Conan, Reborn

When the first Conan the Barbarian movie came out in 1982, the only real frame of reference I had were the amazing Frank Frazetta images like the one on your right. I hadn't read any of the books by Robert E. Howard nor any of the ensuing comics based on them. I just had a thing for hot musclemen in loincloths.

So, when the John Milius movie came out, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, James Earl Jones and Max von Sydow, I knew I had to see it. And I remember thinking, "Wow! What a violent, sexist movie!" And it really was, especially for that time. When asked "What is best in life?" Conan responds "To crush your enemies, to see them driven before you and to hear the lamentations of their women." Yikes!

Of course, there is an inevitable remake on the horizon, starring former "Baywatch: Hawaii" hottie Jason Mamoa as the Cimmerian warrior bent on avenging the death of his parents. Directed by Marcus Nispel (the absolutely terrible Friday the 13th remake), the movie also stars Ron Perlman (Hellboy); Rose McGowan (Planet Terror) and Stephen Lang, who over-acted so ridiculously in Avatar. Now, (via) comes the animated poster for the new film, evoking the Frazetta versions of Conan while using modern technology. While I can't say whether or not the new version of the movie will be any good, I must admit to loving the poster:

So, what do you think? Old Conan? New Conan? Conan O'Brien? No Conan? (someday I'm going to have to add a polling feature). You know I love your comments. Of course, my biggest complaint: The GD 3D! Enough, already. But I have to admit that the whole "Motion Poster" thing is kind of cool...

More, anon.

Prospero