Those familiar with Conan only from the pastiche, or the movies, or the comic books, don’t know the real article, who has far greater range of emotion and zest for life — and is at the same time more primal. Those acquainted with the character from other incarnations likewise have no idea of Robert E. Howard’s power as a writer. He is an able plotter with a splendid imagination, but it is in his narrative that Howard truly excels, and that can’t translate into another medium. His scenes are drawn swiftly, skillfully, with a few sharp brush strokes. A movie version isn’t necessary because his prose is so cinematic to begin with.

But, so long as there is going to be a movie version, I sure hope that those who’re putting it together keep in mind what Eric Knight said recently on his blog.

Howard