Conan The Adventurer

In the early 1990s, Fox transcended unique boundaries by introducing an animated series packed with action, adventure, and a strong storyline, known as Conan The Adventurer. This memorable show ran from 1992 to 1993 and revolved around the Avengers-style action and adventure of the classic barbarian character, Conan, originally created by Robert E. Howard.

At the start of the series, Conan leads a peaceful life as the son of a blacksmith in Cimmeria. His tranquil existence is upturned when his family and village are destroyed by the evil sorcerer, Wrath-Amon, a servant of the Serpent Man wizard, Set. Following this tragedy, Conan embarks on a quest of revenge against Wrath-Amon and the evil he represents in the world.

Although the series was based on Howard's original creation, there was a change from the traditional universe of swords and sorcery. Instead, for this animated adaptation, the villainous Wrath-Amon uses Star Metal, a powerful substance, to awaken Set from his long slumber. Conan also uses a Star Metal sword, which becomes one of his signature elements throughout the show, akin to a superhero's iconic equipment.

Accompanying Conan on his adventures are several characters who add varying dynamics to the show. These include Jezmine, a circus acrobat; Snagg, a fellow barbarian from a different tribe; Greywolf, a magic-user who has the ability to transform into a wolf; Zula, a prince of the Wasai tribe proficient in handling the boomerang; and Falkenar, a warrior from the future. These characters each have their own story, and their interactions with Conan serve to deepen the plot and provide insights into their respective lives and cultures.

An interesting element that differentiates Conan The Adventurer from other series in the same era is the unique blend of action, adventure, and mysticism. The main theme revolves around Conan's relentless quest for vengeance. Still, the series creatively weaves through a diverse range of settings, from the stark and beautiful landscapes of Cimmeria to the mystical world of beyond, inundated with sorcery and mythical creatures such as Serpent Men.

Throughout the series, we see a youthful Conan maturing into a leader, demonstrating strength, intelligence, and a strong moral compass. This makes him an inspiration and symbol of hope for those he encounters along his journey. Despite being renowned for his brawn and battle-skills, Conan often uses intelligence and cunning to overcome adversarial forces, adding an interesting twist to the typical 'all-brawn' image of warriors.

Conan The Adventurer provides a vibrant mixture of high-tension combat, magic, and drama, a successful transition from Howard's atmospheric storytelling into animated form. While the series is largely an action-packed escapade, the relationship dynamics, character development, and story-driven conflicts ensure that it's more than just mindless fighting. The stories are not only entertaining but also incorporate values of friendship, teamwork, courage, and justice.

The remarkable animation style of Conan The Adventurer also deserves mention. The character designs are dramatic while staying true to the aesthetic of sword-and-sorcery epics, and the animation fluidly captures the frenzy of battle scenes and the sublime beauty of the various landscapes in the show.

In a nutshell, Conan The Adventurer placed a new spin on the fantastical realm of swords and sorcery, introducing a broader audience to the iconic Conan the Barbarian. The narrative pacing, engaging characters, unique plotline, and exhilarating action make the series an adventure-filled blast from the past worthy of revisiting. The legacy of Conan the Barbarian lives on in this animated series, serving as both a representation of 90s' animation at its best and a tribute to the enduring appeal of Robert E. Howard's creation.