Conan: The Blood-Stained Crown and Other Stories (Conan (Graphic Novels)) (Paperback)

by Kurt Busiek (Author), Fabian Nicieza (Author), Rafael Kayanan (Author), Cary Nord (Author), Eric Powell (Author), Various (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Eisner Award-winning writer Kurt Busiek (Astro City, Superman, Marvels) teams up with some of the best artists and writers in this collection of stand-alone stories from Conan. In "Helm," Busiek and Fabian Nicieza (X-Men, Buffy The Vampire Slayer) write and EC Comics legend John Severin draws the story of a certain very famous horned helm. Renowned comics and animation artist Bruce Timm (Batman The Animated Series, Justice League Unlimited) lends his styling to the darkly comic "Conan's Favorite Joke." Current Conan writer and Conan and the Songs of the Dead artist Timothy Truman takes pencil in hand as the Cimmerian's influence crosses generations in "Seeds of Empire" and "The Blood-Stained Crown." Eisner Award-winning Goon creator Eric Powell draws the poignant story of a young and unsung hero in "Storyteller," Dark Horse's centennial tribute to Conan creator Robert E. Howard. And classic Savage Sword of Conan artist Rafael Kayanan returns to the world of Hyboria with "In the Tower of Tara-Teth," a gritty adventure set during the Cimmerian's years as a mercenary and pirate.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Dark Horse (February 6, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1593078862
• ISBN-13: 978-1593078867
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 6.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #240,763 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not Bad..., February 11, 2008

By	CB - See all my reviews

I've been an avid follower of Dark Horse's Conan series (written, until recently, by the great Kurt Busiek and illustrated by the dynamic duo of Cary Nord and Dave Stewart) and so felt honor-bound to pick this volume up. What Conan: The Blood-Stained Crown offers is a series of stories, all penned by Busiek, and illustrated by various artists, that are little fill-ins that, while not integral to the story, are still entertaining.

Some of the stories are quite good, notably two: "Storyteller," Busiek's tribute to Robert E. Howard that puts a Howard-esque character in the Conan universe and sees how he fares (this is handled with much more sympathy and pathos than it sounds), and "Conan's Favorite Joke," a darkly comic tale illustrated by Batman the Animated Series' designer Burce Timm, which shows just what kind of things Conan would find funny. Most of the additional tales are fair, but not earth-shattering; most notable of these is the titular story, "The Blood-Stained Crown," illustrated by Timothy Truman, which goes more into the relationship between the vizier and the prince who's travels serve as the framing mechanism for the series itself.

As a whole, this is a nice volume, but not great. The stories were written as supporting features, and this shows - they simply don't shine as brightly as the stories in the series proper. Additionally, faithful fans will sorely feel the absence of Cary Nord and Dave Stewart's artistry. I recommend this only for die-hard Conan comics fans.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent collection of short stories, January 23, 2008

By	David Seley "Dave S" - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The Blood-Stained Crown is a collection of side-comics written by Kurt Busiek and illustrated by other artists because Cary Nord couldn't draw fast enough (and maintain the same quality) for a 12-month comic.

Understanding that, I really enjoyed this book - both the writing and the art work. I've started collecting all of the Dark Horse (Busiek/Nord) Conan trades, and this is an excellent addition to my collection.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars I highly recommend this graphic novel, August 27, 2008

By	Kurt A. Johnson (Marseilles, Illinois, USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This graphic novel contains six short stories, five of which revolve around the great barbarian Conan the Cimmerian. Now, as might be expected with six stories all illustrated by a different artist, there is a considerable range in style of execution. Overall, I found the tales to be entertaining, and the illustration work to be about what I would expect from most graphic novels.

So, if you are a Conan fan, I can say that you will probably like this book - I know I did! I highly recommend this graphic novel.

Oh, by the way the six stories are:
1) Storyteller - In which a young farmer who dreams of action and adventure finds it in Conan's shadow.
2) Seeds of Empire - when a rising young Galli ruler begins reading of Conan's adventures, he learns much.
3) The Blood-Stained Crown - Continuing the story of Seeds of Empire, the now inspired young ruler puts into effect what he has learned.
4) In the Tower of Tara-Teth - In which Conan breaks into a magically-protected tower, only to find that someone else is after the prize as well.
5) Helm - There is a magical helm that will belong to one who will become king...but which one?
6) Conan's Favorite Joke - Short and to the point - what would it take to make Conan truly laugh?