Kull

Kull

Writer/Artist: Arvid Nelson, Will Conrad, Jose Villarrubia

Publisher: Dark Horse, $18.95

I’ve been on a barbarians and blood & guts run of reading lately, so the new Dark Horse collection of Kull was just what I was in the mood for. For those unfamiliar, Kull is an Atlantean barbarian that has become the King of Valusia. Unsure of his ability to rule and untrusting of those around him, Kull has to contend with politics, assassination attempts, hidden enemies, surprising alliances, and horrible horrible snake monsters. And lots and lots and lots of bloodshed. Which is good.

After reading Arvid Nelson’s title Rex Mundi, I’m pretty much always willing to check out anything new with his name attached to it. He does a great job of adapting Robert E. Howard’s ‘The Shadow Kingdom’ here, and manages to explore more details and really flesh out the work. The scripting and plotting are great, and he’s complimented by Conrad’s pencils and dark foreboding atmosphere.

Fans of REH stories should be able to really get into this, but if your just a swords and fantasy type of reader who likes a little bit more blood and guts then this is perfect for you. It serves as a good introduction to anyone who would like to explore of the genre or specifically Kull, Conan, or even Solomon Kane. And don’t skip the introduction by Howard biographer Mark Finn or the short backup by Nelson.

If you like this then try: Conan, Solomon Kane, Rex Mundi