Conan the Barbarian #19: Against the Odds

Conan the Barbarian #19 kicks off part one of Land of the Lotus, “The Scholar’s Mercy.” This new arc continues Jim Zub’s excellent run on Conan the Barbarian. A reader can jump in practically anywhere when it comes to a serial character like Conan. Issue #19 is a great starting point even if you haven’t read any of Zub’s run because this new arc starts with Conan not remembering anything due to the influence of an enchanted sword, the Tooth of the Nightstar. An editor’s note on the title page gives enough context on how he got there, but if you are familiar with Conan as a character, then you won’t be lost.

Whether it’s giant white apes or guards spitting rice wine in Conan’s face, issue #19 proves to be eventful and exciting despite Conan being held prisoner in a cage the majority of the issue.  This issue has its own “you’re locked in here with me” moment when Conan smashes one of his capture’s faces in by pulling him his cage’s bars. He is then quickly freed by his new ally Meiwei and proceeds to clear out the rest of the guards, only for one to escape towards the main camp. Though Meiwei freed Conan, it is immediately apparent that Conan is better off without her as they flee into the jungle. Conan even considers leaving her behind which added to the grittiness and urgency of the situation. On top of that, we are left with Conan and his companion being surrounded by a new foe, but if you know Conan, then you know somehow the odds are in his favor.