Description

The Chronicles of Conan: Volume 1 – Tower of the Elephant and Other Stories             Trade Paperback
Writer: Roy Thomas
Artist: Barry Windsor-Smith
Colorists: Peter Dawes, Ian Sokoliwski, Dennis Kashton & Wil Glass w/ Digital Chameleon
Inkers: Dan Adkins, Sal Buscema, Frank Giacoia, Tom Palmer Sr. & Tom Sutton
Letterers: Sam Rosen & Mike Stevens
Editors: Scott Allie, Jeremy Barlow & Stan Lee
Cover by: Barry Windsor-Smith

In the early 1970s, Robert E. Howard’s Conan The Barbarian exploded on to the comics scene. Writer Roy Thomas teamed with a young artist named Barry Smith, and together the two mapped out some of the most stirring and memorable Conan adventures to come along since those written by Robert E. Howard himself. Over the course of their 24-issue run together, Roy Thomas and Barry Windsor-Smith defined Conan for a generation of comics readers.

As it continues to mine the Marvel archives for lost comics treasure, Dark Horse produces its latest find: the 1970s classic Conan The Barbarian. Now those stories are collected here in a series of trade paperbacks. Adapting the fantasy world of Robert E. Howard to the comics form and featuring completely remastered color and text corrections and containing material not available for nearly thirty years. The Chronicles of Conan Volume 1: Tower of the Elephant and Other Stories presents the reprinting of the first eight issues of that, now classic, 24-issue run.

The story begins with a Cimmerian bandit in the Hyborian Age of Aquilonia who must fight to fulfill his fate to become king. Armed with a sword in one hand and a maiden in the other, this wandering warrior combats winged beasts, warlords, and wizards…

Story/Spoilers
In part #1, “The Coming of Conan!”, Conan battles at Vanaheim and sees his future; Tara returns to her dimension 1st comic book appearance of Kull (cameo). The letters page contains a map of Conan’s world of the Hyborian Age drawn by Windsor-Smith (based on Robert E. Howard’s own version) and a short essay on The World of Conan.

Next in part #2, “Lair of the Beast-Men!”, Conan leads humans in a revolution against their ape-masters; Conan kills a snow-lion; Conan’s 1st time in chains. Letters to the editor from writers Harlan Ellison, Dick Lupoff, August Derleth, and Ted White; comics historians Don and Maggie Thompson; and Glenn Lord. The letters page reprints the Hyborian Age map from Conan 1.

Next in part #3, “The Twilight of the Grim Grey God!”, Conan converses with God Borri Borri, participates in a great and bloody battle, and kills Malachi. Adapted from the non-Conan story, The Grey God Passes by Robert E. Howard.

Next in part #4, “The Tower of the Elephant!”, Conan scales Elephant tower, kills lion & giant spider, and saves Yag-Kosha by killing him at his request. Adapted from the story by Robert E. Howard.

Next in part #5, “The Claws of the Tigress!”, Conan frees villages of Zukala’s control, saves Zephra from demon, and defeats Zukala–who disappears with his daughter Zephra; this story, though published in issue 5, was actually the third drawn by Windsor-Smith (following 1 and 2, but before 3 and 4). Adapted from the poem “Zukala’s Hour” by Robert E. Howard.

Next in part #6, “Devil-Wings Over Shadizar!”, Conan kills bat-like creature worshipped as a god; Jenna saves Conan’s life & steals his gold. First appearance of Fafnir and Blackrat.

Next in part #7, “The Lurker Within!”, Lady Aztrias betrays Conan. Conan burgles a merchant’s building, is accused of murder, fights & kills a serpent-man, saves Demetrios’s life and sees Thoth-Amon.  Adapted from the story The God in the Bowl by Robert E. Howard.

Finally in part #8, “The Keepers of the Crypt!”, In the Lost city of Lanjau, Conan battles a giant lizard & undead creatures; Jenna & Conan flee village on horse at end of story. Adapted from a synopsis by Robert E. Howard.

Trade Paperback reprints/collects: Conan The Barbarian (1970) Issues #1-8.  Marvel Comics

Trade Paperback is bagged & boarded and will be carefully / securely packaged then shipped via USPS Priority Mail to ensure that it arrives to you perfectly and quickly.

First Edition
Publisher: Dark Horse Books
Publication Date: 2003
Format: FC, 144 pages, TPB, 10″ x 7″
ISBN-10: 1593070160
ISBN-13: 9781593070168

Collectible Entertainment note: Trade Paperback is in Very Fine to Very Fine + condition.  Beautiful!  Please See Scans!!  A must have for any serious Conan and/or Robert E. Howard collector / enthusiast.  A fun & entertaining read.  Highly Recommended.  

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