Description

Conan: Volume 8 – Black Colossus                     Trade Paperback
Writer: Timothy Truman
Artist: Tomas Giorello
Colorist: Jose Villarrubia
Letterers: Richard Starkings & Comicaft’s Jimmy Betancourt
Editors: Patrick Thorpe & Philip R. Simon
Front Cover by: Tomas Giorello
Back Cover by: Tomas Giorello

Conan, once a wandering thief, tries his luck as a professional warrior, joining Amalric’s mercenary forces to live as a rank-and-file soldier. However, something much more than luck will lead Conan on a collision course with the strongest, strangest army he’s ever faced! Princess Yasmela – the city of Khoraja’s remaining sovereign – has been haunted by terrifying apparitions of the wizard Natohk, and when Natohk threatens to bring his demonic hordes to Khoraja, Yasmela prays to the god Mitra for help. Mitra actually responds and tells her to place the fate of her entire kingdom into the hands of the first man she meets out in the city streets-and that man is a drunk, hesitant barbarian! Conan may turn out to be Khoraja’s best hope for survival, but his distrust of the soft upper classes and their disdain for his common station may derail any possibility of working together to halt Natohk’s bid for world domination.

Timothy Truman adapts Robert E. Howard’s powerful “Black Colossus” short story and sets Conan off on what will be his bloodiest battle yet, when the mercenaries of Amalric clash with the massive powers of Natohk!

Stories/Spoilers
In part #1, Conan leaves his trials and regrets behind in Cimmeria and heads into the next phase of his adventurous life – his mercenary career. Conan sets off on what will be his bloodiest battle yet, when the mercenaries of Amalric clash with the demonic hordes of Natohk! Conan, once a wandering thief, tries his luck as a professional soldier, joining Amalric’s forces and facing condescending jabs from the noblemen in his company, who mistakenly think that the Cimmerian is an unskilled simpleton.

Next in part #2, Nahtok, a powerful wizard with the desert tribes of Shem under his command, now looks to expand his motley empire northward into the politically unstable Koth – where Koth’s leaders are more likely to kill each other on the battlefield than join together to face a common foe. The only thing standing in Nahtok’s way is the small border kingdom of Khoraja and their battered military forces, now led by the inexperienced Princess Yasmela. Amalric’s mercenaries – with Conan still riding among their numbers – are charged with reinforcing Yasmela’s depleted army, as the conquering Nahtok draws near and Yasmela is haunted by both evil threats and holy visions.

Next in part #3, Natohk builds his army of desert tribesmen, bloodthirsty nomads, and demons to begin his invasion of Hyboria! Natohk has his sights set on the border city of Khoraja first, and he sends his fearsome horde to take it and begin their full assault on Koth-a country filled with petty, quarreling rulers. Heading toward Khoraja with the rest of Amalric’s mercenaries, Conan is still learning the ways of military discipline and strategy, impressing his leader while also making some enemies among Amalric’s foot soldiers. Princess Yasmela is Khoraja’s remaining sovereign. Haunted by terrifying apparitions and demonic visits, she prays to Mitra for help as Natohk’s forces near her war-torn country and her near-defenseless city.

Next in part #4, Not content to sit back and wait for Natohk to arrive to destroy the city of Khoraja, Conan leads his men to meet the Stygian wizard in open combat. As Amalric’s mercenaries and the remaining soldiers of Khoraja march impressively out of the city, Natohk’s horrifying army-backed by dark magic and otherworldly beasts-acquires yet another powerful weapon. What chance do mortal men have? Conan must deal with dissension and class conflict in his own ranks and the strange visions and revelations of Princess Yasmela before he can hope to defeat Natohk’s hordes. Even though his men trust and respect him, the aristocrats resent his presence and are waiting for him to stumble so that they can fulfill their own selfish ambitions! And what news does a Zamorian thief bring out of the desert?

Next in part #5, Natohk’s horde of desert warriors advances on Conan’s band of mercenaries and the remnants of the once-proud Khorajan army-and the Battle of Shamla Pass begins! Earning the trust and admiration of his fellow soldiers, Conan impresses everyone with his natural leadership skills and tactical instincts-but that hard-earned respect may be for naught if those defending Princess Yasmela and Khoraja are massacred by Natohk’s monstrous forces. From his vantage point on a plateau, Conan looks down on his opponent, as a sea of approaching swords fills the valley. Things go from bad to worse when Natohk unveils some supernatural, deadly, and horrifying surprises. Conan’s first command may be his last!

Finally in part #6, Natohk’s desert hordes surge up the narrow Shamla Pass, and Conan’s ragged army desperately attempts to hold their high ground. Outnumbered and facing an army fueled by a zealous, reborn Stygian wizard, simply surviving may be the greatest victory Conan can hope for. Any triumph will ring hollow, though, if Conan can’t protect Khoraja’s current sovereign, the beautiful Princess Yasmela – whom Natohk has vowed to capture!

Trade Paperback reprints/collects: Conan the Cimmerian (2009) Issues #8-13.  Dark Horse 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.

Second Printing
Publisher: Dark Horse Books
Publication Date: 2010
Format: FC, 152 pages, TPB, 10.20″ x 6.75″
ISBN-10: 1595825339
ISBN-13: 9781595825339

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

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