Conan: The Book of Thoth #2
Publisher: Dark Horse, April 2006
Writers: Kurt Busiek & Len Wein
Pencils & inks: Kelley Jones
The Origin of Thoth-Amon continues.
Synopsis: Thoth has returned to the city of Memphia, and the House of Ibis. His fellow Acolytes have no idea that Thoth-posing as Amon-has turned to the Dark Arts and now worships the Serpent God - Set. Soon a rash of gruesome murders starts taking place on the darkened city streets. It seems someone is targeting Acolytes. Thoth soon finds himself gaining authority in the house, as he assumes positions previously held by his fallen brethren. Still, no one suspects Thoth to be practicing the Dark Arts, and worshipping Set, save for Kharantus, who has sensed some dark magic connected to the mysterious deaths. He discovers a shrine and a sacrificial altar, deep within the convoluted halls in the bowels of the house. There he waits, and when Thoth arrives, the truth is finally revealed. A great fight ensues between the two wizards; each calling upon their respective Gods. The great, and good Ibis, against the evil Serpent God, Set. After hours of fighting, Thoth finally claims victory over Kharantus, and keeps a spell over him. The next day the shrine is discovered by the House elders, and Thoth implicates Kharantus as the one who has betrayed his teachings, and the great God, Ibis. Still under Thoth's spell, Kharantus is unable to refute the charges, and even admits to worshipping Set. While in his mind he can hear the words spoken, he has no control over what is said. His son Kalanthes does not believe it, but the council has already made their decision and exact quick retribution on Kharantus by employing an incantation to Ibis which tears out his mind, turning him into a blithering idiot. Kalanthes now starts to become very suspicious of Thoth.
4 out of 5 stars. Another very well written story. The artwork struck me as a little odd at first, but then I realized the artist is going for a very shadowed look, as there is no electric light when these stories take place, everything is either illuminated by candle light, or firelight. This gives the artwork a very specific mood, somewhat heavily inked, and "dark." The style is unique, and takes a little getting used to, but overall accomplishes the mood.