Interview: Jim Zub Talks Conan The Barbarian
Aug 08, 2023
Interview by Nicki Faust
Following the Free Comic Book Day prequel issue, Titan Comics' CONAN THE BARBARIAN marks a new start for the iconic sword-and-sorcery hero, under Heroic Signatures and Titan Comics.
We talked to Conan the Barbarian writer, JIM ZUB, on what readers should expect as they ENTER THE HYBORIAN AGE!
Hi Jim. It is well known that you’re a long-time fan of Conan the Barbarian. What does the title mean to you?
Conan the Barbarian captured my imagination as a kid and it still engages me now because it carries something primal – an alchemical stew of intensity and violence about exploring the unknown and surviving anything the world can throw at you.
Conan has been around for over 90 years and has had a rich history built by a number of talented creators. How much inspiration have you taken from the character’s literary past?
Although I first discovered Conan through the comics and movies, the original Robert E. Howard prose stories showed me the wider potential in the character and his world while driving home the core theme that defines the Hyborian Age – Civilization VS Savagery.
The more civilized a place we find, the more corrupt and broken its moral core tends to be. Cimmerians like Conan may be considered “savage” by city dwellers, but they know exactly who they are and fight boldly for what they believe.
Right from the start I’ve tried to keep that core in mind as I write new stories for Conan, building on that rock solid foundation while expanding the mythology or creating new foes for our hero to face.
You’re leading Conan the Barbarian alongside artist Roberto De La Torre and colorist José Villarubia. What has it been like working with such an exciting creative team?
Don’t forget letterer Richard Starkings! He’s been a Conan mainstay for so long and it’s an honor to have him onboard as well.
Honestly, it’s a dream team. All of us on the creative team, working in tandem with editor Matt Murray and Conan scholar Jeffrey Shanks, are so passionate about the character and his history, and that keeps us working hard to maintain a high level of quality at every step.
Rob’s line art is an instant classic that carries on the legacy begun by artists like Frank Frazetta and John Buscema. Add in José’s colors that enhance the atmosphere and every single page just feels unstoppable.
Conan has an enormous fanbase that will no doubt be anticipating this series. However, what would you say to encourage new readers to pick up the series?
Conan the Barbarian in 2023 is the series I’ve wanted to read for a long, long time. It’s big, brash, uncompromising sword & sorcery storytelling done with a deep love for the source material, but is also incredibly easy for new readers to jump in with right from the start.
Here’s all you need to know to start reading – The Hyborian Age is an alternate pre-history of our world filled with dark mysteries and even darker magic. Conan is a mercenary warrior filled with wanderlust who travels the land in search of adventure. Wherever he goes, excitement is sure to follow.
Done. You’re ready for our first issue.
Conan is just as much a comic book icon as any superhero and there’s never been a better time to discover that than now with this book, ready to roar every month starting in July.
Finally – without giving any spoilers – can you use three words to describe Heroic Signatures’ and Titan Comic’s upcoming Conan the Barbarian series?
BLOOD WILL FLOW.
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CONAN THE BARBARIAN FCBD EDITION LEADS INTO THE DEBUT ISSUE!
Years after the battle of Venarium, a weary CONAN returns to his homeland to seek rest and solitude. However, a mysterious scout rides in to warn the Cimmerians of an imminent threat on the march from the Pictish wilderness. Will CONAN and his new ally be able to hold off this new horde of invaders?
CONAN THE BARBARIAN FCBD EDITION LEADS INTO THE DEBUT ISSUE!
Years after the battle of Venarium, a weary CONAN returns to his homeland to seek rest and solitude. However, a mysterious scout rides in to warn the Cimmerians of an imminent threat on the march from the Pictish wilderness. Will CONAN and his new ally be able to hold off this new horde of invaders?
CONAN THE BARBARIAN FCBD EDITION LEADS INTO THE DEBUT ISSUE!
Years after the battle of Venarium, a weary CONAN returns to his homeland to seek rest and solitude. However, a mysterious scout rides in to warn the Cimmerians of an imminent threat on the march from the Pictish wilderness. Will CONAN and his new ally be able to hold off this new horde of invaders?
CONAN THE BARBARIAN FCBD EDITION LEADS INTO THE DEBUT ISSUE!
Years after the battle of Venarium, a weary CONAN returns to his homeland to seek rest and solitude. However, a mysterious scout rides in to warn the Cimmerians of an imminent threat on the march from the Pictish wilderness. Will CONAN and his new ally be able to hold off this new horde of invaders?
Years after the battle of Venarium, a weary CONAN returns to his homeland to seek rest and solitude. However, a mysterious scout rides in to warn the Cimmerians of an imminent threat on the march from the Pictish wilderness. Will CONAN and his new ally be able to hold off this new horde of invaders?
Years after the battle of Venarium, a weary CONAN returns to his homeland to seek rest and solitude. However, a mysterious scout rides in to warn the Cimmerians of an imminent threat on the march from the Pictish wilderness. Will CONAN and his new ally be able to hold off this new horde of invaders?
Collects issue #1-4 virgin variants by Roberto De La Torre - EXCLUSIVE to this pack!
ONLY 1500 COPIES AVAILABLE!
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Nicki Faust's heart is as cold as concrete in the Chicago winter. When not writing for PREVIEWSworld, Nicki is busy playing Limbo on Twitch, writing about the great robot uprising on Medium, and completing the untitled follow-up to the 2012 best-seller, Sue Storm: A Nude Photobook.
