D&D General No One Reads Conan Now -- So What Are They Reading?

[Paul Farquhar]

But they were struggling on Arrakis, and found some satisfaction and balance there, albeit with some oppression from their colonial rulers. They were engaged in finding meaning and fellowship while contending with a harsh world for survival, which seems very much in keeping with Howard's/Conan's ethos. They were masters of their environment, even turning the apex predator into a steed and beast of burden.

I don't see the galactic jihad as particularly life-affirming, no. :/

Paul Atreides has a strong resemblance to several villains from the Conan stories (and the movie).

 

[Imaro]

Ironically most believe this Conan more true to REH'S incarnation but the movie flopped hard.

 

[Paul Farquhar]

Id love to have age demographics on those who've read the original Conan stories... also of those who think those stories (not the character since then we'd have to define what incarnation) are relevant to current fantasy and current D&D... then finally for those who think the racism and misogyny is a non-factor.

I’m 56, I don’t think they are particularly relevant to anything but the history of D&D, and I think the racism and misogyny is a major barrier to modern readers (especially taking into account that a majority of readers are female).

 

[nyvinter]

I know AI art is a thing. Will there be worry of AI authors? Publishers just telling it to gives them a new book in the style of [insert author here] and then they sell it to the masses?

Many magazines have had to temporarily close submissions because of a morass of AI stories. And there are also self-published "authors" on Amazon selling their prompt stories without indicating that they're 100% AI written.

Publisher mandated AI books? Not so much since there's no copyright and they like that kind of thing.

 

[overgeeked]

I know AI art is a thing. Will there be worry of AI authors? Publishers just telling it to gives them a new book in the style of [insert author here] and then they sell it to the masses?

It’s already a thing. Publishers haven’t jumped on it yet, but Amazon was flooded with the stuff. What few magazines still around taking subs had to close submissions due to being inundated with “AI” dreck.

 

[overgeeked]

Many magazines have had to temporarily close submissions because of a morass of AI stories. And there are also self-published "authors" on Amazon selling their prompt stories without indicating that they're 100% AI written.

Publisher mandated AI books? Not so much since there's no copyright and they like that kind of thing.

The worst ones are the “AI” non-fiction books. Cookbooks, foraging books, etc. If it has to do with anything you ingest, verify it’s from a reputable publisher before you buy it.

 

[Micah Sweet]

You're seriously arguing kids under 13 dont read Avengers comics?

Recall the second part of my post regarding the compromising of characters to fit a different audience.

 

[The Firebird]

But they were struggling on Arrakis, and found some satisfaction and balance there, albeit with some oppression from their colonial rulers. They were engaged in finding meaning and fellowship while contending with a harsh world for survival, which seems very much in keeping with Howard's/Conan's ethos. They were masters of their environment, even turning the apex predator into a steed and beast of burden.

I don't see the galactic jihad as particularly life-affirming, no. :/

In the timeline of Dune they were living, I guess, ok lives on Arrakis. But I think the later books are clear that without Paul's actions, humanity would stagnate and become extinct due to a lack of development. The destruction and danger are simultaneously horrible and necessary to ensure vitality. Do you think that is inaccurate?

Paul Atreides has a strong resemblance to several villains from the Conan stories (and the movie).

Yeah! I love the dualism you can see in these archetypal characters. To go back to Mad Max, Immortan Joe also fulfills a sort of 'messianic' role, right? Anointed by God, bringing law and order and justice and meaning to society. He's a dark mirror of Max.

 

[nyvinter]

Yeah,

The worst ones are the “AI” non-fiction books. Cookbooks, foraging books, etc. If it has to do with anything you ingest, verify it’s from a reputable publisher before you buy it.

Yeah. Would actively avoid all books about mushrooms that have been published after 2022 just to be safe.

 

[Ruin Explorer]

You're seriously arguing kids under 13 dont read Avengers comics?

I know you're talking primarily about the past, but as I understand it, the biggest group of comic-book readers now is aged 35-54, particularly centering on the 40s. And that actual "kids" represent an extremely small proportion of Marvel's market, much as Marvel would wish otherwise.