Conan the Barbarian #6

Written by Brian Wood
Art by James Harren

Among the many things that I like about Brian Wood's new Conan series is that so far, each arc has only been three issues long.  This is pretty refreshing in an era where most mainstream comics only manage to tell one or two stories a year, and where two or three issues can pass with very little taking place.  It gives me confidence that there's always going to be something new happening in this series, and I like that the artists rotate so quickly - it gives me a chance to see different interpretations of this character, who I've ignored for so long.

This issue has Conan escaping the city of Messantia, after Belit arranged his opportunity to avoid the gallows.  Now, because of the actions of Belit and her crew of pirates, the entire city is in chaos, and Conan is racing, with the old shaman N'Yaga, to return to the Tigress, Belit's vessel.

This issue is full of action from start to finish, yet Wood also finds the space to have Conan examine the choices that he is making - to become a pirate who fights without honour, all for the love of a woman. 

James Harren's art is spectacular in this comic.  His fight scenes are vibrant and kinetic, and he's just as good at showing the depth of emotion that exists between Conan and Belit.  This is a great series.