Temple of the Horned God

If asked, most comic nerds would say that either Barry Winsor-Smith or Big John Buscema are the definitive Conan comic book artists.  And I would agree with that (especially when Buscema was inked by Ernie Chan) senitment but there is another, oft forgotten, yet incredibly innovative artist from back in the 70's.  Alex Nino was an innovative artist who did some mind blowing things, from wild layouts to incredibly detailed line work.  

Most of his work was in the black and white Savage Sword of Conan (SSC).  In 1978, Marvel reprinted Savage Sword of Conan #6 (art by Nino) in color for the first time in Marvel Treasury Edition #19.  At the time I had no idea who Alex Nino was, but I read and stared at that issue for hours on end.  His work has continued to amaze and inspire me.  Below is my adaption of one of the panels from that SSC story.  As always, click to embiggen'.

                    Pen & Ink with watercolor on 200 lbs watercolor paper 14x10

Here is the picture before I painted it. As you can see, I only lightly inked it before adding watercolors.  After the paint dried, I went back and add more detail in ink.