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Kull: From Literature to Film and Back Again

John Dos Passos

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Published in Kull The Destroyer (1973 1978) #12 (Kull The Conqueror (1971 1978))

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Kull the Conqueror, created by Robert E. Howard in 1929, is one of the most iconic characters in fantasy literature. Over the years, the character has appeared in countless stories, novels, and comic books. He has also been the subject of two film adaptations, the 1973 film Kull the Destroyer and the 1978 film Kull the Conqueror.

Kull's Origins in Literature

Kull was created by Robert E. Howard in 1929, and first appeared in the short story "The Shadow Kingdom". In the story, Kull is a barbarian from Atlantis who is transported to the future and becomes a king. Kull is a fierce warrior and a skilled leader, and quickly becomes a legend among his people.

Kull The Destroyer (1973-1978) #12 (Kull The Conqueror (1971-1978))

by Attiyya S. Ingram

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Language	:	English
File size	:	58952 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	17 pages

Howard wrote several more Kull stories, and the character quickly became one of his most popular creations. In 1939, Howard's Kull stories were published in a collection titled Kull: Exile of Atlantis. The collection was a critical and commercial success, and helped to cement Kull's status as a major character in fantasy literature.

The Film Adaptations

In 1973, Kull was brought to the big screen in the film Kull the Destroyer. The film starred Arnold Schwarzenegger as Kull, and was directed by John Milius. The film was a critical and commercial failure, but it has since become a cult classic.

In 1978, Kull was again brought to the big screen in the film Kull the Conqueror. The film starred Kevin Sorbo as Kull, and was directed by Rick Jacobson. The film was a critical and commercial failure, and is generally considered to be inferior to the 1973 film.

Kull's Return to Literature

In the years since the release of the two Kull films, the character has continued to be popular in literature. In 1995, Dark Horse Comics began publishing a new Kull comic book series. The series was a critical and commercial success, and helped to introduce Kull to a new generation of fans.

In 2005, Dark Horse Comics published a new Kull novel, Kull: The Shadow Kingdom. The novel was written by Tim Truman and was a sequel to the original Kull short story. The novel was a critical and commercial success, and helped to further expand the Kull universe.

In 2010, Abaddon Books began publishing a new series of Kull novels. The series is edited by Joe Abercrombie, and features contributions from some of the biggest names in fantasy literature, including Glen Cook, Steve Erikson, and John Gwynne.

Kull's Legacy

Kull the Conqueror is one of the most iconic characters in fantasy literature. Over the years, the character has appeared in countless stories, novels, and comic books. He has also been the subject of two film adaptations, and has inspired a number of other creative works, including video games, board games, and role-playing games.

Kull's legacy is a testament to the enduring power of Robert E. Howard's storytelling. The character has captured the imaginations of readers and viewers for over 90 years, and shows no signs of slowing down.