The Frost-Daughter's Agency
Reviewing Issue #15 of 'Conan the Barbarian' from Titan Comics and Heroic Signatures; Jim Zub's surprise adaptation of a Robert E. Howard classic.
In the early days of the Conan the Barbarian relaunch from Heroic Signatures and Titan Comics, fans were buzzing with anticipation. What would this new series bring? Many readers were speculating whether the new series might include retellings of Conan’s classic adventures, especially with the hints offered by the Free Comic Book Day 2023 release. Roberto De La Torre’s artwork had featured a striking collage of some of Conan’s most famous exploits. This sparked imaginations, leading some to hope that we might see De La Torre’s version of famous stories like The Tower of the Elephant or Rogues in the House. As a fan, I found myself excited at the prospect of revisiting these classic tales.
Series writer Jim Zub was quick to manage expectations. He tempered speculation by making it clear that while there may be nods to Conan’s earlier adventures, readers should not expect direct adaptations of Robert E. Howard’s stories. Instead, Zub revealed that he was charting a course for new adventures, grounded in Conan’s mythos but offering fresh narratives. This approach, recently reiterated at his appearance at FanExpo Canada, emphasized the importance of surprise in storytelling. While Howard’s original stories would serve as pillars of continuity and inspiration, Zub stressed that relying too heavily on adaptations would strip away the chance to keep readers surprised—something he considers essential to the ongoing success of the series.
This writer would certainly argue that Zub’s ability to surprise has been a key factor in the series’ success. Sure, having artists like Roberto De La Torre and Doug Braithwaite bringing his stories to life is certainly a bonus - but Zub consistently delivers stories that entertain and keep us guessing. They defy predictability. Even if you think you know where the plot is headed, he’s always ready to throw in a twist that leaves you smiling in surprise.
Conan the Barbarian Issue #15, ‘Frozen Faith Part 3: The Gods of the North’ (September 25th from Titan Comics and Heroic Signatures) is part 3 of a 4-issue arc intended to build on the myth and magic of Robert E. Howard’s “pillar of inspiration” The Frost-Giant’s Daughter, on its 90th anniversary. And this issue will surprise.
This new release follows an issue that introduced a surprising narrative swap to Atali, daughter of Ymir, in a story that mirrored key events from Kurt Busiek’s classic Out of the Darksome Hills, enriching the Cimmerian’s lore while weaving The Frost-Giant’s Daughter into the events leading up to the epic battle on the icy plains of Nordheim. Upon the close of Issue #14, the confrontation with Heimdul and the retelling of Howard’s classic story seemed inevitable. But how would Zub choose to approach it?
As surprises go, the biggest one in Issue #15 of Conan the Barbarian may be that we are indeed being given what feels like a faithful adaptation of The Frost-Giant’s Daughter. Zub acknowledged this in the ‘reviewer solicit’ for the issue, though he added that he’s adapting the “classic Robert E. Howard Conan tale with a twist.”
As an adaptation, this is The Frost-Giant’s Daughter. Jim Zub masterfully captures the iconic moments and essential lines from the original story. It’s wonderful. As a story I love and know so well, I’m terribly pleased.
And the art — Doug Braithwaite’s work is exceptional. The Cimmerian’s exhaustion and confusion, his fierce determination, and his thrall to an ethereally induced lust are all vividly portrayed. Braithwaite’s skill in portraying a dynamically emotive Conan is again on full display. The dramatic entrance of Atali’s brothers, the ensuing battle, and the climactic moment as Atali’s defiance turns to desperation - her naked sensuality transformed into panic - all striking. So much of this issue belongs to Braithwaite, and it stands as some of his best work on the title.
Complementing Braithwaite’s efforts is Diego Rodriguez’s exceptional colour work. His palette feels fresh and invigorating. Vibrant, almost psychedelic auroras define the frost-shrouded supernatural realm in bold contrast to the blues and whites of the worldly landscape. As Atali’s misguided temptations flounder, Conan’s lust ignites crimson fire across the glacial plain, heightening his passions and energizing the entire scene.
It’s fantastic stuff. A formidable adaptation serving as prelude to a new and final surprise in Issue #16.
And what of Zub’s promised twist?
Zub’s Atali is driven by her own motivations, possessing a clear sense of agency. As a young goddess testing her powers, she’s eager to prove herself, frustrated by Ymir’s interference. A daughter yes, but a child no! Yet her youthful hubris misjudges the strength of a mere human like Conan, leading to an improbable and humbling encounter.
We see that the realm of the gods is a discordant one - and her challenge to an overbearing father is a miscalculated act of defiance. Her attempt to assert independence with the wrong human backfires, culminating in an embarrassing plea for her father's help to save her from the consequences of her own folly.
Jim Zub subtly weaves this broader drama of the Gods of the North into Robert E. Howard’s classic story to surprising effect - convincing the reader that it had always been there; obvious but unsaid.
Conan the Barbarian, ‘Frozen Faith Part III - Gods of the North’ releases on September 25th, 2024 from Titan Comics and Heroic Signatures.
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