Queen of the Black Coast — Weird Tales May 1934 Conan Cover
What makes this cover startling even by pulp standards is the sheer anatomical boldness of the winged death-demon looming over two nearly nude figures — this is Robert E. Howard's Conan story illustrated with unapologetic ferocity. A gaunt, black-winged specter reaches with talon-clawed hands toward a muscular barbarian and a half-clothed woman clutching a dagger, the warm flesh tones of the imperiled pair contrasting dramatically against the creature's ashen, cadaverous form against a stormy dusk sky.
A skeletal winged demon, a nearly naked woman with a knife, and Conan the Barbarian — Weird Tales apparently felt subtlety was for lesser magazines. The NRA eagle logo in the corner adds a surreal touch of New Deal-era bureaucracy to the carnage.
“Weird Tales MAY 1934 25c MAY 25c Vol. 23, No. 5—25c NRA WE DO OUR PART Queen of the Black Coast A Tale of Mystery, Fantasy, Intrigue By Robert E. Howard Anthony Rud • Carl Jacobi C. L. Moore • A. W. Bernal Printed in U.S.A.”
