The Warlord #1 (DC Comics, 1976)
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The Warlord #1 (February 1976), published by DC Comics. After Lt. Colonel Travis Morgan crashes his SR-71 Blackbird into a mysterious hole at the North Pole that leads to a new world named Skartaris, he finds an entire realm filled with dinosaurs and beautiful, armed women who know how to knife fight.
The Warlord #1 Story Summary
"The eternal sun of Skartaris stares down upon two combatants -- A warrior and a traveler -- As they whirl and dance a ballet of death!"
The Warlord #1 (which is, technically, the second issue of The Warlord after DC First Issue Special #8) opens with Travis Morgan swordfighting a scantily clad warrior named Tara in a jungle. Are they friends? Are they lovers? Are they foes? We don't know...
Before the story gets started, writer and artist Mike Grell sends readers on a quick backstory, explaining how Lt. Colonel Travis Morgan's SR-71 Blackbird was shot down by a Russian missile, forcing Morgan to land the plane. He headed for the North Pole, but instead, found himself flying inside the Earth to a strange land filled with dinosaurs called Skartaris!
Morgan ejected and landed safely in this strange land of eternal sunlight. He saved a beautiful woman named Tara from dinosaurs, but then they were captured and taken to the city of Thera. Morgan and Tara fled the city after angering the high priest Deimos... and so our story picks up now. With Tara beating the crap out of Morgan. She then straddles him while claiming victory.
Bursting with nonsense and sexual tension, The Warlord #1 sends Morgan and Tara off through the jungle in search of her homeland, Shamballah, which lies beyond the great Fire-Mountain. On their journey, Morgan tries to explain to Tara that in his world, cities exist on the outside of the planet. The two survive by fighting smaller creatures to eat, frolicking half-naked in pools, and avoiding the larger dangers like Tyrannosaurus Rex. Eventually, they encounter a group of prisoners being taken to the slave market in Bal Shazar.
While the two catch some sleep in a nearby cave, Tara is haunted by strange music that calls to her in her dreams. Morgan wakes and finds her missing, then races into the jungle, where he discovers her dancing to the music played by a satyr who casts a spell over her. Morgan does the only sensible thing and punches the strange flute-playing man-goat monster in the face.
But, before they can share a romantic moment, the slave raiders whom they spotted earlier discover them. Morgan and Tara fight back and kill many, but are eventually overwhelmed and captured, then chained up with the rest of the slaves.
Using his dog tags to cut his shackles, Morgan breaks free and sends Tara away on a horse. He goes down fighting and, after being knocked out, awakes to find himself strung up to a tree, awaiting a slow and painful death in this land of madness and lunacy inside the Earth!
The Warlord #1 Creative Team
- Written and Illustrated by: Mike Grell
- Edited by: Joe Orlando
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The Warlord #1 FAQ
What is The Warlord #1 about?
The Warlord #1 introduces Air Force pilot Travis Morgan, who crash‑lands in the hidden world of Skartaris, a sunlit, prehistoric realm inside the Earth. The issue sets up the sword‑and‑sorcery tone of the series and Morgan’s transformation from pilot to warrior.
Is The Warlord #1 a key issue?
Yes. The Warlord #1 is considered a key Bronze Age DC comic because it features the first appearance of Travis Morgan in his own series, the debut of Skartaris, and the launch of Mike Grell’s long‑running fantasy series.
Who created The Warlord #1?
The issue was written and illustrated by Mike Grell, whose distinctive art and world‑building defined the entire series. Grell is one of DC’s most recognizable Bronze Age creators.
When was The Warlord #1 published?
The Warlord #1 was published in February 1976 as part of DC’s push into fantasy and sword‑and‑sorcery storytelling.
How much is The Warlord #1 worth today?
The Warlord #1 is fairly inexpensive to collect. Values vary depending on condition, but collectors typically look for high‑grade raw copies or CGC‑graded 9.0+ issues. Prices remain accessible compared to other Bronze Age keys, making it a popular entry point for new collectors.
Is The Warlord #1 connected to any other DC series?
Not directly, but The Warlord later crossed paths with other DC characters in various team‑ups and anthology appearances. The series mostly stands alone as its own fantasy universe.
Do I need to read anything before The Warlord #1?
No. This issue is the perfect starting point. It’s the origin of Travis Morgan and the beginning of the entire Warlord saga.
Why do collectors like The Warlord #1?
Collectors appreciate its Bronze Age charm, Mike Grell’s art, the pulpy sword‑and‑sorcery vibe, and the fact that it launched one of DC’s longest‑running fantasy titles. It’s also a relatively affordable key issue.
Is The Warlord #1 good for new readers?
Absolutely. It’s fast‑paced, accessible, and sets up the world of Skartaris clearly. If you like Conan‑style adventure with a DC twist, this is a great place to start.
Is this the first Warlord comic?
No. Travis Morgan, Tara, and Skartaris all first appeared in DC's 1st Issue Special #8 from November 1975. The Warlord's Travis Morgan got his own comic book the next year.
Is this the first appearance of Travis Morgan?
No. Travis Morgan first appeared in DC's 1st Issue Special #8 from November 1975.
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