American Update: Mighty Marvel Firsts: ‘Hither He Came…’ Conan the Barbarian #1
*Marvel: In 1970, Marvel tried something risky and different, quite aside from their familiar super-hero stable; at the urging of writer Roy Thomas, they put out a sword & sorcery title adapting the Robert E. Howard stories of Conan the Barbarian, and, bucking the trend, it was smash hit – thanks in no small part to the illustration of Barry (not-yet-Windsor) Smith, a talented young British artist who gave the most famous Cimmerian of all grace and feral power, filling Conan’s world with mystery, menace, and beauty as monsters and maidens competed for our hero’s attentions. Conan’s first series at Marvel ran to 275 issues and multitudinous specials and spin-offs, and it all started here in Conan the Barbarian #1. This nice copy is flat and glossy, with the cover unmarked except for a printed number ’28’ in the ‘O’ of the logo (see scan), presumably an arrival date. Great off white pages and tight staples; minimal wear with a little corner blunting, it presents very well.
PICTURED: CONAN THE BARBARIAN #1 FN+ £275 SOLD