form a sinuous path leading directly to Amon’s imposing throne—a brilliant detail that immediately draws the eye and sets a foreboding tone. Rodriguez’s color work further amplifies the atmosphere, with a green wash that pervades the throne area and intensifies whenever Bast and Amon engage in their tense, calculating conversation, perfectly heightening the sense of danger and suspense that hangs over every moment.

Overall

This was a solid issue that builds on last month’s story while once again introducing the deadly Thoth-Amon. The encounter between Conan, Zula, and this formidable sorcerer is brilliantly played out, with genuine moments of tension—most notably when Conan comes close to killing Amon, only to have his intent cut short as Amon regains control and ends the meeting. The issue closes on a gripping cliffhanger: Athyr-Bast has managed to free herself and sound the alarm, putting Conan and Zula in immediate danger and ending their ability to move undetected.