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The Cimmerian
The Cimmerian, Vol 3
Ablaze returns with two more thrilling adventures of Robert E. Howard's famous Cimmerian! Discover the true Conan, unrestrained, violent, and sexual. Read the story as he intended! The Cimmerian Vol 3 includes two complete stories, Iron Shadows in the Moon, and The Man-Eaters of Zamboula, plus bonus material, including the original prose stories, in one hardcover collection!
In Iron Shadows in the Moon, a young woman in danger is pursued by her vile master. Conan, whose family has just been wiped out by this same master, puts an end to the beauty's pursuer, and saves her with a blow of his sword. Bound by fate, the couple decide to hit the road together. Their journey takes them to an island where they discover strange ruins inhabited by dark magic. Their paradise-like refuge soon turns into a suffocating nightmare where shadows lurk. Who knows the extent of the dangers that lie there? They will quickly learn that on an island, the biggest threat does not always come from the outside... Iron Shadows in the Moon reveals the genius of its author in describing universes as singular as they are mysterious. With her line, both delicate and powerful, Virginie Augustin illustrates this oppressive and mystical atmosphere, and gives the story a new graphic breath.
In The Man-Eaters of Zamboula, the Cimmerian finds himself in the land of a thousand and one nights! A crossroads of beliefs, languages and cultures, the mythical trading city of Zamboula is also the scene of many dark legends. Upon paying the city a visit, Conan is warned of the dangers of Aram Baksh's home. It is said that most of the foreigners who stay there disappear under obscure circumstances...and it is precisely there that the Cimmerian is spending the night. But by lifting the veil on these mysterious cases of kidnappings, the Cimmerian will discover another secret, even more terrible, linked to the whole of the city of Zamboula... A story imbued with orientalism and macabre witchcraft, The Man-Eaters of Zamboula offers writer/artist Gess the opportunity to deliver his vision of Robert E. Howard's hero in a comic book story of exotic and dark beauty.
In Iron Shadows in the Moon, a young woman in danger is pursued by her vile master. Conan, whose family has just been wiped out by this same master, puts an end to the beauty's pursuer, and saves her with a blow of his sword. Bound by fate, the couple decide to hit the road together. Their journey takes them to an island where they discover strange ruins inhabited by dark magic. Their paradise-like refuge soon turns into a suffocating nightmare where shadows lurk. Who knows the extent of the dangers that lie there? They will quickly learn that on an island, the biggest threat does not always come from the outside... Iron Shadows in the Moon reveals the genius of its author in describing universes as singular as they are mysterious. With her line, both delicate and powerful, Virginie Augustin illustrates this oppressive and mystical atmosphere, and gives the story a new graphic breath.
In The Man-Eaters of Zamboula, the Cimmerian finds himself in the land of a thousand and one nights! A crossroads of beliefs, languages and cultures, the mythical trading city of Zamboula is also the scene of many dark legends. Upon paying the city a visit, Conan is warned of the dangers of Aram Baksh's home. It is said that most of the foreigners who stay there disappear under obscure circumstances...and it is precisely there that the Cimmerian is spending the night. But by lifting the veil on these mysterious cases of kidnappings, the Cimmerian will discover another secret, even more terrible, linked to the whole of the city of Zamboula... A story imbued with orientalism and macabre witchcraft, The Man-Eaters of Zamboula offers writer/artist Gess the opportunity to deliver his vision of Robert E. Howard's hero in a comic book story of exotic and dark beauty.
144 pages, Hardcover
First published December 21, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
August 5, 2021
Augustin concludes the three part tale by REH which begins with Conan being expertly tied up while the brigands drink and feast at night by the ruins all while Olivia watches until she sees and hears movement from her not too far away of a bulky dark shape. She is able to free Conan using one of the slumbering pirates knives. Conan takes back his broadsword and the two escape the camp as the full moon rises giving sentience to the guardians of the ruins.
Conan battles a gray ape in a ferocious and bloody battle as the two hear the sounds of slaughter back at the camp in the distance as most of the rogues are taken apart by the now animated statues.
The surviving buccaneers make their way towards the ship in the harbor wading into the sea when they spy Conan and Olivia already on the ship. A stand off occurs, but the pirates take the smarter course and pledge their allegiance to Conan.
By the far this was the best of Ablaze's Cimmerian series that I have read since collecting all of them. Augustin's art and adaptation is spot on and exactly what I thought it should be and should have been like for all prior series.
Conan battles a gray ape in a ferocious and bloody battle as the two hear the sounds of slaughter back at the camp in the distance as most of the rogues are taken apart by the now animated statues.
The surviving buccaneers make their way towards the ship in the harbor wading into the sea when they spy Conan and Olivia already on the ship. A stand off occurs, but the pirates take the smarter course and pledge their allegiance to Conan.
By the far this was the best of Ablaze's Cimmerian series that I have read since collecting all of them. Augustin's art and adaptation is spot on and exactly what I thought it should be and should have been like for all prior series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 9, 2021
Conan is back in two new adventures, Iron Shadows of the Moon and The Man-Eaters of Zamboula. Iron Shadows is the better of the two. For one thing it's got pirates, better art and a better story. Man-Eaters is about some cannibals running all over a city stealing people on the streets away to eat each night. There's a very flimsy excuse to keep a woman running around naked with Conan the entire story. Neither the art or convoluted story are very good.
Received a review copy from Ablaze and NetGalley.
Received a review copy from Ablaze and NetGalley.
November 16, 2022
As has previously been the case with these Conan comics the second story was more enjoyable for me than the first, a true tale of clothing-optional High Adventure.
July 15, 2024
The weakest of the volumes thus far. Somehow the art grew worse in the second story. I looked forward to seeing what they did with "Shadows in Zamboula" because of all the possibilities in the story: cannibals, naked consorts, stranglers, mystical priests. It was a childish effort by the artist Gess-- ugly woman, womanly Conan, poor sloppy and splatter cells all around. The best scene was Conan's sword through Totrasmek's mouth. This effort is laughable. If this had been the first graphic novel I would not have even read the rest, let along bought them.
October 27, 2021
I enjoy how bizarre these stories around Conan can get. The world is a wild place where just about anything can happen. Conan always seems just a hair away from certain death or being taken advantage of. But between dumb luck and his intelligence, he always seems to get by. I especially like how he's not just some brute with a brain, he's compassionate enough not to force himself on a vulnerable woman. Or at least without someone trying to trick him first.
July 28, 2021
Finished not so fantastically. The Iron Shadows seemed an afterthought. It has been too long since I’ve read the O.G. to compare.
September 21, 2023
Another two tales of Conan saving a damsel in distress (clothing optional) and getting himself in some gory situation. the 1st story centers them escaping to beautiful island filled with demonic statues, and the 2nd story takes place during the night in their escape from cannibals and priests.
And as always they include the two short stories these two grapic adaptations were adapted from. I liked the art style in the 1st story more than the 2nd. but they're really fun, despite being so predictable.
And as always they include the two short stories these two grapic adaptations were adapted from. I liked the art style in the 1st story more than the 2nd. but they're really fun, despite being so predictable.
May 31, 2023
A crisp, violent and faithful adaptation once again, that rekindled the joys of reading Howard's Conan.
Recommended.
Recommended.
October 13, 2023
‘The Cimmerian Vol. 3’ by Virginie Augustin and Gess and based on the works of Robert E. Howard is another volume in a fairly ambitious graphic novel series.
The two stories treated this time around are Iron Shadows in the Moon and The Man-Eaters of Zamboula. Both feature supernatural adventure, exotic women and Conan at the heart of it all, swinging sword and fist. As in the previous two volumes, the adaptations are followed by the full story in text.
Both stories this time feature pretty great art. The adaptations are well done also. I’ve enjoyed this series.
The two stories treated this time around are Iron Shadows in the Moon and The Man-Eaters of Zamboula. Both feature supernatural adventure, exotic women and Conan at the heart of it all, swinging sword and fist. As in the previous two volumes, the adaptations are followed by the full story in text.
Both stories this time feature pretty great art. The adaptations are well done also. I’ve enjoyed this series.
August 15, 2024
Περίπου αυτά που έγραψα για τους δύο πρώτους τόμους, ισχύουν και εδώ. Τα πρωτότυπα κείμενα του Howard δίνουν τρελά στο κονσεπτ. Η μεταφορά τους σε κόμικ έχει ξανά την R-rated αισθητική που μπορεί να ξενίσει κάποιους, αν και εμένα εδώ μου άρεσε. Είναι μια διαφορετική προσέγγιση, που έχει να δώσει πολλά στον αγαπημένο μας βάρβαρο, αλλά δε θα ξεπεράσει ποτέ τα λατρεμένα μας ασπρόμαυρα κομικ
February 1, 2022
Another 2 good stories written by Edward and illustrated by 2 diverse authors (Gess and Augustin). I really liked the first one and the second was enjoyable. Looking forward to the next volume where the prose and the illustrations are both present.
Altre due belle storie di Edward illustrate da Gess ed Augustin. La prima mi é piaciuta piú della seconda, ma tutte e due erano piacevoli. Aspetto sempre con ansia questi volumi dove alla prosa viene accostata la storia a fumetti, la trovo un'idea geniale.
I received from the Publisher a complimentary digital advanced review copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
Altre due belle storie di Edward illustrate da Gess ed Augustin. La prima mi é piaciuta piú della seconda, ma tutte e due erano piacevoli. Aspetto sempre con ansia questi volumi dove alla prosa viene accostata la storia a fumetti, la trovo un'idea geniale.
I received from the Publisher a complimentary digital advanced review copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
August 5, 2021
The art and atmosphere are amazing. Story is kind of short - much shorter than earlier comic adaptions.
July 29, 2022
It is the best story of Conan’s world that I read. It is full of suspense and action.
February 11, 2022
This is a spoiler free review.
The Cimmerian Vol. 3 is awesome. Crom!! Conan is back in two new adventures: "Iron Shadows of the Moon," and "The Man-Eaters of Zamboula." The two stories in this graphic novel are based on the original short stories by Robert E. Howard. Like Volume 1 and 2 of The Cimmerian, the original short stories are included at the end of each story. I really enjoy comparing and contrasting between the comics and the original short stories.
"Iron Shadows in the Moon," is the first story in The Cimmerian Vol. 3 and is the more entertaining of the two. Conan and a girl he rescues try to evade a group of pirates hunting them down. They end up trying to hide on a haunted island that's full of surprises and danger.. One abandoned looking temple looks perfect for them to rest but they may not be the only ones in there...
The illustrations in, "Iron Shadows in the Moon," are beautiful and the story is really engaging. I really enjoyed reading this short graphic novel. It's the perfect scary tale to read at night with the lights dim. If you like spooky stories where creatures are lurking around every dark corner, you'll love this Conan tale.
The second story in The Cimmerian Vol. 3 is "The Man-Eaters of Zamboula," which is a tangled tale where Conan faces cannibal slaves, magic, dancing princesses, local politics, and more. Conan manages to finagle his way out of this tricky situation and somehow ends up with a horse, a sack of gold, and a very important treasure. Crom or luck was certainly on Conan's side during this convoluted tale. I do like the ending of this story where Conan passes up life with a princess in a palace and a life of more comfort for the open road. It feels like the ending of the Conan the Destroyer.
I enjoyed reading The Cimmerian Vol. 3. "Iron Shadows in the Moon," is a very entertaining tale. I really enjoyed the story and the artwork is awesome. I also liked the ending of, "The Man-Eaters of Zamboula." But I think The Cimmerian Vol. 1 is still my favorite volume of the Cimmerian.
I look forward to reading Volume 4.
Stay awesome and keep reading!
The Cimmerian Vol. 3
Creative team:
Written and Illustrated by Virginie Augustin and Gess
The Cimmerian Vol. 3 is awesome. Crom!! Conan is back in two new adventures: "Iron Shadows of the Moon," and "The Man-Eaters of Zamboula." The two stories in this graphic novel are based on the original short stories by Robert E. Howard. Like Volume 1 and 2 of The Cimmerian, the original short stories are included at the end of each story. I really enjoy comparing and contrasting between the comics and the original short stories.
"Iron Shadows in the Moon," is the first story in The Cimmerian Vol. 3 and is the more entertaining of the two. Conan and a girl he rescues try to evade a group of pirates hunting them down. They end up trying to hide on a haunted island that's full of surprises and danger.. One abandoned looking temple looks perfect for them to rest but they may not be the only ones in there...
The illustrations in, "Iron Shadows in the Moon," are beautiful and the story is really engaging. I really enjoyed reading this short graphic novel. It's the perfect scary tale to read at night with the lights dim. If you like spooky stories where creatures are lurking around every dark corner, you'll love this Conan tale.
The second story in The Cimmerian Vol. 3 is "The Man-Eaters of Zamboula," which is a tangled tale where Conan faces cannibal slaves, magic, dancing princesses, local politics, and more. Conan manages to finagle his way out of this tricky situation and somehow ends up with a horse, a sack of gold, and a very important treasure. Crom or luck was certainly on Conan's side during this convoluted tale. I do like the ending of this story where Conan passes up life with a princess in a palace and a life of more comfort for the open road. It feels like the ending of the Conan the Destroyer.
I enjoyed reading The Cimmerian Vol. 3. "Iron Shadows in the Moon," is a very entertaining tale. I really enjoyed the story and the artwork is awesome. I also liked the ending of, "The Man-Eaters of Zamboula." But I think The Cimmerian Vol. 1 is still my favorite volume of the Cimmerian.
I look forward to reading Volume 4.
Stay awesome and keep reading!
The Cimmerian Vol. 3
Creative team:
Written and Illustrated by Virginie Augustin and Gess
March 18, 2024
Contained in this volume are two Conan tales: "The Iron Shadows of the Moon" by Virginie Augustin and "The Man-Eaters of Zamboula" by Gess. Both present solid, enjoyable Conan tales with some great artwork that is differentiated from the typical Conan the Barbarian comics since they feel much more distinctively European/Franco-Belgian.
"The Iron Shadows of the Moon" has Conan rescuing a woman named Olivia who has recently escaped the custody of a Hyrkanian king. Conan agrees to help Olivia to safety but the pair run afoul of a group of pirates amidst a deserted island populated with mysterious statues. In the moonlight, the statues turn into demonic entities that torment both Conan and the pirates. Wiles and might give Conan the upper hand. Augustin's artwork is simply fantastic, and though the story itself was a rather simple one, the execution here was great.
"The Man-Eaters of Zamboula" takes Conan to the odd city of Zamboula which seems to be haunted. Conan is advised not to stay out at night since there are entities that have been dragging the homeless away. Learning that the threat is a roving band of cannibals, Conan comes to the safety of a mysterious, naked woman who is being hunted by the cannibals. There are some fun twists here, but the main draw is the moody tone to the story. Gess' artwork is quite nice, but I was really not a fan of the use of color in the night scenes - which were plenty in this story. There is a monotone sheen of purple that eliminates all contrast, and with his thin lines, the details felt completely lost. When properly colored though, his artwork really worked for me.
Overall, a bunch of entertaining Conan tales with great artwork.
"The Iron Shadows of the Moon" has Conan rescuing a woman named Olivia who has recently escaped the custody of a Hyrkanian king. Conan agrees to help Olivia to safety but the pair run afoul of a group of pirates amidst a deserted island populated with mysterious statues. In the moonlight, the statues turn into demonic entities that torment both Conan and the pirates. Wiles and might give Conan the upper hand. Augustin's artwork is simply fantastic, and though the story itself was a rather simple one, the execution here was great.
"The Man-Eaters of Zamboula" takes Conan to the odd city of Zamboula which seems to be haunted. Conan is advised not to stay out at night since there are entities that have been dragging the homeless away. Learning that the threat is a roving band of cannibals, Conan comes to the safety of a mysterious, naked woman who is being hunted by the cannibals. There are some fun twists here, but the main draw is the moody tone to the story. Gess' artwork is quite nice, but I was really not a fan of the use of color in the night scenes - which were plenty in this story. There is a monotone sheen of purple that eliminates all contrast, and with his thin lines, the details felt completely lost. When properly colored though, his artwork really worked for me.
Overall, a bunch of entertaining Conan tales with great artwork.
September 1, 2022
Crom! Conan has to really be careful around the ladies. Another solid helping of the fantastic tales of the Cimmerian. The two tales in this volume were not bad at all. Iron Shadows of the Moon was a simple straightforward tale of Conan aiding a damsel in escaping the clutches of her sinister master while staying clear of a supernatural threat. It was kind of the standard fair you would expect from Conan. It's not bad that this tale doesn't bring anything new to the table but it was still an entertaining adventure. There was tenderness and innocence in the character of Olivia. Obviously, Conan was attracted to her but there is still sadness and loneliness on the surface to Conan in this tale. The pirates didn't really have any deeper motivation other than they just became a meal for the mysterious iron monsters. I actually enjoyed this tale a little more than the Man-Eaters of Zamboula. The second tale was not bad either and I was pleasantly surprised by how Conan turned the tables on the female protagonist, Nafertari. At first, I thought that Conan was being a little gullible, but the Cimmerian is no fool. No matter how tempting the beauty, Conan is still a barbarian and not easily tamed. I really enjoyed these stories. The art was a bit wonky in both stories. I ultimately preferred the art of the first tale a bit more. The artwork still fits the moody feel of the second tale. In short, definitely give this Conan graphic novel a read. The Cimmerian is still giving us the Barbarian as he is meant to be written. Enjoy the high adventure as Conan battles mysterious monsters, kills countless foes, and listens to the lamentations of the women.
October 22, 2021
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Diamond Book Distributors for an advanced copy of this sword and sorcery graphic novel.
Copyright laws are curious thing. One country's trademark is another country's public domain. Hence The Cimmerian, a graphic novel retelling of the classic Robert E. Howard stories, as originally written, adapted and illustrated by various creators from France. Containing, the publisher says all the sex and violence or the original tales, without the racism of the early tales. This is the third volume featuring two stories.
The first and the better is the Iron Shadows of the Moon, a moody atmospheric tale with beautiful women, pirates, a creature in the dark and a temple wherein eldritch statues and sacrifice pillars await. The story flows well and the illustrations are quite good.
The second one is The Man-Eaters of Zamboula, a convoluted tale of magic, cannibals, dancing princesses and Conan being a thief, and passing up the palace life for life on the open road and freebooting. The art is ok, but the story being all over the place might have something to do with it.
The stories by Howard are interesting, super wordy and different from some might remember them, as most were edited by Lin Carter or L. Sprague de Camp, to quicken the pace, or in some cases just totally rewritten. A new entry into the Conan canon, and as a fan I found them engaging. However I will always have a soft spot for the Savage Sword of Conan magazines from the early 1970's.
Copyright laws are curious thing. One country's trademark is another country's public domain. Hence The Cimmerian, a graphic novel retelling of the classic Robert E. Howard stories, as originally written, adapted and illustrated by various creators from France. Containing, the publisher says all the sex and violence or the original tales, without the racism of the early tales. This is the third volume featuring two stories.
The first and the better is the Iron Shadows of the Moon, a moody atmospheric tale with beautiful women, pirates, a creature in the dark and a temple wherein eldritch statues and sacrifice pillars await. The story flows well and the illustrations are quite good.
The second one is The Man-Eaters of Zamboula, a convoluted tale of magic, cannibals, dancing princesses and Conan being a thief, and passing up the palace life for life on the open road and freebooting. The art is ok, but the story being all over the place might have something to do with it.
The stories by Howard are interesting, super wordy and different from some might remember them, as most were edited by Lin Carter or L. Sprague de Camp, to quicken the pace, or in some cases just totally rewritten. A new entry into the Conan canon, and as a fan I found them engaging. However I will always have a soft spot for the Savage Sword of Conan magazines from the early 1970's.
May 2, 2023
Two wonderful Conan's adventures.
I wont go much into the stories themselves because they are literal visualization of original Howard's works.
What makes these volumes great is the quality of the visuals. I mean just look at the beginning of Zamboula story, opening panels with desert and mysterious busy city and various caravans coming to it. Way author manages to play with shadows and light in the night, it is beautiful.
Or for the first story (which is my favorite here when it comes to visuals, I find the art more appealing to me), character elegance, Conan's brute force, beautiful panoramas of the sea and jungle, sheer density of the forest. It is breath taking and true joy for the eyes.
Highly recommended for fans of Conan and for people enjoying a truly great visual art.
I wont go much into the stories themselves because they are literal visualization of original Howard's works.
What makes these volumes great is the quality of the visuals. I mean just look at the beginning of Zamboula story, opening panels with desert and mysterious busy city and various caravans coming to it. Way author manages to play with shadows and light in the night, it is beautiful.
Or for the first story (which is my favorite here when it comes to visuals, I find the art more appealing to me), character elegance, Conan's brute force, beautiful panoramas of the sea and jungle, sheer density of the forest. It is breath taking and true joy for the eyes.
Highly recommended for fans of Conan and for people enjoying a truly great visual art.
November 23, 2023
This third volume of The Cimmerian is rather impressive – Virginie Augustin (writer/artist for Iron Shadows in the Moon) and Gess (writer/artist for The Man-Eaters of Zamboula) have both produced enjoyable adaptations, although I prefer the style of Augustin’s art and general storytelling, as it features a better balance of imagery and pacing, and the colours are often stunning.
I would love to see a much larger amount of extras included in this series (many additional sketches and possibly interviews with the creators), but these are still attractive hardcovers that bring something a little different to the world of REH and Conan.
I would love to see a much larger amount of extras included in this series (many additional sketches and possibly interviews with the creators), but these are still attractive hardcovers that bring something a little different to the world of REH and Conan.
January 16, 2024
4 out of 5 stars. Volume 3 of The Cimmerian adapts Iron Shaodws in the Moon and The Man Easter of Zamboula. This volume is ok but not as good as Volume 2. I think it would have been better if they adapted the finer tales of RED such as The Tower of the Elephant and The Witch Shall be born (or Rogues in the House). Anyway, it is what it is. Volume 3 is still fun to read but not as good as volume 2.
October 19, 2021
Another great read about Conan. I like these adaptations, as it gives life to the stories. I also like that the actual stories are included, for reading and comparing. Can't wait for the next ones. #TheCimmerianVol3 #NetGalley
September 27, 2024
A pretty faithful rendering of Howard's Conan stories. As an added bonus, the short stories are included.
I enjoyed it, but since I've already read the entire Conan series, it's unlikely that I would read any more of these unless they show up at my library.
I enjoyed it, but since I've already read the entire Conan series, it's unlikely that I would read any more of these unless they show up at my library.
December 28, 2025
Perfectly serviceable adaptation of a Conan story. As with all of these tales, the question is what happens next. Howard was a pro at “whetting the appetite” only to have characters disappear into the ether.
January 3, 2023
So far, the only one I liked! The most faithful to REH!
January 14, 2026
Iron Shadows in the Moon - 4/5
The Man-Eaters of Zamboula - 4/5
The Man-Eaters of Zamboula - 4/5
January 26, 2022
Conan is back in two adventures! In "Iron Shadows in the Moon," Conan rescues a runaway girl from a man he was aiming to kill. They escaped to a island haunted by two evils. Then The Brotherhood of the Coast comes to call providing them a means to escape the island and continue their adventures. Then in "The Man-Eaters of Zamboula," Conan faces down hungry cannibal slaves, a very nasty tavern keeper, and an evil magician while ensnared in local politics. Conan manages to wrangle a way out and end up with a horse, a sack of gold, and a very important treasure. I enjoyed the artwork of this volume more than volumes 1 and 2. It is nice to revisit these tales in a new format.
Thanks Netgalley for the chance to read this volume.
Thanks Netgalley for the chance to read this volume.
August 16, 2021
This was another good issue Ablaze put out. I think I set my expectations up too high from how I heard these were uncensored Conan stories and that there may be something new that hasn't been in other iterations but the previous stories in old Marvel comics and Darkhorse comics followed Howard's stories pretty well from what I remembered and the Ablaze issues just follow them even more closely with added elements here and there. As a collector I dig them but yeah, they don't live up to the hype.
March 5, 2023
Entertaining, well done, maybe a bit short.
March 31, 2023
Great finish to the classic story
Enjoyed the entire 3 episode Arc. ABLAZE does Conan well. I am sad that both Marvel and Ablaze won't continue with Conan.
Enjoyed the entire 3 episode Arc. ABLAZE does Conan well. I am sad that both Marvel and Ablaze won't continue with Conan.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews