Blood-soaked sands, clashing steel, and earth-shattering revelations – the Conan panel at San Diego Comic-Con was nothing short of legendary. 

From the triumphant return of beloved creators to Conan’s unexpected leap into new realms, our panel unleashed a barrage of news that left fans reeling. 

Buckle up as we tease some of Conan’s juiciest upcoming conquests across comics, literature, and beyond!

Another one??

Thunderous applause erupted when Heroic Signatures  announced the continuation of Savage Sword of Conan for another year. This iconic black-and-white magazine format, a throwback to the golden age of sword-and-sorcery storytelling, has clearly struck a chord with both longtime fans and newcomers alike.

Jim Zub emphasized the unique approach Heroic is taking with the series, assembling a rotating cast of artistic visionaries to breathe fresh life into the Hyborian Age. But the real bombshell came with the revelation that Roy Thomas, the legendary writer who first brought Conan to Marvel Comics in the 1970s, is making his triumphant return to the character. Thomas will be collaborating with the phenomenally talented Rob de la Torre, whose work has been captivating fans since the series’ relaunch.

The panel couldn’t contain their excitement about upcoming stories that will push the boundaries of even Conan’s legendary exploits. One tease that sent ripples through the audience involved our barbaric hero locked in mortal combat with a pack of savage werewolves. 

But Conan’s adventures aren’t going to be limited to the printed page. The creative team shared their enthusiasm for the ongoing e-pub series of Conan short stories, which has been gaining traction among digital readers (and for good reason).

The bloody (digital) words

The digital realm of the Hyborian Age continues to expand, with the panel revealing that the e-pub series of Conan short stories will forge ahead for another thrilling year. This program has become a crucible for authors eager to craft their own pulp-style narratives in the tradition of Weird Tales, offering readers monthly doses of sword-and-sorcery action delivered straight to their e-readers.

One panelist, brimming with enthusiasm, spoke of the unique opportunity these digital tales present. “It’s wonderful to see,” he gushed, “getting that little hit on your Kindle… it feels like it’s all just coming back.” This sentiment echoes the electric anticipation readers once felt, never knowing what Hyborian adventures awaited them in the next issue of Weird Tales.

The e-pub initiative isn’t merely retreading familiar ground, however. Jeff Shanks, Howard historian supreme, hinted at the potential for these stories to explore lesser-known aspects of Robert E. Howard’s universe. 

This digital format also allows for a nimbleness in storytelling, providing a platform to experiment with narrative styles and themes that might not fit the constraints of longer-form comics or novels. It’s a playground for creativity, where authors can explore untapped corners of Howard’s mythos or offer fresh perspectives on classic tales.

The panel’s excitement was palpable as they discussed the cross-pollination between different Conan projects. Might elements from these e-pub stories find their way into the comics, or vice versa? The potential for a cohesive, expanding the Hyborian Age across multiple media platforms had fans buzzing with anticipation.

As the discussion flowed, it became clear that Conan’s influence extends far beyond the written word. And now, it seems, the barbarian is poised to conquer yet another realm – one where his legendary combat skills will be put to the ultimate test.

A Mortal Arena for No Mere Mortal

As the panel discussion reached its crescendo, a bombshell announcement sent shockwaves through the audience: Conan the Barbarian is set to join the brutal roster of Mortal Kombat as downloadable content (DLC). 

The revelation sparked an instant flurry of speculation among panelists and attendees alike. How would Conan’s raw, barbaric fighting style translate to Mortal Kombat’s precisely choreographed combos and over-the-top fatalities? One panelist, with a mischievous glint in his eye, hinted at the possibilities: “I can tell you those fatalities and animalities they brought back are going to be very fun and very Conan-esque.”

This fusion of ancient savagery and modern gaming spectacle presents a unique opportunity to introduce Conan to a new generation of fans. As one panelist noted, “If you go on YouTube and search for Conan the Barbarian, there’s probably more Exiles and Egyptian videos than anything else, more than the movies, more than the books.” 

The inclusion of Conan in Mortal Kombat represents a deeper exploration of the character’s essence. How will the game capture Conan’s cunning and resourcefulness alongside his brute strength? Will we see elements of Cimmerian culture woven into his move set and stage designs?

With so many exciting developments on the horizon, from comics to e-books to video games, it’s clear that the Conan franchise is experiencing a renaissance. But for those hungry for even more details about the future of the Cimmerian…

The SDCC Conan panel was a whirlwind of revelations, each more thrilling than the last. For those craving the full, unadulterated experience, the complete Comic Con panel awaits on YouTube. 

Dive deep into the minds of the creators shaping Conan’s future, and uncover tantalizing hints about upcoming projects that we’ve only alluded to here. Who knows what other surprises lurk within those 51 minutes of footage? 

Perhaps you’ll catch a glimpse of the next big Conan announcement before anyone else. Don’t miss your chance to be at the forefront of this Hyborian renaissance – watch the full panel and immerse yourself in the ever-expanding world of Conan the Barbarian.