Wulf the Barbarian #3
Published and © by Atlas (Seaboard), July 1975
Title: “The Colossus of the Iron Citadel”
Synopsis: Wulf and Rymstrydle discover unexpected conditions in the Iron Citadel where they end up battling a mechanized colossus.
Writer (plot): Leo Summers
Writer (script): Steve Skeates
Artist: Summers
Review: Following a pair of issues that were clearly Larry Hama passion projects (see reviews of Wulf the Barbarian #1 and #2), this series falls prey to the Atlas’ third-issue shuffle. That said, former pulp artist Leo Summers steps in admirably. While the art is a little rough, his plot about a hyper-industrial citadel turned secret, socialist paradise offers a fresh twist to typical fantasy locales. More importantly, Wulf continues to be less misogynistic than many barbarian books of the era (including Atlas stablemate Ironjaw, a particularly egregious example [see reviews].) A step down from earlier outings, but still a keeper.
Grade: B-
Second opinion: “Bizarre.” – The Slings & Arrows Comic Guide (second edition), 2003
Cool factor: The Iron Citadel would have been worth another visit.
Not-so-cool factor: The rat creatures are in this story (albeit briefly), but why is there a blonde in bondage on the cover?
Character quotable: “What kind of callous madman finds humor in the desperate attempts of others to preserve their lives?” – Wulf, enlightened barbarian
Editor’s note: This review was written March 12, 2024.
