Conan: Two Against The Hawk-City Comic Review (#84)
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The idea of these short reviews is to give you a quick overview of what this issue is about (or remind you if you’ve forgotten!).
I try to give as much information as possible without spoiling any plots or twists, though of course there are likely to be some mini-spoilers… so read on dog-brother!
Conan the Barbarian #84 – Two Against the Hawk City
Writer/Editor: Roy Thomas
Illustrators: Ernie Chan (Embellisher), John Buscema (Artist)
Colorist: P. Rache
Letterer: M. Royer
Consulting Editor: Archie Goodwin
Cover Penciller: John Buscema
Cover Inker: Tony DeZuniga
Published: Marvel, March 1978
Cover
Here we’ve got Conan using a chain as a weapon, so we can probably assume there’s going to be something with him being prisoner or captive.
It’s a good cover, not the most exciting because there’s a fair bit of grey at the bottom and a fairly plain blue background.
However, it is action-packed, and we are introduced to Zula, swordsman and sorcerer — so we can probably expect a new partner for Conan, at least for one issue.
In fact, it’s Zula’s first appearance, and we’re just about to meet him again in the new Titan/Heroic Conan run.
The cover also tells us that Big John Buscema is back!
Although he did the last few covers, he had taken a five issue break from interior art due to his work on The Savage Sword of Conan and his book with Stan Lee, How To Draw The Marvel Way (which is still in print!).
Art
We’re back to absolute classic John Buscema art. Nice wide panels, very clear and concise drawing, and great facial expressions on Conan — Buscema really nails those.
Once again, the coloring is very nice, although I don’t think it’s quite as good as Roussos’ in the last two issues.
Roussos had a great eye for balancing vibrant highlights with moodier shadows, especially in spooky or night-time scenes, which added a strong atmosphere that really elevated the tone.
In comparison, the coloring here feels a bit flatter, particularly where large swaths of blue dominate the palette.
To show black they leaned heavily on blue tones, which was common for the era, but in some places I think it goes a little too far.
Interestingly, this is even mentioned in the letters page from the time. The snakes in here look gorgeous as well — this is some top-quality stuff.
Story
We’re back onto the main arc of Queen of the Black Coast.
Conan, having left the swamp of the last couple of issues, returns to Hawk-City on a mission from the king.
Expecting to find Bêlit waiting for him, he discovers she is gone.
The story splits between Conan and Bêlit’s perspectives — she’s off with Neftha, someone she previously travelled with, while Conan meets a new partner: Zula.
It’s great to see both perspectives.
Bêlit proves she’s far from helpless, and Conan is most definitely going to find out what happened.
We also get a few moments of dark humour — maybe not so funny for the characters involved, but Roy Thomas’s touch comes through nicely.
Howard Accuracy / Faithfulness
This story isn’t based on a specific Robert E. Howard tale, but features Conan and Bêlit’s world in all its glory.
Conan behaves as expected — tough, direct, and always ready to fight.
He doesn’t easily fall into partnerships, but recognises when he has no choice and accepts it begrudgingly—very much in the spirit of Howard’s original character.
Character Spotlight
This goes to Yonda Udonto — or Zula, as he’s otherwise known. A great new character who seems to be both a sorcerer and a warrior.
He’s almost as strong and skilled as Conan — not quite, but let’s be honest, who is?
To be fair, he does knock Conan out at least once (though hardly in a fair fight).
Looks like he and Conan might make a good team.
Interestingly, Roy Thomas notes in his Barbarian Life 2 book that it would have been very easy to make Zula a Marvel character (and a Marvel lawyer advised that) but he wanted the character to belong to the Howard/Conan estate.
Best Panel or Scene
Two favourites this time: first, when Bêlit and Neftha essentially turn into snakes and slither through a gap — creepy and cool.
Second, Conan and Zula’s prison escape — classic Conan action with a touch of comedy (not for the guards).
Where to Buy
It’s probably easiest to get hold of it in the new Titan/Heroic Conan Omnibus 4, or as a single copy of Conan Two Against The Hawk-City on eBay.
Final Thoughts & Rating
Great issue — 7.5/10.
I enjoyed the dual perspectives of Conan and Bêlit. Her solo quest was intriguing, and Conan meeting another warrior (Zula) is always fun.
I think we’re looking at the beginning of a longer arc here — I’d guess we’ve got a few connected issues ahead to look forward to!
