Warlord #10
Published and © by DC, December 1977-January 1978
Title: “Tower of Fear”
Synopsis: The trio of Warlord, Machiste and Mariah attempt to retrieve the Mask of Life from the Tower of Fear.
Writer: Mike Grell
Artist: Grell
Review: Another issue of Warlord, another collection of fantasy tropes: a damsel in distress, a quest for an artifact, an enchanted tower of terror. As usual, writer/artist Mike Grell dives into his story with enthusiasm and it’s hard not to find his energy contagious. In addition, two things help make Warlord standout: 1. While scantily clothed and sexy, Grell’s characters – both male and female – also tend to exhibit strength and smarts. 2. Grell’s art – already above average for the era – continues to improve. Ultimately, Warlord might not make the list of Bronze Age essentials, but it’s always an enjoyable read.
Grade: B+
Cool factor: Grell’s female heroines. Strong, sassy, smart. (It could be argued they might put some clothes on, but the guys are eye candy, too!)
Character quotable: “Chauvinist?!! I thought I was a capitalist!” – Warlord, learning the perils of arguing politics with his Soviet ally, Mariah
Editor’s note: This review was originally published by Sequential Reaction (Vol. 1) on Oct. 6, 2016.
