Conquest!

By Harvey Kurtzmsn
Two-Fisted Tales 18
Nov-Dec 1950

Reprinted in Corpse on the Imjin and Other Stories by Harvey Kurtzman

A story of violent and bloody conquest set in 16th century Mexico. Captain Juan Alvorado leads a force of Spaniards who have come for gold. They use their superior weapons to capture the city. Soon the Spaniards grow bored and less vigilant. The natives return and return bloodshed with bloodshed.

I have read this story before in color in Two-Fisted Tales Archive Vol. 1. I had my doubts going in but it really works well in black and white.

There's nothing particularly spectacular about the subject matter but the visual story-telling is great. Love the sense of motion in the action scenes. There's something about the shading effect Kurtzmsn uses in some panels that I really like.

If I had to single out one panel I guess it would be the opening splash page but there are no wasted panels in this story.

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