In Review: Conan the Barbarian (2023-) #30 – A Killer Stalks His Prey

Synopsis: A deadly new foe hunts Conan the Barbarian, tracking his spirit wherever he travels – a killer with keen blade in hand and teeth from old prey strung ‘round his neck.

The cult of the Black Stone wants revenge against the Cimmerian and the Son of the Tooth is their weapon of choice.

The Story

Picking the story up from the last issue, in which we learned the origin story of the Son of the Tooth, this issue sees him following through on the mission given to him by the Cult of the Black Stone. The story follows the assassin, who takes the eye teeth of his victims, as he tracks Conan across the country. During his pursuit, he studies the Cimmerian closely, questioning how such a reckless barbarian could possibly have gotten the better of Thulsa Doom. Little does the would-be assassin know that Conan has also been studying him, setting the stage for a tense and brutal standoff.

Artwork

Doug Braithwaite draws up a storm on this book and delivers some brilliant panel work as we see the Son of the Tooth stalking Conan from rooftops, alleyways, and crowded marketplaces. There’s a real sense of tension throughout these sequences, along with the feeling of a predator carefully studying its prey before moving in for the kill. We also get some fantastic action panels in which Conan dispatches several assassins sent after him by one of the many enemies he has undoubtedly angered along the way.

Overall

Jim Zub continues to deliver the goods with this book. Building on the story started in the previous issue, he adds further layers to the assassin known as the Son of the Tooth, making him feel far more than just another killer sent after Conan. I particularly enjoyed the assassin’s internal dialogue as he studied Conan, attempting to understand what makes the barbarian such a dangerous and unpredictable opponent. The issue does a great job of building anticipation, and I’m very much looking forward to the next chapter, where the two will finally cross swords in battle.