Conan #4 (Dark Horse: 2004) | Gates of Paradise | 42

Step into the twisted shadows of Hyperborea as Steeven takes on Conan #4: Gates of Paradise, the 2004 Dark Horse classic where wonder meets nightmare in equal measure!

Enslaved and drugged into servitude, Conan fights to retain his identity in the city of eternal summer—a place ruled by immortal sorcerers and powered by a dark secret. As Conan uncovers the grotesque machinery of Hyperborean magic, fueled by the very souls of the enslaved, he vows to free his comrades and burn this gilded hell to the ground. Along the way, he encounters Lady Iasmini, a fellow captive who holds the key to both escape and heartbreak.

Steeven dives deep into this haunting tale, breaking down Kurt Busiek’s rich storytelling, Cary Nord’s breathtaking art, and the eerie world-building that turns Hyperborea into a character of its own. From sinister rituals to jaw-dropping revelations, every page brims with tension, beauty, and a barbarian’s defiance.

Will Conan escape the Gates of Paradise, or will he fall to the sorcery that ensnares all within its grasp? Tune in for a wild, bloody, and unforgettable ride through one of the darkest corners of the Hyborian Age!

Conan #4: Gates of Paradise by Kurt Busiek, Cary Nord, Thomas Yates, Richard Starkings, and Dave Stewart was published by Dark Horse on May 26, 2004.

Enjoy!

Enjoy!

Hither Came Conan is a production of Steeven Orr Else Media. For more nerdy goodness from me, visit somanypodcasts.com.

Got questions or comments? Drop us a line at feedback@hithercameconan.com.

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please consider leaving a rating or review on your favorite podcast platform—it really helps us reach more fans! And don’t forget: if you’d like early, ad‑free access to all our podcasts, join our exclusive subscription program, Steeven Orr Else Beyond. Start your free trial today at beyond.steevenorrelse.com.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Mike's Amazing World of Comics

Cimmerian Press