Warlord #4
Published and © by DC, December 1976-January 1977
Title: “Duel of the Titans”
Synopsis: Morgan’s legion lays siege to the city of Thera in an effort to earn freedom – and rescue Tara from Deimos.
Writer: Mike Grell
Artist: Grell
Review: The conclusion of the first Deimos arc ends with a bang (and a sword fight). By today’s standards, this storyline feels a bit rushed, but that’s certainly better than dragging it out over several “decompressed” issues. While most of Warlord #4 works, Morgan’s showdown with Deimos doesn’t ring true. Why would a powerful sorcerer fight the Warlord with blades? What does work well are the continued hints of forgotten advanced technology from Skartaris’ past; it’ll be interesting to see how this develops. As for the art, Grell’s inking is starting to get a little scratchy, especially the shading.
Grade: B+
Cool factor: The continued hints about advanced technology give Warlord a unique flavor.
Not-so-cool factor: Deimos’ costume. It’s hard to take seriously a bad guy in a half shirt.
Character quotable: “B-but, sire, an army of thousands is pouring out of the jungle … and they fly the banner of the man called – AAIIIEEEEE!” – Unnamed Deimos’ flunky
Editor’s note: This review was originally published by Comics Bronze Age on Feb. 12, 2010.
