DaRK PaRTY ReVIEW

::Literate Blather::

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

5 Questions About: Conan the Barbarian

An Interview About the Legendary Barbarian Created By Robert E. Howard

“Crom, I have never prayed to you before. I have no tongue for it. No one, not even you, will remember if we were good men or bad. Why we fought, or why we died. All that matters is that two stood against many. That's what's important! Valor pleases you, Crom... so grant me one request. Grant me revenge! And if you do not listen, then to hell with you!”

- Arnold Schwarzenegger as Conan

(The best part of Arnold Schwarzenegger as Conan in the two films made in the 1980s was that he looked like the iconic barbarian warrior. Unfortunately, Schwarzenegger played Conan like a brutish ape and left the complexities of the character out in the cold. Conan the Barbarian was complicated – tough, merciless, but also with a keen intelligence and a wry sense of humor. Conan has become a mythical fictional character in the same category as Sherlock Holmes, Dracula, and Peter Pan. Most people recognize Conan even if they’ve never read the stories by pulp writer Robert E. Howard, who created the Cimmerian warrior in 1932. DaRK PaRTY recently rediscovered the joy and wonder of Howard’s Conan (and eagerly awaits the new movie which could happen in 2009). We decided we needed more and sought out Joakim “Jay” Zetterberg, director of publishing at Paradox Entertainment (the company that owns the rights of Howard’s library of work – including the mighty Conan.)

DaRK PaRTY: How would you describe Conan in personality and in appearance?

Joakim: Uncompromising with a strong moral fiber. Impressive physical stature and strong as an oxe, yet lithe as a panther.

DP: What is the biggest misconception about Conan?

Joakim: While stuck with the epithet "Barbarian" I find him being far from it. Yes, he beats up quite a lot of people but we all know they deserve it. He has a very straight-forward moral code which is easy to understand. He does what he has to do to survive which is more or less a combination of common sense and taking matters into his own hands. He only makes a couple of moral sidesteps with today's standards, like when he needs money for food. But barbarian, nope.

DP: Conan has become an iconic fictional character. Why do you think Conan appeals to so many people around the world?

Joakim: He does what many people would like to do, to live a free and adventurous life, to act on instinct and do unto other what they do to him. Imagine what Conan would do to the telemarketers of today.

DP: If you had to pick three of Robert E. Howard's Conan stories that really encapsulate the Conan mythos, which ones would they be and why?

Joakim: As my personal favorites I would start with "Frost-Giant's Daughter." It hardly begins before it ends and leaves me intrigued because it is so open-ended. What place is this, who is this Conan, where did he come from, where is he going? "Queen of the Black Coast" for showing that Conan is not only a sword-slinging brute. And of course "Hour of the Dragon', the only novel-length Conan story, featuring an older Conan on the throne of Aquilonia. From battlefield to king. That's quite a journey.

DP: Do you think the two Conan films starring Arnold Schwarzenegger captured the true spirit of Conan? What did you like best about the films and what didn't work in your opinion?

Joakim: If by capturing the true spirit of Conan you mean being true to Conan as Robert E. Howard described him then there is something missing. Conan is more complex than how he is portrayed in the movie. However, the movies are iconic and whatever your opinion is of them they brought Conan back into the spotlight after some years of waning interest after the huge surge in popularity with the Frazetta paperbacks in the 1960s. We should all be thankful for that.

The Toughest SOBs in Fantasy Fiction (includes Conan)

The Legends of Literature (includes Conan)

5 Questions About: Sherlock Holmes

Labels: 5 Questions, Conan, interview, Joakim Zetterberg, Robert E. Howard

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Posted by GFS3 at 10:52 AM.

3 comments

Wednesday, December 03, 2008

The Toughest SOBs in Fantasy Fiction

These are the 7 Toughest Characters in High Fantasy

It's not easy finding a list of the toughest, bad-asses in Fantasy fiction -- so DaRK PaRTY created our own. These are the heroes (and anti-heroes) that know how to use a sword or utter a spell better than the rest. Any list, of course, is subjective. So if you'd like to add your own sword-swinging, spelling chanting favorite to the list -- please do.

Drizzt Do’Urden
The Dark Elf Ranger

Creator: R.A. Salvatore

Date of Birth: 1988

First Appearance: “The Crystal Shard” Homeland” (the first book in “The Icewind Dale Trilogy”)

Description: Drizzt is five feet four inches tall and weighs about 130 pounds. His eyes are lavender and his hair as white as snow. His name is Drow translates to “Unyielding hunter who walks in the darkness.” Drizzt has a dark, violent side that he called “The Hunter.” He can control the hunter and sometimes calls on him in battle.

Origin: Drizzt is a Drow, a race of dark-skinned subterranean elves known for being evil. Drizzt, however, is an outcast with a strong sense of morals. While a skilled fighter, Drizzt prefers a peaceful resolution except with evil creatures such as goblins and orcs. He was the third son in his family and slated to be used as a sacrifice to the Drow god Lloth. He later escaped to the surface world and joined with a group of companions known as the Companions of the Hall.

Weapon of Choice: Drizzt fights with a pair of scimitars known as Twinkle (which radiates a blue glow) and Icingdeath, a blade that protects the bearer from fire.

Known Associates: Catti-brie, Wulfgar, and Regis Rumblebelly

Enemies: The assassin Artemis Entreri

Quote: “I knew right away that there was something special going on with Drizzt – just the way I felt about him when I first met him in the book. I couldn’t put my finger on it then, and I can’t now. I wish I could.” – R.A. Salvatore

Other Mediums: Drizzt is one of the most popular characters in the Dungeons & Dragons Forgotten Realms setting. He has appeared in more than a dozen novels, in the Baldur’s Gate, computer game series, and in graphic novels. There have also been rumors of a Hollywood movie.

Aragorn
The Return of the King

Creator: J.R.R. Tolkien

Date of Birth: 1954

First Appearance: The Fellowship of the Ring (the first book in the trilogy “Lord of the Rings”)

Description: Aragorn stands six feet six inches tall. He is a dark and lean human with long, shaggy dark hair streaked with gray. His eyes are gray and set into a stern, pale face. He often experiences bouts of melancholy, but can be humorous at times.

Origin: A Ranger that often went by the nickname Strider. But Aragorn is really the heir to the throne of Gondor. His father was killed when he was a baby and the Elfin King Elrond raised him. His heritage was kept secret from him. He led the armies that ultimately defeated the Evil Lord Sauron.

Weapon of Choice: Anduril, a great sword used by his ancestors.

Known Associates: Frodo Baggins, Gandalf the Grey, Legolas, Gimli, Boromir, Merry, Pippin, and Sam

Enemies: Sauron, Saruman, Black Riders, Orcs

Quote: “This day does not belong to one man but to all. Let us together rebuild this world that we may share in the days of peace.” – Viggo Mortensen as Aragorn in “Return of the King”

Other Mediums: Aragon was featured in “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, which has been made into several movies include Peter Jackson’s blockbuster trilogy. The books have also been adapted for TV, radio, and stage. Led Zeppelin even has a few songs that reference the trilogy including “Misty Mountain Hop” and “Ramble On.” And, of course, Advanced Dungeons & Dragons owes a huge debt to the series.

Fafhrd
The Enormous Partner of Gray Mouser

Creator: Fritz Leiber

Date of Birth: 1939

First Appearance: A short story “Two Sought Adventure” in Unknown, a pulp fantasy magazine.

Description: A seven-foot tall northern barbarian. He is a thief and fond of drinking, eating, fighting, gambling, and most of all, stealing. He has a big heart and a lust for life.

Origin: Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser are sellswords in the mythical world of Nehwon. They are rogues who will take adventures from the highest bidder.

Weapon of Choice: The long sword named Graywand and a poignard called Heartseeker.

Known Associates: Gray Mouser

Enemies: Differs story to story.

Quote: “His interest in writing came from a long correspondence with a close college friend, Harry Fischer. Together they developed alter ego characters: Nordic Fafhrd a tall gangly limbed individual from 'the North' - based on Leiber, and the effervescent Grey Mouser - based on Fischer. Leiber first featured the characters in a story, "Adepts Gambit", which featured a cast of creations in a world of mystic magic.” – Fritz Leiber obituary in The Times of London

Other Mediums: Fafhrd appeared with Gray Mouser in DC’s “Wonder Woman” in the early 1970s and later they appeared in their own title called “Sword of Sorcery.”

Conan the Barbarian
The Hyborian Age’s Greatest Hero

Creator: Robert E. Howard

Date of Birth: 1932

First Appearance: A fantasy story “The Phoenix on the Sword” in Weird Tales magazine.

Description: A black-haired, rugged barbarian from the northern tribes with dark, sullen eyes. Conan is six feet two inches tall and 210 pounds. He is barrel-chested with broad shoulders and heavily muscled arms. Despite being a barbarian warrior, Conan was sharp and intelligent. Honor was important to him (even though he spent part of his time as a thief). He spoke several different languages. He was also quite witty and had a big sense of humor.

Origin: Conan was born in Cimmerian, a cold snowy kingdom to the north. His father was a blacksmith. He was an experienced warrior by age 15 when he left home to wander the lands. He became a thief, a pirate, a mercenary, and an outlaw. When he became older he commanded armies and eventually he seized the crown from the king of Aquilona.

Weapon of Choice: Broad swords

Known Associates: There are too many to list. Conan traveled with many comrades and associates, but didn’t stick with anyone for very long.

Enemies: Wizards, monster, and the King of Aquilona

Quote: “Crom, I have never prayed to you before. I have no tongue for it. No one, not even you, will remember if we were good men or bad. Why we fought, or why we died. All that matters is that two stood against many. That's what's important! Valor pleases you, Crom... so grant me one request. Grant me revenge! And if you do not listen, then to Hell with you!” – Arnold Schwarzenegger from “Conan the Barbarian” (1982)

Other Mediums: Conan has become one of the most recognizable fantasy heroes in the world. Arnold Schwarzenegger starred as Conan in two Hollywood blockbusters “Conan the Barbarian” and “Conan the Destroyer.” There have been animated features, comic books (including the long running series by Marvel), books, computer games, and toys.

Elric
The Albino Anti-Hero

Creator: Michael Moorcock

Date of Birth: 1961

First Appearance: The novella “The Dreaming City” in Science Fantasy magazine

Description: A thin and frail albino with skin the color of “a bleached skull.” His eyes were slanted and glowed crimson. Elric needs to administer special herbs in order to maintain his weak constitution. Elric is moody, brooding, and full of self-hatred.

Origin: Elric is the last king of Melnibone, an island civilization that ruled earth thousands of years ago (before the rise of human civilization). His heritage gives him the ability to conjure spirits and supernatural creatures to help him in battle. He is constantly being undermined by his subjects and his family (including his power-hungry cousin Yrkoon).

Weapon of Choice: Stormbringer. An enchanted sword that give Elric strength, but requires that it be fed with the souls of those its slays.

Known Associates: Cymoril (Elric’s lover and cousin), Dyvim Slorm (another cousin who partners with Elric), Moonglum (a fellow adventurer)

Enemies: Yrkoon (Elric’s cousin who is his successor to the throne and plots his assassination) and Theleb K’aarna (a sorcerer)

Quote: “This sword here at my side don’t act the way it should/ Keeps calling me its mater, but I feel like its slave/ Hauling me faster and faster to an early grave/ And it howls/ It howls like hell.” – “Black Blade” by Blue Oyster Cult

Other Mediums: Elric has been featured in Advanced Dungeons & Dragons and in comic books. The song “Black Blade” by Blue Oyster Cult is about Elric. There are also rumors of a trilogy of films based on Moorcock’s Elric novels in production.

Allanon

The Mysterious Druid of Shannara

Creator: Terry Brooks
Date of Birth: 1977

First Appearance: The novel “The Sword of Shannara”

Description: Allanon is seven feet tall and fond of wearing a cloak and cowl to hide his intense looking face: shaggy eyebrows, a long flat nose, a black beard, and green penetrating eyes. He is extremely mysterious and rarely tells the truth about any situation. He’s very smart and compassionate, although he can also be ruthless to his enemies.

Origin: Allanon is a druid and has a lifespan much longer than normal humans because of his ability to sleep in suspended animation for long periods of time. He was the child apprentice of the Druid Bremen, who taught him the magic arts. At the time of his first appearance, he is the last of the Great Druids that lived in the city of Paranor.

Weapon of Choice: Magic

Known Associates: Shea Ohmsford, Wil Ohmsford, Jair Ohmsford, and Bremen

Enemies: Jachrya, a monster who killed Allanon in “The Wishsong of Shannara”

Quote: “Terry Brooks wasn't trying to imitate Tolkien's prose, just steal his story line and complete cast of characters, and [Brooks] did it with such clumsiness and so heavy-handedly, that he virtually rubbed your nose in it." – Lin Carter, fantasy editor on “The Sword of Shannara”

Other Mediums: Warner Brothers owns the film rights to “The Sword of Shannara” and there is talk of a film in 2010 written and directed by Mike Newell.

Jaime Lannister
Kingslayer

Creator: George R. R. Martin

Date of Birth: 1996

First Appearance: The novel “A Game of Thrones”

Description: A strikingly handsome knight with golden hair and green eyes. He is arrogant and amoral (once even tossing a young child out of a window). He lost his sword hand in battle and has started in reevaluate his life.

Origin: Jaime is a member of the House of Lannister, a noble family in Westerlands, and an elite Kingsguard. The family’s sigil is a golden lion on a field of crimson and their motto is “Hear Me Roar!” Jaime is one of the greatest knights of his generation and during the sack of King’s Landing he killed King Aerys and received the nickname “Kingslayer.” He has an incestuous relationship with his twin sister Cersei and the father of her three children.

Weapon of Choice: Sword

Known Associates: Cersei, Joffrey Baratheon (son), Tyrion (half-brother)

Enemies: The House of Stark

Quote: “There are no men like me. There’s only me” – Jaime Lannister
Other Mediums: The series “A Song of Ice and Fire” is still ongoing, but already there are games, figurines, and online communities dedicated to it.

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Labels: Allanon, Aragorn, Conan, Elric, Fafhrd, Fantasy, Fritz Leiber, George R.R. Martin, Jaime Lannister, Michael Moorcock, R.A. Salvatore, Robert E. Howard, Terry Brooks, Tolkien