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View Full Version : Conan #14 - The Ibis and The Serpent


Pedalhome
03-23-2005, 06:31 PM
SPOILER WARNING
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Well, on a technical level, the art in this book is starting to slip. The pencil sketch aspect of the book's art was appealing in the earlier issues, but I think that was because the art had cleaner lines and a less sketchy feel. I particularly disliked the depiction of when Conan was engulfed by the bug-creature and meets the remains of Davos; the art had a very unfinished feel. I guess that was an attempt to convey the other-worldliness of the essence that animated the creature, namely Thoth Amon's dark magic. It didn't work for me.

In addition to Cary Nord, Tom Mandrake and Thomas Yeates are credited with the art for this issue. If someone knows who drew what scenes I'd love to know.

I liked the story well enough. Conan proved that his might can overcome magic both when be breaks free of the god-plants which bind him and when he fights the bug-creature, although we know that the Bone Woman had a hand in that. I'm interested in what will happen when Janissa and our hero cross paths again, I'm not predicting a happy reunion. I liked the ending; in true nomadic barbarian fashion, Conan rejects offers of employment from the Bone Woman and Kalanthes and heads off on a wagon with two wenches and his sac of gold.

For those who have been commenting on the point that Conan seems too powerful, we see him nearly dead and in a coma for five days. He still seems vulnerable enough to me.

CurryStick
03-23-2005, 08:19 PM
Yeah, i noticed the art is a bit slipping in the first couple pages of the comic myself, wasn't up to par on what Cary Nord has been putting out at the start. As for the art during Conan's trip inside the beast I think it looked the way it looked was because he was poisoned and the world and everything he saw was distorted due to the poison affecting his senses.

And I think he'll be working for the Bone woman eventually, he just needs some time to realize he needs her. What do you guys think?

Karl J. Barnes
03-24-2005, 11:22 AM
I hope that he doesn't work for The Bone Woman. I really can't see someone who is as untamed as Conan bending knee to someone like The Bone Woman. She seems to be more than benefactoress, it's like the with her promises that you basically become her slave and I can't see Conan ecver being that.

Smuggletrain
03-24-2005, 05:20 PM
In addition to Cary Nord, Tom Mandrake and Thomas Yeates are credited with the art for this issue. If someone knows who drew what scenes I'd love to know.

Nord didn't draw the scenes with the bone woman. The scenes inside the bug creature don't look like his work either.

bitplayer
03-25-2005, 06:38 AM
Well that's a shame. I just read 4 and 5 and they are really good compared to the first 3. And pretty much decided to get the whole series now.

Mebbe it's just an small slump.

Pedalhome
03-25-2005, 08:23 AM
Mebbe it's just an small slump.

I hope so. We got spoiled at the beginning of this series, but I want more great artwork!!!

Pedalhome
03-25-2005, 08:25 AM
And I think he'll be working for the Bone woman eventually, he just needs some time to realize he needs her. What do you guys think?

I've got to disagree. Conan works for nobody, especially sorcerey type folks. Also, he learned what the Bone Woman put Janissa through, so I'm pretty sure he'll steer clear of her.

Lurker
03-25-2005, 04:18 PM
IMO, this issue showcased what makes Conan so special in the 1st place, his indominable Force of Will. As it is said Superman can fly through willpower, so I say Conan survives powers beyond his scope through pure force of will. He is the strongest man of his age.

mgs
03-25-2005, 06:24 PM
Well, on a technical level, the art in this book is starting to slip. The pencil sketch aspect of the book's art was appealing in the earlier issues, but I think that was because the art had cleaner lines and a less sketchy feel. I particularly disliked the depiction of when Conan was engulfed by the bug-creature and meets the remains of Davos; the art had a very unfinished feel. I guess that was an attempt to convey the other-worldliness of the essence that animated the creature, namely Thoth Amon's dark magic. It didn't work for me.

-I definitely agree. While the stories remain top notch, the art seems to be slipping a bit.

In addition to Cary Nord, Tom Mandrake and Thomas Yeates are credited with the art for this issue. If someone knows who drew what scenes I'd love to know.
Did you read the back of the book, in the letters' pages, I think one of those will answer your questions on this. ;)

ReptileJK
03-30-2005, 07:10 AM
Finally picked this issue up. I'm very happy with it. Obviously, I'd like Cary's artwork to have encompassed the whole issue, but I understand he must need a break occassionally. I really have not been a fan of Tom or Thomas' artwork in this book. I'm not saying that they do not have talent as comic artists, there style is just so markedly different from Cary's that it's almost distracting. While Cary's art is perfect for this type of comic, I'm not so sure about the others. Just my opinion, however.

Loved the part where Conan snaps off Janissa's feather necklace, pushes the gem into her had and shoves her back against the obelisk! What a barbarian he is!

Ramz
04-02-2005, 01:14 PM
good issue. When has Conan been made out to look 'too powerful' in this comic?