Review by C.J. Bunce

Nearly 100 years after it was first published back in 1933, one of Robert E. Howard’s most lauded Conan the Barbarian stories is now available in an all-new, fully painted edition from Heroic Signatures and Titan Comics.  Just released and available here at Amazon, Conan: The Tower of the Elephant, is a 56-page hardcover adaptation slightly larger than 9.5 by 12.5 inches.  That size showcases French artist Valentin Sécher’s incredible understanding of classic fantasy.  It has all the elements to put it in good company with the likes of Frank Frazetta’ best known Conan works.

Get ready for a tale that borrows much from world cultures, especially folktales like One Thousand and One Nights.  Conan is seeking a jewel called The Heart of the Elephant, a jewel he watched as a totem of supernatural powers many years ago.  We catch up with Conan as he begins his inquiries about a great tower where it is stored and guarded.  He is not aware of what ends its keepers have gone to to keep it protected.

Conan defeats a powerful man and a giant lion before the fantastical appears before him, a giant spider in the tradition of Tolkien’s Shelob stands in his way.  What lies ahead is something even stranger, is this a man or god with the head of an elephant, and what should Conan make of his bargain to reach into his heart to have it?

The book includes a gallery reprinting some of Sécher’s storyboards.  It also features some stunning pencil work that was only a preliminary part of his process–pencil sketches that would make for their own interesting edition of this project.

Conan the Thief?  Fans of Conan via the books, the modern tie-ins, and the comics won’t want to miss Sécher’s nostalgic look at Conan and this 93-year-old story.

Add Conan: The Tower of the Elephant now to your pull list at Elite Comics or your local comic shop or grab a copy here at Amazon.