Magnificent thews and verse that can’t lose. This week we have unearthed a limited-run 1975 fanzine full of cool fantasy art and . . . poetry inspired by Conan’s creator, R.E. Howard. Before you skip this Rediscovered Realms’ rhyming class, you’ll want to stick around because I’ve uncovered a little-known illustration of one of the most famous modern-day fantasy artists from his younger days. I’m so excited to share it with you.
It's interesting that you mention both Frost Giant's Daughter and fanzines in the same post. Certainly, fanzines have been vital in Howardian research/community building, but more than that the first place that The Frost Giant's Daughter was published was in the 1930s fanzine The Fantasy Fan. It was published in the May 1934 issue. What makes The Fantasy Fan relatively unique is that 1) it's kind of unfair to call it a Fanzine as it looks professional and offered subscriptions, and 2) Charles Hornig the creator/editor of the zine was only 16 or 17 when he published the zine.
I've been pleasantly surprised by a lot of the Conan stories I've read. There are plenty of examples of bad writing in them, but Howard knows how to make his prose HIT when it counts. His fight scenes are invigorating, and the occasional bit of profound insight is always a nice treat.
Great post. Its really great to share this old obscure artwork. Some nice finds in there.
I've always wondered if Frazetta was the first one to give Conan long hair. Most of the artwork from the magazines gave himshort hair (as was the fashion of the times), and I'm pretty sure REH only ever called it a "square-cut" mane.
It's interesting that you mention both Frost Giant's Daughter and fanzines in the same post. Certainly, fanzines have been vital in Howardian research/community building, but more than that the first place that The Frost Giant's Daughter was published was in the 1930s fanzine The Fantasy Fan. It was published in the May 1934 issue. What makes The Fantasy Fan relatively unique is that 1) it's kind of unfair to call it a Fanzine as it looks professional and offered subscriptions, and 2) Charles Hornig the creator/editor of the zine was only 16 or 17 when he published the zine.
Great points - and interesting 🧐 history, thanks for sharing, Christian!
I've been pleasantly surprised by a lot of the Conan stories I've read. There are plenty of examples of bad writing in them, but Howard knows how to make his prose HIT when it counts. His fight scenes are invigorating, and the occasional bit of profound insight is always a nice treat.
Good points!
Great post. Its really great to share this old obscure artwork. Some nice finds in there.
I've always wondered if Frazetta was the first one to give Conan long hair. Most of the artwork from the magazines gave himshort hair (as was the fashion of the times), and I'm pretty sure REH only ever called it a "square-cut" mane.
Thanks! Interesting question. I wonder if the Frazetta Girls know the answer to that one. I'll reach out to them and see.