Steel clashes, muscles ripple, and shadows fall across the pages of a colossal relic. Adventurer, this week we crack open Conan the Barbarian: Colossal Edition - an oversized 12 x 17 hardcover brimming with 190+ pages of raw, unfiltered comic art.
From John Buscema’s thunderous muscles to Barry Windsor-Smith’s elegant detail and Gil Kane’s dynamic action, this book delivers Conan in his most primal, most glorious form. No glossy reprints here - these are full-size scans of original pages, pencils, pens & pastes, giving us a chance to witness every bead of sweat, every glint of steel, every strike of the artist’s hand. Come take a closer look at this towering tribute to our favorite Cimmerian!
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This Week’s Rediscovered Realms Theme Song:
Throne of the Axe hammers forward with savage energy — a colossal blend of heavy metal and epic orchestration. A song of power, conquest, and the eternal law of steel.
| Genre: Epic Barbarian Heavy Metal | Lyrics1 |
“Throne of the Axe”
Behold the Beastly Tome
An unassuming box when flipped over and untucked reveals . . .
A MASSIVE Barry Windsor-Smith-encrusted book (blue tabs my own!)
To give a sense of scale, that is a regular-sized comic book on top of this 12” x 17” behemoth!
So many artists - let’s see what’s inside . . .
Revealing the Savage Strokes of Hyborian Legend
Fun introduction by consummate Conan writer, Roy Thomas.
A directory of what’s included and who’s art you get to see.
What follows are some of my favorite covers and panels. (You can see the sources/credits in the bottom of each photo)
From the Rediscovered Realms archive: Barbarian at the Gates: Old-School Conan Role-Playing Game Boxed Set
Conan fan? Don’t forget to check out our curated Conan list on the Rediscovered Realms Amazon Storefront
From the Rediscovered Realms archive: Conan Beyond Thunder River: Solo Adventure for GURPS
This page from “A Man Returns” by Alfredo Alcala for Savage Sword of Conan was never published!
From the Rediscovered Realms archive: Conan The Bard-barian?
Since these are original scans, for many pages there are creator notes & edits which is pretty cool!
Whether you first met Conan on the spinner rack, through well-worn Savage Sword magazines, in dog-eared paperbacks, or in book or movie form, this Colossal Edition reignites the barbarian’s legend in breathtaking scale. May its pages remind you of the untamed strength of fantasy art . . . and inspire you to keep seeking out the treasures of unbridled imagination. Until next time, Bold Adventurer, keep your sword sharp and your adventures COLOSSAL!
Which Conan artist: Buscema, Windsor-Smith, Kane, Conrad, Alcala, or another, left the deepest mark on your imagination? (I have to say that I am really drawn to Alcala’s style!)
Do you prefer Conan’s adventures told in words (Howard’s pulps), pictures (comics), or on screen (Schwarzenegger, Momoa, or otherwise)?
Oh, and in case you didn’t catch this in the news this week: Frazetta's iconic Conan painting shatters records with $13.5 million sale !!!
Your next piece of fantasy fun is calling.
Remember to check out the Rediscovered Realms Amazon Storefront for the most epic gift-giving ideas for those important adventurers in your life (including yourself 🗡)
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You are not only brave, but a Generous Adventurer whose love of Discovery, Imagination & Fun transcends our mere mortal coils . . .
. . . and for that, I thank you!
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(Featuring artwork from Clyde Caldwell & Luke Eidenschink!)
Throne of the Axe
Verse 1 Born of battle, forged in flame, No gilded crown, no noble name. The world was carved with blood and steel, By the savage hand, by the iron will. Pre-Chorus Hear the warhorn, hear it call, The axe decides the fate of all! Chorus Throne of the Axe — let the strong ascend, Rivers of blood to the bitter end. Throne of the Axe — where the bold command, Rule of the steel, by the warrior's hand. Verse 2 Kings may falter, walls may fall, But strength alone will conquer all. The law of fire, the law of might, Barbarian dawn, enemy flight. Bridge (slow, ominous) Stone will crumble, gods will weep, The axe alone its vigil keeps. Chorus (bigger, layered vocals) Throne of the Axe — let the strong ascend, Rivers of blood to the bitter end. Throne of the Axe — where the bold command, Rule of the steel, by the warrior's hand.
“Throne of the Axe” is EPIC! Who's the artist and album. Awesome CONAN review.
Thank you for what you are doing. Great art. I anticipate and look forward to your posts.
From
A simple man who enjoys art.