A Good Start
The first Arak Annual brings an end to the overarching story arc of the first three years of 'Arak, Son of Thunder'. The story follows Arak and Satyricus into the desert near Damaskos, where they face a final showdown against the Snake Cult over the fates of the Damaskan Prince, Sharizad, and the flaming sword of Gabriel. The whole thing seems a little reminiscent of the Conan the Barbarian movie, and that might not be a coincidence; writer Roy Thomas was writing the sequel to that film at the same time, and the Conan vs. Thulsa Doom plot was likely fresh in his mind. As annuals go, it's good enough. The story is fine; but mostly it's just an opportunity to showcase all of the artists that have worked on the title (and that's more than a few) in one place.