BRONZE AGE MINUTE: Warlord #4

DC; December 1976-January 1977
Cover by Mike Grell

Title: “Duel of the Titans”
Synopsis: Morgan’s legion lays siege to the city of Thera in an effort to earn freedom – and rescue Tara from Deimos.

Writer: Mike Grell
Penciler: Grell
Inker: Grell

Review: The conclusion of the first Deimos arc ends with a bang (and a sword fight). By today’s standards, this storyline feels a bit rushed, but that’s certainly better than dragging it out over several “decompressed” issues. While most of Warlord #4 works, Morgan’s showdown with Deimos doesn’t ring true. Why would a powerful sorcerer fight The Warlord with blades? What does work well is the continued hints of forgotten advanced technology from Skartaris’ past; it’ll be interesting to see how this develops. As for the art, Grell’s inking is starting to get a little scratchy, especially the shading.

Grade: B+

Cool factor: The continued hints about advanced technology give Warlord a unique flavor.
Not-so-cool factor: Deimos’ costume. It’s hard to take seriously a bad guy in a half shirt.

Character quotable: “B-but, sire, an army of thousands is pouring out of the jungle … and they fly the banner of the man called – AAIIIEEEEE!” – Unnamed Deimos’ flunky

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