In Review: Conan the Barbarian (2023-) #25 – The Nomad

Synopsis: THE NOMAD: Conan the King faces an unexpected visitor with a mission unlike any other. Can the ruler of Aquilonia prove his strength and cunning, or will the wanderer’s extraordinary power alter the course of history forever?

The Story

Conan the King, now weathered by age and scarred from countless battles, sits upon the throne of Aquilonia. Despite his royal status, his barbarian spirit remains unyielding. His resolve is tested when a mysterious wanderer arrives in the capital, Tarantia, bearing a mission that intersects with Conan’s storied past. The story delves into his earlier adventures, including his time sailing with the formidable Queen of the Seas, Bêlit. These flashbacks illuminate Conan’s evolution from a wandering barbarian to a king, while highlighting the enduring themes of destiny and the cyclical nature of his journey.

Artwork

The artwork in this issue is magnificent. Alex Horley’s cover perfectly conveys the epic scale of adventure that defines a Conan story, while also hinting at some of the story’s key moments. The standard of art never wavers throughout the book. I particularly loved the introductory pages, which follow the Nomad on his journey through deserts and fields until he reaches his destination. The splash page showing Conan battling the Frost Giant during the Nomad’s challenge is stunning, as he is forced to relive moments from his storied past. Equally striking are the panels depicting Conan’s crucifixion, which recalled the iconic sequence from the classic Conan movie—only here, he is tormented by visions of his past love, Bêlit, and reminded of her tragic fate. Every page is a visual feast, full of detail, drama, and the grandeur that fans expect from Conan.

Overall

Writer Jim Zub uses the Nomad as a clever plot device, allowing readers to experience some of the best moments of Conan’s adventures under Titan Comics to date. I particularly enjoyed the battle with the Frost Giants, along with several other memorable callbacks. The final page is especially striking, showing the Nomad at a monastery, documenting Conan’s adventures for future generations to read—a fitting tribute to the King of Aquilonia and his legendary journey.