Conan the Barbarian #11
Published and © by Marvel, November 1971
Title: “Rogues in the House”
Synopsis: Treachery abounds as Conan escapes a dungeon to hunt down the murderous Red Priest and ape-man usurper Thak.
Writer (story): Robert E. Howard
Writer: Roy Thomas
Penciler: Barry Windsor-Smith (as Barry Smith)
Inker: Sal Buscema
Review: The classic Conan creative team rounds into fine form as Marvel continues to experiment with double-sized monthly issues. Roy Thomas’ adaptation is well paced and doesn’t drag despite the extended page count. Of course, the real fun with these early Conans is tracking the amazing growth of Barry Windsor-Smith over the course of two and a half years. As we near the midway point of his run, the talented young artist is still struggling with faces, but his anatomy is improving and his storytelling is already excellent. This issue isn’t a classic – but the series in moving in that direction.
Grade: B+
Second opinion: “In every aspect that a comic can be judged, whether in writing, art or content … Conan the Barbarian marked such a significant change in what both creators and readers expected in a comic.” – Pierre Comtois, “Marvel Comics in the 1970s: An Issue By Issue Field Guide to a Pop Culture Phenomenon: Expanded Edition,” 2021 … “ A good representative story. … Recommended.” – The Slings & Arrows Comic Guide (second edition), 2003
Cool factor: Barry Winsdor-Smith’s growth is a joy to watch unfold.
Notable: Double-sized issue. … Adapts Robert E. Howard’s “Rogues in the House.” … The “The Hyborian Page” letters page includes an LoCs from legendary fan cartoonist Fred Hembeck and future comics writer Tom Peyer.
Collector’s note: According to the Grand Comics Database, there is a 6p British variant of this issue.
Character quotable: “They grow men in the northland, it seems.” – Nabonidus the Red Priest, admiring what Conan brings to the fray
Editor’s note: This review was written Feb. 28, 2025.
