Warlord #15
Published and © by DC, October-November 1978
Title: “Holocaust”
Synopsis: After an extended absence, Warlord finally makes his way back to Tara – only to find Shamballah under siege from within!
Writer: Mike Grell
Penciler: Grell
Inker: Joe Rubinstein
Review: Warlord’s quest to be reunited with his lady love, Tara, was starting to meander, so it’s good news for the series that he’s finally reached his goal. But after several issues of inconsequential sidequests, the pace of development here is quite jarring: Love triangles! World-building! A secret son! Several times this issue Warlord mutters “I didn’t know.” Unfortunately, readers had no clue, either. That said, it’s great to see the series’ overall story making forward progress, and the cliffhanger ending promises more ahead. On the art side, Joe Rubinstein’s ink work pairs nicely with Mike Grell’s still-improving pencils. Onward!
Grade: B+
Cool factor: Artist Mike Grell’s visual storytelling grows more sophisticated every issue.
Not-so-cool factor: Writer Mike Grell’s story pacing still needs some work.
Notable: First appearance of Joshua Morgan.
Collector’s note: According to MyComicShop.com, there is a Mark Jewelers variant of this issue.
Character quotable: “Say hello to your son, Morgan!” – Tara, queen of Shamballah
Editor’s note: This review was written Nov. 5, 2022.
