The Warlord #4 (DC Comics, 1977)
The Warlord #4 (January 1977), published by DC Comics, titled "Duel of the Titans." Travis Morgan and his army of gladiators attack Deimos' palace with catapults and siege engines to free the lovely Tara, who has been captured inside. Deimos uses the scrolls to summon a terrible monster! Can Morgan's modern tactics and .44 Magnum stop a magical beast?
The Warlord #4 Story Summary
The city of Thera was once a beautiful place of music and laughter until Deimos claimed the throne. Now it is a city of sadness and misery, and the city where Travis Morgan's soon-to-be-maybe-girlfriend, Tara, is held captive.
Deimos, once a priest of the Theran Sun Gun, seized power with the Scrolls of Blood. He sits on the throne, brooding, and appears to spend his time ogling Tara, who wears little more than a scrap of leather and a belt with a funky skull belt buckle. However, the Warlord ruins his ogling by launching a full-scale attack on his castle with siege cannons and thousands of men.
Morgan's men rush the palace with crossbows and catapults, but Deimos seems pleased because he expected the Warlord to come for Tara. "No man can stand against the power of the scrolls!" he shouts.
The wicked priest makes his way to the top of the palace tower, where he summons a terrible, red monster by using a strange, whirring device. The monster smashes his siege cannons, and the men flee, but Morgan, armed with a .44 Magnum and explosives, is undeterred. The demonic beast grabs Morgan, but not before he fires a shot into the device in front of Deimos, shattering it and turning the monster into mist.
Dodging a hail of arrows, Morgan uses his modern 1970s explosives to blow up the palace gates. His force of former slaves and gladiators rushes inside.
Morgan finds Deimos inside, weak and powerless. He frees Tara, gives her a big, sloppy kiss, and then proceeds to duel Deimos in a manly and honorable fashion. Deimos is a skilled swordsman, but not as skilled as The Warlord (it is his comic book, after all). Morgan parries and dodges his attacks, but eventually cuts down Deimos, who falls into a bloody heap on the floor.
Tara embraces Morgan, and the two continue their journey to Shamballah.
What Morgan does not see, though, is the computer manual lying next to Deimos' corpse on the floor...
The Warlord #4 Creative Team
- Written and Illustrated: Mike Grell
- Colorist: Carl Gafford
- Editor: Joe Orlando
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The Warlord #4 FAQ
What is The Warlord #4 about?
The Warlord #4 (“Duel of the Titans”) follows Travis Morgan as he leads an army of freed slaves and gladiators in a full‑scale siege on Deimos’ palace in Thera. Morgan launches catapults, crossbows, and even uses 1970s explosives to rescue Tara, while Deimos summons a massive red monster using the Scrolls of Blood. The issue climaxes with Morgan destroying the summoning device, defeating the monster, and dueling Deimos to the death.
Is The Warlord #4 a key issue?
It’s not considered a major key, but it is a pivotal early issue. It features the first major siege in the series, the death of Deimos (at least his first death…), and a major turning point in Morgan and Tara’s journey toward Shamballah. Collectors completing the early run often treat it as a “minor key” due to the Deimos showdown.
Who created The Warlord #4?
The issue was written and illustrated by Mike Grell, with colors by Carl Gafford and editing by Joe Orlando. Grell’s art and storytelling define the tone of the entire Bronze Age run.
When was The Warlord #4 published?
The Warlord #4 was published by DC Comics in January 1977.
How much is The Warlord #4 worth today?
Like most early Warlord issues, #4 is generally affordable. Raw mid‑grade copies are easy to find, while high‑grade or CGC‑graded copies command more attention from collectors. It remains accessible compared to major Bronze Age keys, making it a solid pickup for fans of sword‑and‑sorcery comics.
Do I need to read issues #1–3 before The Warlord #4?
Yes. Issue #4 continues the storyline involving Deimos, Tara’s capture, and Morgan’s growing army. Reading the first three issues provides essential context for the siege of Thera and Morgan’s motivations.
Why do collectors like The Warlord #4?
Collectors appreciate #4 for:
- The dramatic siege of Thera
- The major monster summoned by the Scrolls of Blood
- The climactic duel between Morgan and Deimos
- Early, iconic Mike Grell artwork
- The strengthening of Morgan and Tara’s relationship is a standout early chapter in the series’ world‑building.
Is The Warlord #4 good for new readers?
Yes. It’s action‑heavy, visually striking, and easy to follow. However, starting with issue #1 gives the best experience, especially for understanding Deimos, Tara, and the political situation in Thera.
Who is the main villain in The Warlord #4?
The primary villain is Deimos, the former priest who seized power using the Scrolls of Blood. He summons a massive red monster to destroy Morgan’s forces, making him the central antagonist of the issue.
Does Travis Morgan use his .44 Magnum in this issue?
Yes. Morgan uses his .44 Magnum during the siege, including firing a critical shot that destroys Deimos’ summoning device and dissipates the monster.
Does Deimos die in The Warlord #4?
Yes, Morgan defeats Deimos in a sword duel after the monster is destroyed. However, the final panel hints at future trouble when a mysterious computer manual is shown lying beside Deimos’ body.
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