CONAN THE BARBARIAN #26 / Script by JIM ZUB / Art by FERNANDO DAGNINO / Colors by DIEGO RODRIGUEZ / Letters by RICHARD STARKINGS & COMICRAFT’S TYLER SMITH / Covers by GERARDO ZAFFINO, SIMON BISLEY, BART SEARS, JORGE MOLINA & ROBERTO DE LA TORRE / Published by TITAN COMICS

It is well known that, after many years of adventure, Conan of Cimmeria became King of Aquilonia by his own hand. Indeed, the first Conan tale ever written, The Phoenix on the Sword, discusses this history, as King Conan faces an attempted coup at the beginning of his reign. Yet Robert E. Howard never explained just how Conan found himself claiming the crown of Numedides.

Conan the Barbarian #26 reveals this history and much more. Jim Zub, who is well-known and well-praised for building his original tales on the foundation of Howard’s work, draws upon what lore exists in setting up the day when Conan became known as “Conan the Liberator.” Yet this story also details another famous first – the first meeting between Conan and Count Trocero of Poitain, who will one day be one of Conan’s most trusted advisors.

At the moment, however, the Count is a beleaguered commander, staring down an invasion of Zingaran renegades. His only relief comes in the form of Conan’s mercenary company. Yet it is King Numedides’ intention to humble the vasal he sees as a threat to his reign, by providing inadequate support. Or so it would seem until Conan takes command of a bold raid against the Zingarans.

The introduction paints this as a more political tale than is typical of a Conan the Barbarian comic. Such detailed setups, however, are typical of both Howard and Zub. Rest assured there is action in plenty beyond the opening assault. And Conan’s efforts to “sow chaos as only barbarians can,” are vividly and beautifully illustrated in great detail by Fernando Dagnino, Diego Rodriguez, Richard Starkings & Tyler Smith.

It is rare that a comic so steeped in lore can prove to satisfy established fans yet be accessible to new readers as well. Conan The Barbarian #26 is such a rare treat. Violent and visceral, this is a perfect introduction to the world of one of most famous heroes of fantasy.

Conan The Barbarian #26 arrives in comic shops on November 12, 2025.