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jmbz38's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
geekwayne's review against another edition
4.0
‘The Cimmerian, Vol. 2’ with stories by Robert E. Howard and adaptation by Sylvain Runberg continues the graphic novel series about Conan the Barbarian.
There are two stories in this volume. Both stories also include the text of the original stories after the adaptation. The first story is The People of The Black Circle about a recently deceased king, the black prophets of Yimsha who did it, and the king’s sister who contacts a certain barbarian to help enact revenge. The second story is The Frost-Giant’s Daughter where Conan, the only survivor on an icy battlefield, finds a scantily clad redheat in the snow. He is attracted, but he is not aware that he may be under a spell or who the mysterious woman may actually be.
The art in the first story is by Jae Kwang Park and I liked it, but the colors and lines are a bit heavy. The art in the second story is by Robin Recht and it is amazing. It has a Frazetta quality that serves the story perfectly.
There are two stories in this volume. Both stories also include the text of the original stories after the adaptation. The first story is The People of The Black Circle about a recently deceased king, the black prophets of Yimsha who did it, and the king’s sister who contacts a certain barbarian to help enact revenge. The second story is The Frost-Giant’s Daughter where Conan, the only survivor on an icy battlefield, finds a scantily clad redheat in the snow. He is attracted, but he is not aware that he may be under a spell or who the mysterious woman may actually be.
The art in the first story is by Jae Kwang Park and I liked it, but the colors and lines are a bit heavy. The art in the second story is by Robin Recht and it is amazing. It has a Frazetta quality that serves the story perfectly.
zare_i's review against another edition
4.0
Second volume of Ablaze's wonderful take on Conan stories.
First story takes us to the ever contested parts of the world that matches today's crossroads between Iran, Pakistan, China and Afghanistan. Conan, who established himself as chief of local brigand clans gets sucked into local political power plays that will bring him into conflict with dark sorcerer who enjoys a role of a king maker for a highest bidder.
Art is interesting, at times when author draws action scenes or character surprise, it is obvious inspiration is Manga or Korean variation of it. As is case with lots of Manga styles from the west this tends to create lots of sketchy art, so many lines that drawing loses its fullness. But in overall it is good, lots of details and when action kicks in it is amazing. I think that black and white approach here might work better. But again, I enjoy black and white comics in general so might be biased :)
Second story is famous story of Frost Giants Daughter. It is breath taking. Art, coloring, composition, everything is magnificent. Again, this being more adult version of stories sexual energy accumulates and it is visible. From the way Conan eyes this spirit, the way she teases him, her confidence that Conan is just yet another buffoon to be sacrificed to her father, playful exchange between the two that has such a serious and deadly undertones that Conan is not aware of at the beginning.
Again, art is so great that lots of frames would work without a single uttered word from any party. Conan here is such a powerful creature that during the final fight scenes I was truly expecting him to jump out of the pages. Spirit's fear when she realizes that Conan is not a person to be trifled with (presentation how fear starts to grow in her as she sees Conan is uncontrollable and how stressed and afraid she is on last pages after her failure to kill Conan (fear from Conan himself and definitely her father who lost his only two sons due to her scheming) - artist managed to capture every emotion, it is incredible, no frame requires any additional textual explanation) and Conan's charge at the Frost Giant! Epic! This is currently my favorite story from the two volumes from Ablaze.
Excellent book. Highly recommended to all fans of hero fantasy. Cannot wait for volume 3!
First story takes us to the ever contested parts of the world that matches today's crossroads between Iran, Pakistan, China and Afghanistan. Conan, who established himself as chief of local brigand clans gets sucked into local political power plays that will bring him into conflict with dark sorcerer who enjoys a role of a king maker for a highest bidder.
Art is interesting, at times when author draws action scenes or character surprise, it is obvious inspiration is Manga or Korean variation of it. As is case with lots of Manga styles from the west this tends to create lots of sketchy art, so many lines that drawing loses its fullness. But in overall it is good, lots of details and when action kicks in it is amazing. I think that black and white approach here might work better. But again, I enjoy black and white comics in general so might be biased :)
Second story is famous story of Frost Giants Daughter. It is breath taking. Art, coloring, composition, everything is magnificent. Again, this being more adult version of stories sexual energy accumulates and it is visible. From the way Conan eyes this spirit, the way she teases him, her confidence that Conan is just yet another buffoon to be sacrificed to her father, playful exchange between the two that has such a serious and deadly undertones that Conan is not aware of at the beginning.
Again, art is so great that lots of frames would work without a single uttered word from any party. Conan here is such a powerful creature that during the final fight scenes I was truly expecting him to jump out of the pages. Spirit's fear when she realizes that Conan is not a person to be trifled with (presentation how fear starts to grow in her as she sees Conan is uncontrollable and how stressed and afraid she is on last pages after her failure to kill Conan (fear from Conan himself and definitely her father who lost his only two sons due to her scheming) - artist managed to capture every emotion, it is incredible, no frame requires any additional textual explanation) and Conan's charge at the Frost Giant! Epic! This is currently my favorite story from the two volumes from Ablaze.
Excellent book. Highly recommended to all fans of hero fantasy. Cannot wait for volume 3!
bloodravenlib's review against another edition
4.0
Quick impressions: Both comics are well written and well paced. Once you start reading, you just keep going. The art is well suited to the stories, though at times some of the details may blur a bit here and there. Still, art is colorful and captures the essence of stories well.
Overall, these are very good adaptations of the story. If you enjoy a gritty style in your fantasy art, art that seems drawn a bit quickly yet captures the story well, then you'll like this. This is a series that both longtime fans and new readers can enjoy.
(Full review on my blog later)
Overall, these are very good adaptations of the story. If you enjoy a gritty style in your fantasy art, art that seems drawn a bit quickly yet captures the story well, then you'll like this. This is a series that both longtime fans and new readers can enjoy.
(Full review on my blog later)
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