Conan #41
	Story Title: ‘Rogues in the House’ (Part 1: Rogues at the Door) Writer: Timothy Truman Artist: Cary Nord Colorist: Richard Isanove Letterer: Richard Starkings & Comicraft Cover by: Cary Nord & Richard Isanove Editor: Scott Allie Published by: Dark Horse Comics
	Reviewed by: Bruce Logan

For a review to this issue of Conan I am going to start by quoting (myself) from a past review.

“Ever since the writer change (starting issue #33); I have felt that there is something missing, not with the main character or even the supporting ones, or for that matter with the whole dynamic of their travels/stories…that is until this issue. Not only does this installment of Conan have a major occurrence in it, it also, for the first time the last half dozen issues came across as finally catching up with the pace and story style/mood set by the previous creative team.”

That was then and this is now, this being “This book ROCKS!!” Not only has writer Timothy Truman caught up to the level (story, characters and pacing) set by previous writer Kurt Busiek, with this issue he even surpasses it. From the quick yet informative ‘Previously in Conan…’ opener to the last page cliffhanger, this issue of Conan is a non-stop breakneck speed launch into space and beyond.

Even though this issue marked the start of a new arc it could just as well be the next part of the previous one. In fact, if not for the TPB limitations/demarcations it just might have had been. The issue I reviewed prior to this i.e. #38 had the death of Nestor, Conan’s accomplice turned friend as also Conan’s avenging it. This issue takes up from it leading directly into Conan’s capture by the authorities. As with Nestor, Conan too is betrayed by his lover Jiara. His fate is to be the same as Nestor’s. However, thanks to some high level politics Conan is presented with a reprieve ‘bargain’, one which he readily accepts. A point here – the political banter and infighting – it was the low point of the issue.

Conan escapes and settles his dues, including the one with Jiara. However, before he can even start to get to (or leave) the ‘bargain’, we reach the end of the issue and while hardcore Conan fans/veteran readers might have an idea the last page revelation was an utter and total unexpected cliffhangers to me.

The artwork is in keeping with the regular Conan style, which means it has a painted look and uses a lot of shading and shadows to establish the ‘mood’ (and does so quite well). However, maybe it was just me but the artwork in this issue did seem a little crispier than what it usually is.

Conclusion: Promising start to what I hope will be an excellent story arc. Timothy Truman has really and truly (pardon the pun) hit his Conan stride.
 

RATING: 4/5