For those who enjoy Dark Horse’s Conan series, the imprint has released two new titles from the works of Robert E. Howard. These titles include the mini-series SOLOMON KANE and KULL. The latter character is one that many fans may already be familiar. Kull was basically the first incarnation of Conan. When Howard sold a few short stories featuring Kull the King of Atlantis and they were not well received. This led to Howard retooling the character into Conan. Having read a couple Kull tales I will say this, they were very well written and it is a shame that Howard gave up on writing Kull stories. Kull was featured in Marvel Comics in the 1970’s and now he has returned under the Dark Horse line. The first issue was a solid introduction that allows up to see a unique character and not a Conan knock-off.

Solomon Kane is an oddball character. Imagine a gunslinger Puritan who comes of like a good guy version of Vincent Price’s character from The Witchfinder General. Ok, that is a nutty description. So, let me sum things up: buy both issues of Solomon Kane and read them. It is a superior title.

Contrary to popular belief, Howard did not just write Conan tales. He was an amazingly prolific author who created a multitude of wonderful characters. Hopefully, these characters will find their way to print in due time as well.