Warlord #34
Published and © by DC, June 1980
Title: “Sword of the Sorcerer”
Synopsis: An enchanted sword transports Warlord back in time to Wizard World where he is reunited with Mariah and Machiste.
Writer: Mike Grell
Penciler: Grell
Inker: Vince Colletta
Review: Mike Grell hits a different tonal note with this tale, shifting the setting to Skartaris’ past. This era – known as the Age of the Wizard Kings, or Wizard World – offers the same swords-and-sorcery action but with a welcome infusion of mirth. The martini-drinking Mongo Ironhand is a fun new character, and Mariah and Machiste make a welcome return. Sadly, it proves to be another done-in-one outing as Warlord departs for another adventure. Also worth noting: While Vince Colletta is still not a good fit for Mike Grell’s pencils, his inking on Warlord is some of his better Bronze Age work.
Grade: B
Cool factor: A fun new character! Old friends! A new setting to explore!
Not-so-cool factor: This series rarely takes the time to develop such potential.
Collector’s note: According to MyComicShop.com, there is a Mark Jewelers variant of this issue.
Character quotable: “Chum, when you’re talking about magic, you gotta remember … anything is possible!” – Mongo Ironhand, 38th in line to be Wizard World Sorcerer Supreme
Editor’s note: This review was written Jan. 15, 2025.
