Kull The Conqueror – Volume 01 Issue 02

My Rating

“The Shadow Kingdom”

Above the ancient city of Valusia, a golden moon hangs in the midnight sky. Outside the city gates, a massive pavilion has been erected in honor of the king who now sits in celebration. Kull, the mighty ruler of Valusia, and Ka-Nu, ambassador of the Pictish tribes, are deep in negotiations. Shall the people of the Pictish Isles join forces with Valusia and the Seven Empires? Or will the distrust between these ancient peoples prevent such an alliance?

After the evening’s entertainment has cleared from the pavilion, Ka-Nu, the elder statesman of the Picts, reveals his gift to Kull. It is the long-lost gem from the Temple of the Serpent! This ancient relic vanished centuries before this very night, fueling countless wars between the ancestors of Valusia and the dreaded Serpent-Men of old.

To this day, a terrible curse surrounds the emerald stone. Kings have fought for it, kingdoms have suffered because of it, and the very mention of its name brings fear to those who know its bloody history. Yet here it sits, presented as a gift of friendship by an ambassador who should know better!

Kull knows of the horrors associated with this accursed jewel. What manner of treachery has Ka-Nu brought into his kingdom? Is this an offering of peace or a deliberate insult to the throne of Valusia? Shall the Pictish ambassador be put to death this very evening?

But there are darker secrets lurking beneath the golden moon of Valusia. Secrets that threaten more than the life of a single king. For not every man who walks the halls of the royal palace is what he appears to be. Ancient enemies have returned, and their ambitions stretch far beyond the throne.

Who can Kull trust when even the faces of his closest allies may conceal something far more sinister? The answer lies within the shadows of a kingdom where the greatest danger wears the face of a friend.

Review

What a wonderful surprise this issue turned out to be! As someone who is still learning the history of Kull the Conqueror and the Thurian Age, I found myself completely immersed in Robert E. Howard’s ancient world. There is something fascinating about exploring an age that existed long before Conan walked the lands of Hyboria. The kingdoms, the political intrigue, and the ancient evils lurking in the shadows make this a remarkable piece of sword-and-sorcery storytelling.

Roy Thomas does an excellent job adapting Howard’s original tale, while Marie and John Severin bring the ancient kingdom of Valusia to life with their wonderful Bronze Age artwork. The mysterious Serpent-Men, their ability to infiltrate the highest levels of society, and the constant threat of betrayal make “The Shadow Kingdom” much more than your typical barbarian adventure. Who can a king trust when the enemy might be sitting beside him?

What amazed me most was discovering the connection between this story and Titan Comics’ Conan the Barbarian: Scourge of the Serpent. Here I am, reading a Marvel comic book from 1971, only to recognize elements that Titan Comics has brought back into its modern storytelling. I had no idea just how deeply these ancient legends connected to the larger world of Robert E. Howard. It certainly makes me appreciate what Jim Zub and the creative team at Titan Comics have been building.

This is why I enjoy going back and exploring these older comic books. Not only do I get to experience some wonderful stories from the Bronze Age of comics, but I also gain a better understanding of the history behind the characters and their worlds. Kull the Conqueror No. 2 delivered everything I could ask for: ancient mysteries, political treachery, sinister villains, and a king who refuses to surrender his throne without a fight.

Five out of five stars! What an excellent introduction to the darker side of the Thurian Age. I cannot wait to see what other surprises await me in the pages of Kull the Conqueror.