Conan the Barbarian #21 (Marvel: 1972) | The Monster of the Monoliths | 30

Dark gods and deadly schemes abound in this week’s Hither Came Conan! Steeven dives sword-first into Conan the Barbarian #21, The Monster of the Monoliths, a tale of treachery, sacrifice, and cosmic horrors straight from the Hyborian Age.

Fleeing the wrath of Turanian forces, Conan finds himself battered, bloodied, and imprisoned in Makkalet. But his troubles only deepen when he’s sent on a mission that takes him to the eerie Blackstone monoliths—towers steeped in Lovecraftian dread. Betrayed by his allies, Conan must fight for survival against a monstrous toad-like creature summoned from the abyss. Bound by ancient runes and with no time for drawn-out battles, the Cimmerian uses his wits, his sword, and the mysterious armlet given to him by the queen to turn the tide in a climactic showdown of muscle versus monstrosity.

Steeven explores the issue’s chaotic production, its eerie ties to Robert E. Howard’s The Black Stone, and how Barry Windsor-Smith’s art struggles to balance beauty and rush job deadlines. From bloody sacrifices to cosmic terror, this episode delves deep into the horror-tinged corners of Conan’s world, blending critique, lore, and humor.

Tune in for action, intrigue, and a tale that will leave you wary of ominous monoliths!

Conan the Barbarian #21: The Monster of the Monoliths by Roy Thomas, Barry Windsor Smith, Dan Adkins, Craig Russel, Val Mayerik, Sal Buscema, and Artie Simek was published by Marvel Comics in September of 1972.

Enjoy!

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