Introduction
Literature has long been fascinated by the figure of the wandering warrior—an individual who roams the world, guided only by his own code and an unshakable sense of justice. Two of the most striking examples of this archetype come from distinct literary traditions: Conan the Cimmerian, created by Robert E. Howard in the 1930s, and Jack Reacher, the modern-day drifter and former military investigator conceived by Lee Child at the end of the 20th century.
I must confess that Conan is my all-time favorite character. From the moment I first read his stories, I was captivated by the brutality of the Hyborian world and the independent nature of the barbarian. Recently, I began paying more attention to Jack Reacher, and the more I delve into his tales, the more I realize that he shares many of the qualities that make Conan so compelling. Both are solitary warriors who refuse to be bound by rules, possess exceptional combat skills, and live by a strong sense of justice. In a way, Jack Reacher can be seen as a contemporary version of Conan, transported from the world of swords and sorcery to the realm of action thrillers.
Lee Child and the Creation of Jack Reacher
Lee Child, the pen name of British writer Jim Grant, introduced Jack Reacher to the world in Killing Floor (1997), the first in a long-running series of novels. Before becoming a writer, Child worked in television, and his career shift was driven by the desire to create a protagonist who broke away from the mold of traditional detectives and spies.
Reacher, a former military police officer, is a nomad who travels across the United States without a fixed residence, carrying only the essentials and driven by an innate impulse to right injustices. Child drew inspiration from figures like John D. MacDonald’s Travis McGee and the classic Western hero—men who operate outside the law but follow their own moral code. Reacher’s stories typically follow a pattern: he arrives in a town, encounters a problem, and, with his keen intelligence and formidable physical strength, resolves the situation with ruthless efficiency.
With over 25 books published and adaptations for film and television, Jack Reacher has cemented himself as one of the greatest characters in modern thrillers.
Robert E. Howard and the Legacy of Conan
Robert E. Howard was a Texan writer who, in 1932, introduced Conan the Cimmerian in the pages of Weird Tales magazine. Unlike the traditional fantasy heroes of his time, Conan was neither a noble knight nor a wise magician but a fearless barbarian who relied solely on his own strength and cunning to survive.
Howard’s stories chronicle Conan’s journey from his youth as a thief to his rise as a mercenary, pirate, and ultimately, king. His world, the Hyborian Age, is a brutal and unforgiving setting where only the strongest endure. To Conan, civilization is corrupt and treacherous, whereas the barbaric life, though harsh, is honest and straightforward. This philosophy mirrors much of Howard’s own worldview, which saw struggle and individual strength as essential elements for survival.
This perspective captivated me from the very beginning. Conan is a character who does what he pleases, bowing to neither kings, sorcerers, nor priests. He does not abide by society’s imposed rules—he creates his own. And I believe it is precisely this freedom that makes both Conan and Jack Reacher so fascinating.
Jack Reacher as a Modern Conan
Though they belong to different genres, Conan and Reacher share several fundamental characteristics.
Rootless Wanderers
Neither has a permanent home or ties that bind them to one place. Reacher carries no luggage, has no family, and does not maintain lasting relationships. Similarly, Conan never stays in one place for long—he is always in pursuit of the next battle, the next challenge. For both, the world is an open battlefield, and the freedom to come and go as they please is more valuable than any comfort.
Warriors of Superhuman Skill
Both Reacher and Conan are exceptionally strong and highly skilled in combat. Reacher, standing at 6’5” and with military training, can defeat multiple opponents with ease. Conan, a natural-born fighter, takes down men twice his size just as effortlessly. However, they do not rely solely on brute force—both are intelligent and strategic, using their minds as much as their fists to overcome challenges.
A Personal Code of Justice
Though often perceived as antiheroes, both Reacher and Conan possess a strong sense of justice. Reacher does not tolerate abuse of power and always intervenes when he witnesses injustice. Conan, though frequently motivated by self-interest, despises tyrants and corrupt rulers and often allies himself with the oppressed against evil kings and sorcerers.
The Strong Woman Beside the Warrior
In nearly all of their stories, Conan and Reacher encounter a strong woman who accompanies them—at least temporarily. The female characters in their narratives are not mere “damsels in distress” but warriors, leaders, and strategists. Whether it’s Bêlit, the pirate queen who sailed alongside Conan, or Roscoe, the fearless police officer who aids Reacher in Killing Floor, these women play a crucial role in the protagonists’ journeys. However, just as they do not belong to any one place, they do not bind themselves to relationships, always moving forward.
Outsiders to Civilization
Both men exist on the fringes of their respective societies. Reacher is an ex-soldier who abandoned structured life, viewing modern civilization with skepticism. Conan also sees civilization as corrupt and decadent, preferring the raw honesty of the barbaric world. Their status as outsiders allows them to see through deception and act as forces of justice, unrestrained by laws or bureaucracy.
Pragmatic and Efficient Warriors
Neither Conan nor Reacher fights for heroism—they fight because they must. Both use violence as a tool, never engaging in unnecessary brutality but never hesitating when action is required. Their methods are direct, often brutal, but always effective.
Key Differences Between Conan and Reacher
While Reacher and Conan share many similarities, they also have notable differences. Conan’s world is one of myth and magic, filled with sorcerers, monsters, and lost civilizations. Reacher’s world, though equally dangerous, is rooted in modern realism, where threats take the form of criminals, corrupt officials, and shadowy organizations. Moreover, Conan is driven by personal ambition, seeking glory and power, whereas Reacher is more of a reluctant hero, acting out of principle rather than for personal gain.
Reader Identification
I believe one of the reasons these characters are so popular is the longing for freedom they evoke. Who hasn’t dreamed of leaving everything behind and forging their own path, unburdened by rules and obligations? Both Conan and Reacher embody this ideal—the man who answers to no one, who lives by his own laws, and who always triumphs in the end. It is this sense of power and independence that makes their stories so captivating.
Recommended Reading
For those interested in exploring Conan and Jack Reacher further, I recommend the following books:
- Conan
- The Coming of Conan the Cimmerian (Robert E. Howard) – An excellent collection of early stories.
- The Hour of the Dragon (Robert E. Howard) – The only full-length Conan novel, filled with battles and intrigue.
- Savage Sword of Conan (Various authors) – Essential comics for any fan of the Cimmerian.
- Jack Reacher
- Killing Floor (Lee Child) – The first book in the series and a great starting point.
- One Shot (Lee Child) – The novel that inspired the first Reacher film.
- The Midnight Line (Lee Child) – A book that explores a more introspective side of the character.
Conclusion and the World of Techno-fantasy
Jack Reacher and Conan the Cimmerian may belong to different genres, but they embody the same spirit: men who answer only to themselves, who reject the constraints of civilization, and who fight with unparalleled skill and determination. Whether wielding a broad sword or delivering a devastating punch, Conan and Jack Reacher are perfect examples of the lone warrior archetype—men who do not follow the rules of the world but create their own. And this is one of the great enchantments of fantasy and action literature: it transports us to realities where willpower and determination are the only laws that matter.
For fans of Conan’s fast-paced and brutal adventures, Jack Reacher offers a modern alternative, proving that the spirit of the wandering warrior is just as compelling today as it was nearly a century ago. And for those who have enjoyed the books or the series of Jack Reacher but are unfamiliar with Conan, seek out the tales and comics of the Bronze Cimmerian.
Here at Techno-fantasy, we explore these and other narratives that push the boundaries of imagination. If you, too, appreciate epic stories, ruthless heroes, and universes where adventure never ends, stay tuned to our website for more content like this!
Article by Victor X
Victor Schmidt’s lifelong passions for literature and sports led him to discover his true love in superhero comics. Driven by an unyielding pursuit of the perfect story, Victor channels his energy into delivering insightful and valuable content to the comic book community while continuously refining his craft as a writer. In addition to his writing, he serves as an editor and creative reviewer, ensuring that every piece he touches is polished, impactful, and resonates with readers.