The legend of Conan begins in the middle of a Cimmerian war-his incredible strength and skill, evidenced in his youth, was always credited to the bloody circumstances of his birth. This special fill-in issue brings Greg Ruth, acclaimed artist of Freaks of the Heartland, into the Conan fold. "Born on the Battlefield," by Busiek and Ruth, will be spread over the next two years of the Conan monthly, in six stand-alone chapters, leading up to the epic Battle at Venarium!

Next issue Cary Nord returns with the second major story arc, as Conan discovers the wonders and horrors of the civilized world-with covers by Leinil Francis Yu!

• Call it "Ultimate Conan." After almost 20 years out of the spotlight, the iconic barbarian smashes his way back into comics and gets stripped down to his roots!