Black Colossus

Black Colossus is a collection of two fantasy short stories featuring Conan the Barbarian, originally published in Weird Tales magazine and later compiled by Donald M. Grant Publisher in 1979. The collection serves as volume IX in the publisher's premium Conan series. The stories follow Conan's adventures across exotic landscapes as he faces supernatural threats and ancient powers. The titular story "Black Colossus" and "Shadows in the Moonlight" showcase Howard's signature blend of sword-fighting action and dark sorcery. Howard's writing style combines visceral combat scenes with elements of horror and dark fantasy. The stories maintain a fast pace while building tension through encounters with otherworldly enemies and malevolent magic. The collection exemplifies Howard's recurring themes of civilization versus barbarism, and the clash between human willpower and cosmic forces beyond mortal understanding. Through Conan's character, the stories explore questions of power, destiny, and human resilience against overwhelming odds.

Readers rate this Howard story well for its action and sword-fighting sequences, though not among the strongest Conan tales. The battle scenes and military strategy elements earn particular notice. Several reviews highlight the portrayal of Princess Yasmela and her relationship with Conan. Positives: - Detailed combat descriptions - Fast-paced narrative - Conan shown in commander role, not just warrior - Supernatural elements add tension Negatives: - Plot called predictable by some readers - Character development minimal - Middle section pacing slows - Some find the ending rushed Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (2,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (90+ ratings) Review quotes: "The military scenes show Howard at his tactical best" - Goodreads user "Great action but lacks the depth of Tower of the Elephant" - Amazon reviewer

Conan the Barbarian by Robert E. Howard The original Conan stories present the same sword-and-sorcery action with a bare-chested warrior facing supernatural threats in an ancient world.

The Sword of Shannara by Terry Brooks A quest narrative follows a warrior who must wield a magical sword against dark forces in a post-apocalyptic world that mirrors ancient civilizations.

Elric of Melniboné by Michael Moorcock The first book in the Elric saga depicts an albino sorcerer-king who wields a soul-drinking sword through dark fantasy adventures.

The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan Book one of The Wheel of Time series combines sword fighting, ancient magic, and prophecies in a medieval-style setting with supernatural threats.

The Coming of Conan the Cimmerian by Robert E. Howard This collection contains Howard's original Conan tales in chronological order with the same mix of swordplay and sorcery.

🗡️ "Black Colossus" first appeared in Weird Tales magazine in June 1933, marking one of Conan's earliest published adventures 🏺 The story's setting, the Hyborian Age, was created by Howard as a fictional period between the sinking of Atlantis and the beginning of recorded history 📚 Robert E. Howard wrote the entire Conan series in just five years (1932-1936), creating 21 complete stories and several unfinished tales before his death 🎨 The character of Conan was partially inspired by Howard's experiences growing up in early 20th century Texas during the oil boom, where he witnessed frontier-style violence and lawlessness 🎬 Howard's Conan stories have inspired numerous adaptations, including the 1982 film "Conan the Barbarian" starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, which helped popularize the character for modern audiences