Conan the Barbarian: A Literary Legacy Spanning Decades

Conan the Barbarian is a fictional character created by Robert E. Howard in 1932. He has since become one of the most popular and enduring characters in fantasy literature. Conan's adventures have been adapted into numerous comic books, films, and television shows.

In this article, we will take a look at the history of Conan the Barbarian, from his creation in the early 20th century to his continued popularity today. We will also discuss the impact that Conan has had on popular culture, and we will examine the literary legacy of this iconic character.

Conan The Barbarian (1970-1993) #97

by Roy Thomas

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	77338 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	19 pages

FREE

The Creation of Conan the Barbarian

Robert E. Howard was born in 1906 in Peaster, Texas. He began writing stories at a young age, and his first published story, "Spear and Fang," appeared in 1925. In 1932, Howard created Conan the Barbarian for a story called "The Phoenix on the Sword."

Conan is a Cimmerian, a fierce and barbaric warrior who lives in a world of swords and sorcery. He is a skilled fighter and a cunning strategist, and he is always ready for adventure. Conan's adventures often take him to strange and dangerous places, where he encounters monsters, villains, and beautiful women.

Howard wrote a total of 21 Conan stories, which were published in various magazines throughout the 1930s. These stories were a critical and commercial success, and they helped to make Conan one of the most popular characters in fantasy literature.

The Conan Comics

In 1970, Marvel Comics began publishing a series of Conan comics. These comics were written by Roy Thomas and illustrated by Barry Windsor-Smith. The Conan comics were a huge success, and they helped to introduce the character to a new generation of fans.

The Conan comics continued to be published for many years, and they have been collected into numerous trade paperbacks and graphic novels. The Conan comics have also been translated into many languages, and they have been published all over the world.

The Conan Films

In 1982, Arnold Schwarzenegger starred in a film adaptation of Conan the Barbarian. The film was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to make Schwarzenegger a star. The film was followed by two sequels, Conan the Destroyer (1984) and Red Sonja (1985).

The Conan films were not as well-received as the comics, but they did help to introduce the character to a wider audience. The films also helped to create a new genre of fantasy films, and they have been influential in the development of the fantasy genre in general.

The Conan Television Series

In 1997, a television series based on Conan the Barbarian premiered on the Syfy channel. The series starred Ralph Fiennes as Conan. The series was a critical and commercial failure, and it was canceled after one season.

The Conan television series was not well-received by fans of the character. The series was too dark and violent, and it did not capture the spirit of the original Conan stories. The series also suffered from poor writing and acting, and it was clear that the producers did not understand the character or the source material.

The Literary Legacy of Conan the Barbarian

Conan the Barbarian has had a profound impact on popular culture. The character has been parodied and imitated in numerous works of fiction, film, and television. Conan has also been the inspiration for numerous video games, toys, and other merchandise.

Conan's popularity is due to his enduring appeal as a character. Conan is a strong, brave, and resourceful hero who always fights for what he believes in. He is also a flawed character, and he often makes mistakes. Conan's humanity makes him relatable to readers and viewers, and it is one of the reasons why he has remained so popular for so long.

Conan the Barbarian is a literary legacy that will continue to inspire and entertain readers and viewers for generations to come. The character is a testament to the power of imagination, and he is a reminder that even the most barbaric of warriors can have a heart of gold.

Conan the Barbarian is one of the most popular and enduring characters in fantasy literature. The character has been adapted into numerous comic books, films, and television shows, and he has been parodied and imitated in numerous works of fiction, film, and television. Conan's popularity is due to his enduring appeal as a character, and he is a testament to the power of imagination.

Conan The Barbarian (1970-1993) #97

by Roy Thomas

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	77338 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	19 pages

FREE