Warlord #12
Published and © by DC, April-May 1978
Title: “Trilogy”
Synopsis: As Travis Morgan brawls in a tavern, Mariah and Machiste reminisce about their previous adventures with the Warlord.
Writer: Mike Grell
Artist: Grell
Review: Our adventurers’ trek through Skartaris finds them in the port city of Bakwele, where the Warlord lets off a little steam with a good, ol’-fashion tavern brawl. As Travis partakes in his cultural exchange with the locals, companions Mariah and Machiste share stories in an attempt to better understand their friend. While still a fairly typical outing – plenty of action and fantasy tropes – this break to do some character work is well executed. Readers’ understanding of all three characters – and their relationships to one another – is strengthened by this trio of tales.
Grade: A-
Second opinion: “Mike Grell has created a stunning story. His art has never been so detailed, so terrific.” – AFTA #1, February 1978
Cool factor: Mike Grell never skimps on the action sequences, and his use of splash pages (including the series’ signature double splash) is excellent.
Collector’s note: According to MyComicShop.com, there is also a Mark Jewelers variant.
Character quotable: “What kind of man combines savagery with sensitivity, fury with passion, and a steel blade with gentle hands?” – Mariah (pay attention because there will be a test)
Editor’s note: This review was originally published by Sequential Reaction (Vol. 1) on Oct. 20, 2016.
