Review: Kull #1 (Dark Horse)

KULL #1 (Dark Horse Comics)

Arvid Nelson, the writer of the alternate-history murder mystery “Rex Mundi,” has been tabbed by Dark Horse to helm “Kull,” the third comic-book series based on the Robert E. Howard properties.

Kull, a warrior-king, has named himself ruler of Valusia, a formerly great kingdom now living in dreams of its past. To unite the kingdom under his rule, Kull must lay siege to the Iron Fortress, and its ruler, Count Areyas.

The Iron Fortress will be difficult to subdue – and even moreso if Areyas releases the monster, Etrigor.

The art of Will Conrad (“Serenity,” “Conan”) ably captures the fantasy setting. Conrad’s depiction of action, and his storytelling, are top-notch. 

Howard’s original “Conan” story was in fact a reworking of a rejected “Kull” tale, so naturally the characters have similarities.  But Nelson’s portrayal of Kull is layered, with a more thoughtful and philosophical approach than Conan.  This “Kull” storyline will adapt the Robert E. Howard story “The Shadow Kingdom.”

The covers are by Andy Brase and Joe Kubert, and while both are good, I preferred the Brase cover on this issue.

I haven’t read any of the previous “Kull” comics from other publishers, or the original stories themselves.  But as of the first issue, “Kull” is my favorite of the current batch of Robert E. Howard comics.

 -  Matt Price