Steve's Sword and Sorcery Comic Collection

Step inside, traveler… you’ve found Gilgamesh’s Tavern, a place where legends live, swords clash, and tales are told over mugs of ale. Here, I share my sword and sorcery collection—the comics, books, and artifacts that have fueled countless adventures in far-off lands of myth and magic.

On my YouTube channel, I’ll be doing “Let’s Reads”, diving into these stories page by page, sharing my thoughts, and exploring the worlds that inspired heroes, barbarians, sorcerers, and monsters alike.

Whether you’re a collector, a reader, or just a lover of epic fantasy, this tavern has a seat for you. Pull up a chair, grab a mug, and join me as we explore tales of steel, sorcery, and daring adventure.

Stay tuned… the stories are about to begin.

First up....

Conan the Barbarian (1970 - 1993)

Era 1: Barry Windsor-Smith (1970–1973, issues #1–24)

• Ornate, psychedelic, experimental art.
• Many straight Robert E. Howard adaptations.
• Conan looks lithe, almost elfin, before becoming the brawny Buscema hero.
• Tone: Psychedelic sword-and-sorcery.
• Albums:
• King Crimson - In The Court Of The Crimson King (1969)
• Deep Purple – Burn (1974)
• Uriah Heep – Demons and Wizards (1972)
• Standout Issues:  
• Issue #1 ("The Coming of Conan"): The historical starting point. It establishes the "Cimmerian" look and features the first Marvel appearance of the character.
• Issue #3 ("The Twilight of the Grim Grey God!"): This is a fan favorite for its massive, snowy battlefield sequence. It captures the "Barbarian vs. Giants" scale that influenced later RPG encounter design.
• Issue #7 ("The Lurker Within!"): First appearance of Thoth-Amon. This is essential for your collection as it introduces Conan’s most iconic sorcerous rival.
• Issue #12 ("The Dweller in the Dark"): Notable for its heavy horror influence. BWS uses intricate line work here to create a very claustrophobic, "dungeon-crawl" atmosphere.
• Issue #14 & #15 ("A Sword Called Stormbringer!"): The legendary Conan vs. Elric of Melniboné crossover. This is a "Holy Grail" for 70s fantasy fans because it bridges two different literary universes.
• Issue #23 ("The Shadow of the Vulture"): First appearance of Red Sonja. This is the issue that launched her legacy and is the most sought-after key in this entire 24-issue run.
• Issue #24 ("The Song of Red Sonja"): Often cited as BWS’s masterpiece. The art is incredibly experimental and delicate; it won several awards in 1973 and serves as his "final bow" before John Buscema took over.

I have:

1 (Reprint)

4

4 (Reprint)

5

6

7

8

12

15

16

17 (Reprint)

21

23 (Reprint)

Era 2: Transition Era (1973–1974, issues #25–34)

• John Buscema takes over, Roy Thomas still scripting.
• Conan’s look shifts: from wiry dreamer to muscular adventurer.
• Tone: Proto-metal heroic fantasy.
• Albums:
• Deep Purple – Burn (1974)
• Uriah Heep – Demons and Wizards (1972)
• Notable Issues:
• Issue #25 ("The Shadow of the Vulture" Part 2): This is John Buscema’s first issue on the title. It concludes the Red Sonja debut story started in #23. It’s a fascinating "bridge" book where you see Buscema trying to honor the detailed BWS style before fully leaning into his own "Big John" aesthetic.
• Issue #27 ("The Blood of the Bel-Hissar"): A classic "Mercenary" story. If you like the Wizardry vibes of a party taking a contract for a local lord, this is the blueprint. It features Conan leading a band of Kozaks.
• Issue #30 ("The Hand of Nergal"): This is a heavy-hitter for lore. It adapts an unfinished Robert E. Howard fragment completed by Lin Carter. It features a cosmic, "Lovecraftian" horror element that bridges the gap between swordplay and weird sorcery.
• Issue #31 ("The Shadow in the Tomb"): This is a quintessential "Dungeon Crawl." Conan is trapped in a trapped-filled tomb, and the art by Buscema captures the claustrophobia and physical weight of the environment perfectly.
• Issue #33 ("The Curse of the Golden Skull"): A major "Kull-adjacent" issue. It features the return of a sorcerer from the Kull era and explores the deep history of the Hyborian Age. It’s a great piece of connective tissue for your Valusian research.

I have:

27

30

32

34

Era 3: Bronze Age Prime (1974–1976, issues #35–60, + Savage Sword launch)

• Conan becomes Marvel’s sword-and-sorcery flagship.
• Buscema’s art defines Conan’s “classic” look.
• Roy Thomas adapts Howard stories with gusto.
• Tone: Bold, pulpy, darker than before.
• Albums:
• Black Sabbath – Sabbath Bloody Sabbath (1973)
• Judas Priest – Sad Wings of Destiny (1976)
• Notable Issues
• Issue #37 ("The Curse of the Golden Skull"): This is a massive "Lore" book for a collector. It features a guest appearance by Kull the Conqueror (via a flashback/vision). It’s the definitive bridge between the two Howard heroes and features some of the best world-building of the mid-70s.
• Issue #42 ("The Night of the Gargoyle"): This is peak Body Horror. It’s a atmospheric, creepy story about a living statue. It fits perfectly with the "Darker" tone you’ve noted in your later eras.
• Issue #58 ("Queen of the Black Coast"): The First Appearance of Bêlit. This is arguably the most important issue in your Era 3 list. It kicks off the legendary "Bêlit Arc" that defines Conan's character for the next 40 issues.
• Issue #59 ("The Ultimate Origin of Bêlit"): Essential for your "Let’s Read" series. It gives the full backstory of the Pirate Queen and sets the stage for their reign on the Tigress.
• Issue #60 ("The Citadel at the Center of Time"): A mind-bending, "weird fantasy" story involving time travel and ancient technology. It highlights the "Sorcery" side of the genre beautifully.

I have:

36

37 (Reprint)

39

42

43

45

46

47

53

54

55

56

58 (Reprint) - 1st Belit

58

58

59 - Origin of Belit

60

Era 4: High Adventure Period (1977–1980, issues #61–115)

• Big epics, expanded world-building, iconic foes.
• Buscema and Thomas at their creative peak.
• Tone: Sweeping fantasy adventure.
• Albums:
• Rush – 2112 (1976)
• Rainbow – Rising (1976)
• Blue Öyster Cult – Agents of Fortune (1976)
• Notable Issues:
• Issue #61–63 ("The Seven-Walled City"): This is a quintessential "City-Crawl." Conan and Bêlit attempt to infiltrate an ancient, tiered city. It’s perfect for your mapping interests as the layout of the city itself is a major plot point.
• Issue #66–68 ("The Sea-Woman"): This arc features incredible nautical horror. If you like the "weird" side of S&S, the underwater segments and eldritch monsters in these issues are peak 70s fantasy.
• Issue #84–85 ("The Demon-Tree of Stygia"): You already have these! These introduce Zuma, the ancient sorcerer. They are standout examples of how Roy Thomas blended Howard’s world with darker, original Marvel mythology.
• Issue #88 ("The Beast-King of Abombi"): A classic "Man vs. Nature" story. It features Conan facing off against a king who can control animals. The John Buscema art here is incredibly kinetic.
• Issue #100 ("Death on the Black Coast"): The absolute "Must-Own" Key. This is the double-sized finale to the Bêlit era. It is one of the most famous issues in comic history, featuring a heartbreaking adaptation of the end of Howard's Queen of the Black Coast
• Issue #115 ("The Blood of the Bat"): A very atmospheric, horror-tinged story. It feels like a transition into the grittier, "Darker Maturity" era you have listed as Era 5.

I have:

61

62

63

64

65

68

70

71

72 (I own 2, whoops)

73

74

77

84 - 1st Zuma

85 - Origin of Zuma

100 - Death of Belit

Era 5: Darker Maturity (1981–1983, issues #116–145)

• Roy Thomas leaves in ’82; tone shifts darker, grittier.
• Conan feels older, more hardened, foreshadowing King Conan.
• Tone: Brooding, violent, morally complex.
• Albums:
• Iron Maiden – The Number of the Beast (1982)
• Dio – Holy Diver (1983)
• Notable Issues
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• Issue #116 ("Crawler in the Mist"): A major collector's item. It features a script by Len Wein and J.M. DeMatteis, with Neal Adams on finishes over Buscema. It’s a "lost tale" that takes place chronologically between issues #12 and #13, featuring a surreal desert ghost city and a slug-like sorcerer.
• Issue #118 ("The Valley of Howling Shadows"): The official start of J.M. DeMatteis's run. He brought a more poetic, internal, and often melancholy voice to Conan that focused on the barbarian's "solitary soul".
• Issue #121 ("The Thing in the Crypt"): A classic horror-fantasy setup. It leans heavily into the "creepy atmosphere" that defined the early 80s, where the monster isn't just something to hit, but something that haunts the environment.
• Issue #127–134 (The Bruce Jones Era): Writer Bruce Jones brought a "weird fiction" sensibility to the book. These issues often feel like The Twilight Zone set in the Hyborian Age, featuring mind-bending plots and darker human depravity.
• The "Epic & Cinematic" Keys
• Issue #131 ("The Last Rite"): A standout issue for its brutal, grounded combat and a focus on the "Riddle of Steel" philosophy that was popular following the 1982 movie.
• Issue #136 ("The River of Death"): Features a stunning Gil Kane cover. This era often used Kane and other legends to give the book a more "mature" and "prestige" feel compared to the standard 70s newsstand look.
• Issue #143–144 ("The Isle of the Dead"): A sprawling two-part epic that feels like a classic high-level DRPG module. It’s got ancient ruins, a necromantic threat, and some of the best late-era Buscema layouts in the series.
• Issue #145 ("The Fear of the Dark"): A perfect finale to this era. It’s a atmospheric, brooding story that highlights Conan’s survival instincts in a world that feels increasingly hostile and magical.

I have:

121

122

127

128

130

131

134

136

137

139

143

145

Era 6: Later Buscema Stretch (1984–late ’80s, issues #146 - #172)

• Conan expanded into multiple titles (King Conan, Conan the King).
• Art often guided by Buscema’s layouts, influenced by the Schwarzenegger films.
• Tone: Epic high fantasy, cinematic, big battles.
• Albums:
• Manowar – Hail to England (1984)
• Metallica – Ride the Lightning (1984)
• Notable Issue
• Issue #146 ("Night of the Three Sisters"): A spooky, atmospheric "standalone" written by Mary Jo Duffy. It features a classic trio of witches and showcases Buscema's ability to render eerie, magical environments.
• Issues #172–185 (The "Death Hunt" & Quest Arc): This is a long-form "road trip" written by Jim Owsley (now known as Christopher Priest). It feels like a high-level RPG campaign where Conan is constantly being hunted by specialized assassins and rival warriors.
• Issue #172 ("Reavers in the Borderland"): A quintessential Pictish wilderness story featuring a "damsel" (Tetra) who actually develops "steel in her spine" and saves Conan in the end.

I have:

146

147

148

149

151

153

156

161

166

171

Era 6.5 - Christopher Priest’s larger story arcs

• Death Hunt (#172–~185)
• Devourer of Souls saga (#187–199 + Annual material)
• The Warrior’s Way (#201–213)
• Death Hunt

Death Hunt (#172–~185)

I have:

172

173

179

186

Devourer of Souls

I have:

187 (Reprint)

192

193

196

197

The Warriors Way

I have:

None.... :(

Don Kraar Run. - A return to classic pulp style

• Lots of standalones

I have:

214

220

224

228

229

241

242

243

Conan the Barbarian *Giant Size (1974 - 1975)

Era 1:  The "Hour of the Dragon" Epic (#1–4)

• The Years: 1974 to mid-1975.
• The Summary: This is the most prestigious adaptation in the Bronze Age. It tackles Robert E. Howard’s only full-length Conan novel. If you are looking for the "King Conan" origin, this is it—it shows Conan being betrayed, losing his crown, and fighting across the continent to get it back.
• The Art: Gil Kane and John Buscema provide a "widescreen" feel that the standard 20-page comics couldn't capture.

I have: 

1 - 1st cameo Belit.

Era 2. The "Stormbringer" Finale (#5)

• The Year: Late 1975.
• The Summary: This issue is a legendary outlier. Instead of continuing the novel adaptation, it reprints the famous Conan vs. Elric crossover from Conan the Barbarian #14–15 but in the larger, ad-free format.
• The Kull Value: It includes the backup story "The Blood of the Dragon," which explores the deep history of the Hyborian world, making it a great companion piece for your Kull and Savage Tales research.

I have: 

None....:(

Conan the Barbarian *King-Size Annual (1973 - 1987)

Era 1. The "Reprint & Prestige" Era (Annuals #1–3)

• Years: 1973–1977
• The Vibe: These are primarily high-quality reprints of early Barry Windsor-Smith stories (like Tower of the Elephant).
• The Draw: They feature brand new covers by Windsor-Smith and Gil Kane.
• Key Issue #3 (1977): This is the one for your shelf. It features a story called "At the Mountain of the Moon-God" and is notable for its King Kull connections and deep Hyborian lore.

I have: 

1

2

Era 2. The "Roy Thomas Epic" Era (Annuals #4–7)

• Years: 1978–1982
• The Vibe: This is the peak of the run. Roy Thomas moved away from reprints and started using the Annuals for massive, original "event" stories.

• Key Issue #7 (1982): The "King Conan" Prequel. * This is a "must-grab" for you. It features the story "Red Shadows and Black Kraken" and acts as a direct bridge into the King Conan series we discussed.

• It features art by John Buscema and Danny Bulanadi, capturing that heavy, muscular 80s look.

I have: 

None....:(

Era 3. The "James Owsley & Copper Age" Era (Annuals #8–12)

• Years: 1983–1987
• The Vibe: The writing duties shifted to James Owsley (now known as Christopher Priest) and Don Kraar. The art becomes more "80s-modern" with cleaner lines.
• The Story: These issues focus more on Conan’s middle years as a mercenary general or a pirate.

• Key Issue #12 (1987): The Final Annual. * This features a story called "Legion of the Dead."

• The Kull Link: It contains a significant flashback sequence involving King Kull and Brule the Spear-Slayer. For a "Grid Crawler" historian, this is a vital piece of connective tissue between the two heroes.

I have: 

None....:(

Claw the Unconquered (1975–1978)

• Run: 12 Issues (split by a long hiatus during the "DC Implosion").
• The Talent: Created by writer David Michelinie and artist Ernie Chan.
• The Hero: Valcan Scaramax (better known as Claw), a wanderer in the prehistoric realm of Pytharia.
• The Hook: Valcan’s father made a pact with demons, leaving his son with a cursed, demonic, three-fingered right hand. He keeps it hidden under a specialized red gauntlet because it has a mind of its own—and it's hungry for blood.
• Key Issues:  
• Issue #1: The debut of the series with a Michael Kaluta cover.
• Issue #2: Adapts "Thieves' House," widely considered the best Lankhmar story.
• Issue #3: Features early interior art by legends Walt Simonson and Jim Starlin.
• Issue #5: The final issue of the original run; features a high-atmosphere sea adventure.
• Wonder Woman #202: The "pre-key" where the duo actually debuted at DC.

I have: 

None....:(

Creatures on the Loose #10 (1971): 

• This technically contains the very first Kull solo story in comics ("The Skull of Silence") by Roy Thomas and Bernie Wrightson. It predates Kull the Conqueror #1.
• Low Grade (Fair to Good): $10 – $20; Mid Grade (Very Good to Fine): $25 – $45; High Grade (Very Fine to Near Mint): $60 – $110+.

I have: 

None....:(

King Conan / Conan the King (1980–1989)

Era 1. The "Imperial" Golden Era (Issues #1–8)

• Years: 1980–1981
• The Team: Roy Thomas (Writer) and John Buscema (Pencils).
• The Story: This era is the "Direct Sequel" to the original Howard stories. Thomas was adapting the Conan the Avenger and Conan of Aquilonia pastiche novels by de Camp and Carter.
• The Vibe: High-stakes and "Heavy." These are double-sized issues with no ads, focusing on Conan in his 40s. It feels like a grand historical epic. Buscema’s art here is some of the most detailed of his career because of the larger page count.

I have: 

1 (Reprint)

1 

2

8

Era 2. The "DeFalco & Doug Moench" Transition (Issues #9–19)

• Years: 1982–1983
• The Team: Various writers (Tom DeFalco, Doug Moench) with Marc Silvestri starting his run.
• The Story: Roy Thomas left Marvel, and the book moved away from direct novel adaptations. The stories became more episodic—Conan dealing with insurgencies, cults, and internal court drama.
• The Vibe: This is where the "Sword and Sorcery" starts to blend with 80s "Adventure." You see the introduction of Prince Conn (Conan's son) as a more prominent character, shifting the focus toward family legacy.

I have: 

15

Era 3. The "Conan the King" Rebrand (Issues #20–28)

• Years: 1984–1985
• The Team: Michael Fleisher (Writer) and John Buscema (Return) / Marc Silvestri.
• The Story: The title officially changes to Conan the King. This era focuses heavily on the "Acheron" storyline—an ancient evil kingdom rising to challenge Aquilonia.
• The Vibe: Darker and more "weird." Fleisher brought the same horror-tinged sensibilities he used in Savage Sword. Silvestri’s art here is very dynamic and "modern" for the 80s, featuring more jagged lines and high-energy layouts.

I have: 

None....:(

Era 4. The "Don Kraar" / Late 80s Era (Issues #29–55)

• Years: 1985–1989
• The Team: Don Kraar (Writer) and Judith Hunt / Mike Docherty (Artists).
• The Story: The focus shifts almost entirely to the Prince Conn and Queen Zenobia dynamic. Conan is often portrayed as the "Wise Old Lion" while his son takes the field.
• The Vibe: This is the most "80s" the book ever felt. The art becomes cleaner but less "gritty" than the Buscema years. The stories deal with the passage of time and the inevitable end of Conan's rule.
• The Rarity: Issues #40–55 are the "Scarcity Zone." As the series approached cancellation, the print runs dropped. Finding a high-grade #55 in an Ottawa shop is a true collector's win.

I have: 

46

49

Kull the Barbarian Magazine (1975)

• Issue #1: Primarily a reprint of Kull #1 & #2 (the color comics), but presented in the large, black-and-white magazine format. It’s the perfect way to see that early art without the 70s coloring muddying the lines.
• Issue #2: This is a vital issue for your "Thulsa Doom" research. It contains a 10-page original story called "Teeth of the Dragon" which acts as a bridge in the Thulsa Doom saga.
• Issue #3: This is the big one. It features "The Omen in the Skull," another original story that serves as a direct sequel to the Thulsa Doom events in Monsters on the Prowl #16. It also contains the definitive Red Sonja Origin Story ("The Day of the Sword"), which explains why it is so highly sought after by general collectors.

I have: 

3

Kull the Conqueror (1971 - 1972)

Kull The Destroyer (The "Purist" Era (Issues #1–2)

• This is the most atmospheric and "literary" part of the run.
• Key Creators: Roy Thomas (Writer) and Bernie Wrightson (Art).
• The Vibe: These issues are direct adaptations of Howard’s stories ("The Shadow Kingdom" and "The Mirrors of Tuzun Thune"). Wrightson’s art is moody, gothic, and leans heavily into the philosophical horror of the original pulps.
• Collection Focus: High-art, faithful adaptations.

I have: 

2

2 (I got a double)

The "Severin" Era (Issues #3–10)

• This era established the look and feel of the Kull series for the majority of the 1970s.
• Key Creators: Marie Severin and John Severin.
• The Vibe: The Severins brought a cleaner, more historical "sword and sandal" aesthetic. While still maintaining the dark fantasy elements, the stories began to expand into original Marvel plots beyond the Howard prose. This is where the world of Valusia really starts to feel populated and lived-in.
• Collection Focus: The definitive "Bronze Age" Kull foundation.
• Must Haves:
• Issue #1 ("A King Comes Riding!"): The absolute essential. It’s the first issue of the solo series and features a retelling of Kull’s origin. It’s notable for the Ross Andru and Wally Wood art team.
• Low Grade (Fair to Good): $5 – $15; Mid Grade (Very Good to Fine): $20 – $40; High Grade (Very Fine to Near Mint): $60 – $130+.
• Issue #2 ("The Shadow Kingdom"): This is widely considered one of the best Robert E. Howard adaptations ever put to paper. It features the incredible, atmospheric art of Bernie Wrightson and introduces the Serpent Men, Kull’s most iconic foes.
• Issue #3 ("The Death-Dance of Thulsa Doom!"): The first comic book appearance of Thulsa Doom. Unlike the version in the 1982 Conan movie, this is the original "skull-faced" sorcerer. This issue won awards at the time for its storytelling and is a high point of the Severin era.
• Low Grade (Fair to Good): $5 – $9; Mid Grade (Very Good to Fine): $10 – $22; High Grade (Very Fine to Near Mint): $25 – $45+.

I have:

4

9

The "Destroyer" Transition (Issues #11–29)

• The series was briefly cancelled after #10 and returned as Kull the Destroyer. This era saw a significant shift in energy and visual style.
• Key Creators: Primarily Mike Ploog and Ernie Chan.
• The Vibe: The tone shifted toward high-octane action and "barbarian" tropes to compete with the success of Conan the Barbarian. Ploog’s art is more kinetic and "rubbery," while Ernie Chan’s work later in the run brought a more muscular, traditional fantasy look.
• Collection Focus: Action-heavy, "Savage" fantasy.
• Must haves: 
• Issue #11 ("By This Axe I Rule!"): This is a vital transition book. It’s the first issue where the title officially changes to Kull the Destroyer on the cover and introduces Mike Ploog as the artist. The art style shifts from the "classical" look of the Severins to a more "visceral and expressionistic" style.
• Issue #15 ("The Ranger from the Stars"): A fan favorite because it features a cameo/vision of Conan the Barbarian, bridging the two Howard heroes.

I have: 

17

23

Marvel Feature (Series 1, 1971–1973)

While this series started with the Defenders, it is the birthplace of the 70s Red Sonja solo era.

• Issues #1 through #7: These are the "Red Sonja Years."
• Significance: This is her first solo lead series. Most shops in Ottawa will have these priced higher than the later Red Sonja #1-15 because they are slightly older and mark her transition from a Conan guest star to a headliner.
• Key Issue #1: This is her 1st solo lead story. It is a major Bronze Age key.
• The Art: Look for the Frank Thorne issues (#2–7), as this is where he began his definitive run on the character.

I have: 

None....:(

Marvel Team-Up #16

• A strange but fun Bronze Age crossover where Spider-Man travels back in time to team up with Kull. It's often overlooked by Kull purists but is a great "oddity" for the collection.
• The Creative Team
• Writer: Len Wein (Co-creator of Wolverine and Swamp Thing).
• Artist (Pencils): Gil Kane. Kane is a legend in the industry, known for his dynamic anatomy and for being the definitive artist on Green Lantern and Amazing Spider-Man during the Silver and Bronze ages.
• Inker: Jim Mooney. He provided the finishes over Kane’s pencils, giving the book a classic, polished 70s Marvel look.
• Cover Artist: John Romita Sr. (Pencils) and Frank Giacoia (Inks). Having a Romita Spidey on the cover makes this a very sought-after issue for Spider-Man collectors as well.
• The Story Hook
• The plot involves a villain named The Basilisk who steals the "Alpha Stone" (a Kree artifact). During a battle with Spider-Man and Captain Marvel, the stone’s energy causes a displacement in time.
• While the issue is primarily a team-up between Spider-Man and Captain Marvel (Mar-Vell), it features a significant guest appearance by Kull the Conqueror. It’s one of the few times Marvel explicitly linked their 20th-century superhero continuity with the ancient world of Robert E. Howard through a direct interaction, rather than just a "history of the world" reference.
• Why It’s Great for Your Collection
• Visual Contrast: Seeing Gil Kane draw Kull is a treat. His style is much more kinetic than the atmospheric work Bernie Wrightson did in the early solo books.
• The "Oddity" Factor: It’s a rare example of Spidey interacting with a Sword and Sorcery hero.
• First Appearance: This issue also marks the first appearance of the villain Basilisk, which adds a bit of "key issue" value beyond just the Kull appearance.
• Low Grade (Fair to Good): $5 – $10; Mid Grade (Very Good to Fine): $15 – $25; High Grade (Very Fine to Near Mint): $35 – $60+.

I have: 

I found the issue!!

Monsters on the Prowl #16 (1972): 

• This issue contains a "lost" Kull story (The Forbidden Swamp) that was originally intended to be Issue #3 of the main series before it was briefly delayed. It fits perfectly between issues #2 and #3 of your Volume 1 collection.
• Monsters on the Prowl #16 is a major sleeper hit for Kull collectors. As we touched on earlier, this issue is historically significant because it contains the first appearance of Thulsa Doom and a "lost" Kull story that was originally meant for the main series.
• Low Grade (Fair to Good): $8 – $13; Mid Grade (Very Good to Fine): $15 – $30; High Grade (Very Fine to Near Mint): $40 – $100+.

I have: 

None....:(

Red Sonja Volume 1 (1977–1979)

Era 1. The Frank Thorne Era (Issues #1–11)

• Frank Thorne didn't just draw Sonja; he lived the character (he famously dressed as a wizard at conventions to "summon" her).
• The Look: Soft, flowing lines, highly detailed anatomy, and a "Baroque" fantasy feel. It’s less gritty than Savage Sword and more "mythic."
• Key Issue #1 ("The Blood of the Unicorn"): A classic Bronze Age key. It establishes her solo mission and features one of the most famous covers of the 70s.
• The Vibe: These issues are often whimsical, focusing on Sonja’s "vow" and her travels through strange, folkloric lands.
• Notable Issues:  

• Red Sonja #10, #11, #12, #13 (1978)

  • Why it's notable: This is considered the best multi-issue story arc of the original run. It’s a darker, more complex tale that deals with sorcery, sightless lands, and ancient gods.
• The Transition: This arc also bridges the gap between Frank Thorne's departure and the arrival of John Buscema. Issue #11 is the final time Thorne drew the interior of the book.

I have: 

None....:(

2. The Buscema Transition (Issues #12–15)

• Frank Thorne was "eased off" the book around issue #11 due to creative differences with Roy Thomas (Thomas felt the art was becoming too "cheesecake" and stylized).
• The Look: John Buscema (pencils) and Tony DeZuniga (inks) took over. The art immediately shifts back to the rugged, heavy-line "Hyborian" style you see in your Conan and Kull books.
• The Vibe: These final four issues feel much more like traditional Savage Sword stories—darker, more violent, and grounded in war.
• Notable Issues:  
• Red Sonja #15 (1979)
• Why it's notable: This is the final issue of Volume 1, and it features a "powerhouse" art team of John Buscema and Tony DeZuniga.

I have: 

None....:(

Red Sonja Volume 2 (1977–1979)

• Issue #1: Introduces a woman named Zora who claims to be Sonja’s long-lost sister. It’s a rare look into Sonja's family history and her internal struggle with the "vow" of chastity.
• Issue #2: This is the "Must-Own" for you. It features a guest appearance by Valeria (from Howard’s Red Nails).

I have: 

1

Red Sonja Volume 3: The "Copper Age" Epic (13 Issues)

Era 1: The Tom DeFalco / Mary Wilshire Start (#1–7)

• The Vibe: This era feels like a high-adventure fantasy novel. Mary Wilshire was one of the few women drawing Sonja at the time, and she gave the character a more athletic, "warrior-first" presence.
• The Story: It deals a lot with Sonja’s travels through the kingdom of Hyrkania and features more recurring sidekicks than her 70s run.

I have: 

1

Era 2: The Final Push (#8–13)

• The Vibe: Darker and more "Savage." The art becomes grittier, and the stories start to feel more like the late-era Conan the Barbarian comics you have in your collection (Era 5/6).
• The Rarity: Just like your Conan #172+ and King Conan #40+, the final issues of this run (#10–13) were published right as interest in sword and sorcery was dipping in the mid-80s. These are much harder to find in Ottawa shops than the early issues.

I have: 

None

Sword of Sorcery (1973)

• Run: 5 Issues (Bi-monthly).
• The Creative Powerhouse: Scripted by Denny O'Neil, with a young Howard Chaykin on pencils.
• The Secret Weapon: The inking was handled by a collective known as the "Crusty Bunkers," which included legends like Bernie Wrightson, Neal Adams, and Walt Simonson.
• The Setting: The city of Lankhmar in the world of Nehwon. Unlike the sprawling wilds of Cimmeria, this is a "Thieves' World"—dense, corrupt, and full of hidden traps and back-alley sorcery.

I have: 

None!

Savage Sword of Conan (1974 - 1981)

Era 1:  The Roy Thomas "Golden Age" (1974–1981)  Issues: #1 – #60

• The Summary: This is the most consistent and critically acclaimed era. Roy Thomas served as the primary writer and editor, focusing on high-fidelity adaptations of Robert E. Howard’s original stories.
• Key Visuals: Defined by the "Big John" Buscema pencils and Alfredo Alcala inks. The art is dense, moody, and historically detailed.

• Best Issues:

• #2 ("Black Colossus"): Features incredible John Buscema/Alfredo Alcala art. It defines Conan as a mercenary general.
• #3 ("Shadows in the Moonlight"): A perfect blend of Howard's cosmic horror and swordplay.
• #5: "A Witch Shall Be Born":  Features the iconic crucifixion scene.

I have: 

1 - 3rd apperance of Red Sonja

10 - Death Dull with the Undead Wizard

13 - The Thing in the Temple

23 - Red Sonja Epic Cover

33 - Curse of the Monolith!

38 - Valley of the Vampires

Era 2: The Post-Thomas / Diversified Era (1981–1986) Issues: #61 – #116

• The Summary: After Roy Thomas left Marvel in 1980, the magazine became more experimental. Writers like Michael Fleisher and Chris Claremont introduced original "weird fantasy" and horror elements that departed from the original prose.
• Key Visuals: A mix of styles including Gil Kane, Ernie Chan, and the emergence of Joe Jusko's legendary painted covers.

• Best Issues: * 

• #71: "The Lair of the Ice Worm" (Surreal and atmospheric horror).

• #81: "The Curse of the Monolith" (A masterclass in pacing and traps).
• #90: "1st appearance of Devourer of Souls"
• #93 ("The World Beyond the Mist"): A standout for its unique visual storytelling and focus on Conan’s survival instincts.

I have: 

None....:(

Era 3: The Chuck Dixon "Action" Era (1986–1992) Issues: #117 – #190

• The Summary: Chuck Dixon took over and revitalized the magazine by focusing on Conan as a grounded, gritty mercenary. The stories became more linear, action-heavy, and realistic in their depiction of ancient warfare.
• Key Visuals: Gary Kwapisz became the defining artist, known for rugged, detailed, and "muddy" landscapes that felt very visceral.

• Best Issues: * 

• #119 ("The Snow-Wulf"): A gritty, survivalist story in the frozen north.
• #167 ("The Blood of the Serpent"): A massive, multi-part military campaign that shows Conan's tactical mind.
• #172 ("The Spark"): A fan-favorite "one-and-done" story that captures the brutal nature of the character.

I have: 

129

Era 4. The Legacy & Final Years (1992–1995) Issues: #191 – #235

• The Summary: Roy Thomas returned to the title for the final stretch, attempting to recapture the "Howard spirit." The era feels like a retrospective, often trying to fill in gaps in Conan's life and provide a sense of closure before the magazine ended in 1995.
• Key Visuals: A blend of returning veterans and newer artists like Rafael Kayanan.

• Best Issues: * #200: An anniversary celebration with multiple legendary creators.

• #200 (Anniversary Issue): A celebratory issue that brings back several classic creators and summarizes Conan’s journey.
• #218–221 ("The Iron Shadows in the Moon"): A late-run return to form that feels like the 1970s Golden Age.
• #235 (The Finale): The final Marvel issue, serving as a farewell to the black-and-white magazine format.

I have: 

None....:(

Savage Tales Volume 1 (1971–1975)

Volume 1: The "Must-Collect" S&S Issues (Skip the Rest!)

These issues are under the Curtis/Marvel imprint and are famous for their lush, "unfiltered" fantasy.

I have: 

3 - 1st Red Sonja in Chain Bikini.

5

6 

Conan Saga (1987–1995)

Conan Saga is a high-end, black-and-white reprint magazine published by Marvel between 1987 and 1995 to archive the best of the 70s. It is unique because it strips the color from the original comics to create a unified, gritty aesthetic and reorders the stories chronologically to follow Conan's life from youth to kingship. For a collector, these are "mini-omnibuses" that often consolidate three or more original issues into one affordable, ad-free package.

The "First Appearance" Keys

• Conan Saga #1: Contains the reprint of Conan the Barbarian #1. This is the "First Marvel Appearance" of Conan. It also contains the epic "Red Nails" story.

• Conan Saga #3: Reprints the first appearance of Thoth-Amon, Conan’s greatest sorcerous arch-nemesis (originally from Conan the Barbarian #7).

• Conan Saga #13: Reprints the first appearance of Red Sonja (originally from Conan the Barbarian #23). This is a massive key for any Sword & Sorcery collector.

• Conan Saga #25: Reprints the first appearance of Belit, the Pirate Queen and Conan’s greatest love (originally from Conan the Barbarian #58).

• Conan Saga #39: Reprints the first appearance of King Kull in Marvel comics (reprinting Kull the Conqueror #1).

• Conan Saga #50: A milestone issue that reprints the first chronological meeting of Conan and Belit, plus appearances by Solomon Kane.

The "Epic Story" Keys

These issues contain consolidated versions of the most famous stories written by Robert E. Howard, often spanning 40-60 pages of art.

• Conan Saga #1 & #9: Both issues feature "Red Nails." This is widely considered the "Gold Standard" of Conan stories, featuring a massive lost city (perfect for your interest in grid-crawling) and prehistoric monsters.

• Conan Saga #4: Contains "The Tower of the Elephant." This is the quintessential "Thief" story. If you like the dungeon-crawling vibes of The Bard's Tale, this story about a vertical dungeon-crawl into a sorcerer's tower is essential.

• Conan Saga #6: Contains "Rogues in the House." An epic "closed-room" thriller where Conan is trapped in a nobleman’s house with a red ape-monster.

• Conan Saga #11: Contains "Black Colossus." One of the best military-scale epics where Conan leads an army against a resurrected sorcerer.

• Conan Saga #19: Reprints "Beyond the Black River." This is Howard’s "frontier" epic, dealing with Pictish wilderness and dark forest magic. It feels very different from the city stories.

• Conan Saga #97: The final issue. It is an "Epic" in its own right because it consolidates several Kull stories that are otherwise very hard to find in their original 70s magazine format.

I have: 

86