Conan - Savage Sword of Conan #03 (Titan)

Titan's new The Savage Sword of Conan launched its third issue in July 2024. I've slowly been devouring these issues, and wanted to continue my reviews with this one. The A cover is by Alex Horley (B by Cary Nord) and features artwork that highlights the magazine's feature, “The Wolves of the Tundra”. This cover story is written by Frank Tieri (Iron Man, Wolverine) with interior art by Cary Nord (Daredevil, X-Men), who returns to Conan after a successful run with Dark Horse Comics. 

It is an odd choice to have a werewolf-themed story for this installment. First, Solomon Kane has already been featured in the first two issues in his own werewolf story, “Master of the Hunt”, which continues in this issue. Second, I've never really encountered many werewolves in the Hyborian Age. It seems goofy to have Conan not only tangle with this horror concept, but also to eventually transform into a wolf. The artwork is great, the story not so much. I found this just a little too odd for my tastes. 

“The Wolves of the Tundra” is followed by an excerpt from Conan and the Living Plague, a John C. Hocking narrative that is featured in the Conan: City of the Dead book. This was included to promote that book's release, which has been well-received by most fans. The excerpt also includes commentary from Hocking on his experience writing Conan novels and stories. 

As I mentioned above, “Master of the Hunt” continues with this final chapter. The three-part story features Kane searching for a werewolf in a small village. The story and artwork were created once again by Patrick Zircher. It's a fitting end to the story as Kane and the small heroic boy ultimately confront the man-beast. 

Alan Quah's “Lure of the Pit Creature” is a unique, wordless story showing Conan fighting an aquatic beast. 

Pinups for this issue include artists Alex Horley and Roberto De La Torre. There is also a short Conan poem by Jim Zub. 

Get the issue HERE.