Roy Thomas reflects on “Conan”
"Conan the Barbarian" No. 1, written by Roy Thomas, from Marvel Comics
Missouri-born comic book writer and editor Roy Thomas broke into comics in the mid-1960s, and went on to write some of the comic industry’s best-known characters, from the Avengers to the X-Men to Batman. But among his best-loved works are his comic-book adaptations of the Robert E. Howard pulp tales of Conan the Barbarian. The success of the Marvel Comics Conan led to the Arnold Schwarzenegger films of the 1980s, which had some involvement from Thomas.
“Conan” remains a popular property — the latest film, “Conan the Barbarian,” starring Jason Momoa, was released on DVD this week, and the Thomas-written 12-issue series “Conan: Road of Kings” is currently being released by Dark Horse Comics.
Kindle Fire demo; Avengers poster; Conan giveaway and Roy Thomas interview
Matt and Kyle take a look at the Kindle Fire’s options for comics; the Avengers release new posters; and Roy Thomas talks about Conan the Barbarian in this week’s comics podcast.
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Roy Thomas returns to Conan with “Road of Kings”
Roy Thomas is instrumental in the success of Conan in comic books — and by extension in movies — so it’s only appropriate that Dark Horse has turned to Thomas as the current writer of their ongoing “Conan” saga. The arc in “Road of Kings” 1-6, available as issues now, and set for hardcover collection in January, follows Conan on his journey west along the Road of Kings.
Conan the Barbarian has long past in pulps, comics
On the hot plains of Texas, in the wildcatting town of Cross Plains, a barbarian was born who has now lived in our imaginations for nearly 80 years.
Robert E. Howard, the author and creator of “Conan,” launched the character in the 1932 issue of the pulp magazine “Weird Tales.” Howard was born in Peaster, Texas, in 1906 and lived in Texas and western Oklahoma as a youth before settling in Cross Plains, Texas, in 1919.
Wolverine 2 filming update; DC Comics’ New 52 trailer; Conan the Barbarian released
Matt Price and Kyle Roberts discuss Wolverine 2 filming news, the release of the New 52 DC Comics relaunch trailer, and the new Conan the Barbarian film in this week’s Planet 46 Comics Podcast.
“Truly outrageous” Jem and the Holograms to return to TV on the Hub; Conan the Adventurer also in lineup
The Hub Television network, which airs a variety of retro animation, has added two new programs to the lineup.
Conan O’Brien becomes a superhero
Conan O’Brien became a superhero in last night’s “Conan” show on TBS. Comics Alliance runs down what happened in the episode.
Conan runs through the DC Comics Encyclopedia, pointing out some of the more ridiculous powers, heroes and villains.
Working with Bruce Timm, the comedian created “The Flaming C,” a superhero version of Conan O’Brien.
Click past the cut for the video.
RIP Frank Frazetta
Comic Book Resources reports the death of fantasy artist Frank Frazetta, well-known for his depictions of Conan and the Death Dealer. He also worked on well-known comics and comic strips including Lil Abner, Flash Gordon and more.
image via
- Matt Price
Obama-Conan humor from The Onion
The Onion has a piece of satire in which the Cabinet fails to understand President Obama’s metaphors based on “Savage Sword of Conan.” The second best line is this:
Later, the defense secretary attempted to find common ground with Obama by making casual references to the comic book Spawn. But the 44th president reportedly brushed him off with an abrupt laugh, saying, “no one in [his] administration likes Spawn.”
Click through to read the whole thing — the best line is the closer.
– Matt Price
Brett Ratner in negotiations for Conan
According to The Hollywood Reporter, director Brett Ratner is in final negotiations to helm a “Conan” film.
“Conan” can be cool in the right hands, cheesy in others. I don’t think I’d be the audience for a Ratner-directed “Conan.” And I kind of question the likelihood of anybody being able to make the general populace forget Arnold Schwartzenegger enough to make the film their own. Much remains to be seen on this one.
– Matt Price
