This year’s Robert E. Howard-based, Conan-led crossover from Titan Comics is Tides of the Tyrant-King.

In this first issue, we travel across space and time as Thulsa Doom, thought vanquished in a previous crossover, prepares for his return. PTSD-riddled former soldier, Steve Costigan, is drawn towards seemingly the same woman that Conan rescues, far back in the mists of time. Soon, both men are filled in on the darkness that’s coming, and will be playing their part to protect the past, present and future.

Though we had lead-in stories in the most recent issue of anthology series, The Savage Sword of Conan, this first issue of Tides of the Tyrant-King takes its time in setting up and establishing its time-spanning threat. Writer Jim Zub certainly knows his way around Howard’s characters, and the way that he addresses the drama unfolding across different time periods is brilliantly done.

Jesús Merino’s art is superb too, despite the jumps between the ancient, mythical past and the 20th century, there’s never a lack of clarity in the storytelling, and the pacing is superb too.

Jão Canola’s vivid colours also do a great job of distinguishing time periods and settings when required, as well as meshing eras together when the events of the story start to unfold simultaneously. It’s a very neat trick, incredibly well implemented.

Titan’s Conan titles may very well be the most underrated comics on sale right now, and they consistently punch way above their weight, with epic storytelling and superb artistry. Tides of the Tyrant-King is no exception, based on this first issue alone.

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