By Crom, a legend returns! Titan Comics is bringing back the Cimmerian in a bold new way with The Savage Sword of Conan: Reforged, a new series that breathes new life into some of the most celebrated adventures in the hero’s history. For decades, the black-and-white pages of The Savage Sword of Conan magazine defined sword-and-sorcery for a generation. Now, these timeless tales are being presented for the first time with glorious, modern coloring, promising an entirely new experience for longtime readers and the perfect entry point for newcomers.
This initiative follows the successful relaunch of Conan the Barbarian under the Titan Comics banner, which has been met with acclaim from both critics and fans. By revisiting these foundational stories, the publisher is honoring the character’s rich legacy while making it accessible and visually spectacular for a modern audience. This blend of classic storytelling and contemporary presentation makes it one of the most anticipated and exciting new comics on the horizon.
What is The Savage Sword of Conan: Reforged?
At its heart, The Savage Sword of Conan: Reforged is a celebration of the master storytellers who first brought Robert E. Howard’s iconic hero to the comic page. The series reprints classic tales from the original Marvel magazine run, which were known for their mature, gritty, and often brutal depiction of the Hyborian Age. The key innovation of “Reforged” is the addition of full color to these originally black-and-white stories.
This is a monumental task, as the original artwork was designed for a monochrome palette, relying heavily on inks, shadows, and textures. A team of talented modern colorists will be tasked with enhancing this legendary artwork, adding depth, atmosphere, and visceral impact to every panel without overpowering the original line art. It’s a delicate balancing act that aims to elevate, not replace, the work of the masters.
The creative roster on the original Savage Sword is a who’s who of comic book royalty, and this series will feature their work prominently:
- Writer: Roy Thomas
- Artists: John Buscema, Barry Windsor-Smith, Alfredo Alcala, Gil Kane, and more.
A Legacy REFORGED: Classic Stories, Modern Colors
The decision to colorize these stories is a game-changer. The original Savage Sword of Conan was a black-and-white magazine specifically to bypass the restrictions of the Comics Code Authority, allowing for more violence, horror, and mature themes. While the lack of color gave it a unique, pulpy feel, it also left much to the reader’s imagination.
The Savage Sword of Conan: Reforged aims to fill in those details with a rich, cinematic color palette. Imagine the glint of steel in a torchlit dungeon, the deep crimson of a blood-soaked battlefield, or the vibrant scales of a demonic serpent. Modern coloring techniques can bring a new level of emotional resonance and world-building to these stories, making Conan’s world more immersive than ever before. This approach has the potential to redefine how these beloved adventures are experienced.
The Art of the Hyborian Age
The covers alone signal a deep respect for Conan’s artistic legacy. The main cover features a classic, ferocious painting by the legendary Boris Vallejo, immediately evoking the feel of the original 1970s magazines. In addition, a variant cover by current Conan artist Rob de la Torre shows the Cimmerian in a brutal struggle with a lion, rendered in a dynamic, modern style that still honors the character’s raw power. This combination of classic and contemporary stunning cover art is a perfect mission statement for the series itself. It’s a project that respects the past while charging confidently into the future, offering something for all comic book fans.
In conclusion, The Savage Sword of Conan: Reforged is poised to be an essential collection. It’s a chance to revisit timeless adventures of heroism and savagery, presented in a visually spectacular new format. For those who grew up with the original magazines, it’s a chance to see them in a new light. For those new to the Cimmerian’s saga, there has never been a better-looking entry point.
What did you think of this issue? Join the conversation on X and tag us @comicbookaddt!
Follow us for more comic book news and reviews:
