The Warlord #2 (DC Comics, 1976)
The Warlord #2 (April 1976), published by DC Comics, titled "Arena of Death." After nearly being eaten by sabertooth tigers, Morgan finds himself captured and rowing with slaves on a galley. After making friends with a fellow slave named Machiste, the two become gladiators and are forced to fight each other.
The Warlord #2 Story Summary
After being strung up to a tree and left for dead in The Warlord #1, Travis Morgan, "The Warlord", swings and kicks until he breaks off the tree branch just in time before being attacked by sabertooth tigers. Morgan fights them off while still bound to the tree branch. He narrowly avoids death when a passing party of knights saves him and shoots the remaining tiger with an arrow.
The passing party is heading to Shamballah, they say, and is led by none other than Drogar the Terrible, captain of the Gryfalcon. Drogar offers him safe passage aboard his ship.
Unfortunately for Morgan, he finds out that he was tricked by Drogar when he's knocked out and then forced to row with the slaves.
He rows next to a man named Machiste (this is the first appearance of Machiste in the Warlord series). Morgan and Machiste quickly start a fight, but find themselves no better off when they are captured again. But before they are hanged, the Gryfalcon is attacked by pirates. Morgan and Machiste fight valiantly and, annoyingly for them, are surrounded by Drogar the Terrible's men who defeat the pirates. Drogar, pleased with their fighting, plans to sell them as gladiators in the castle fortress of Shebal.
Morgan and Machiste train under the skilled hands of Shebal, a veteran of the arena. Prince Eris arrives and expects to see a battle
Begrudgingly, the friends Travis Morgan and Machiste plan to fight to the death.
They fight long and hard, and Morgan gets the advantage. But, in a dramatic moment where he must decide whether or not he kills Machiste, Travis Morgan spots a Timex watch on the wrist of Prince Eris. Morgan stabs the guards and, with Machiste's help, frees the remainder of the slaves, who slaughter the audience and remaining guards.
Morgan confronts Eris, who got the watch from Tara, whom he captured in the desert and sold to none other than King Deimos of Thera! Morgan rallies a force of 200 men and plans to march to Thera.
The Warlord #2 Creative Team
- Written and Illustrated: Mike Grell
- Editor: Joe Orlando
More Comics You Might Like
The Warlord #2 FAQ
What is The Warlord #2 about?
The Warlord #2 continues the adventures of Travis Morgan in the hidden world of Skartaris as he begins to establish himself as a warrior in this dangerous and unfamiliar land. After nearly being eaten by animals and captured by a slave trader, Morgan befriends a fellow slave while rowing, and the two are trained as gladiators and forced to fight each other.
Is The Warlord #2 a key issue?
The Warlord #2 is the first appearance of Machiste, an important character in the Warlord saga. Machiste is one of the few black comic book heroes from the mid-1970s period.
Who created The Warlord #2?
The issue was written and illustrated by Mike Grell, whose distinctive storytelling and artwork defined The Warlord series and made it one of DC’s standout fantasy titles of the Bronze Age.
When was The Warlord #2 published?
The Warlord #2 was published by DC Comics in April 1976, shortly after the debut issue as the series gained momentum.
How much is The Warlord #2 worth today?
The Warlord #2 is generally affordable for collectors. Prices vary depending on condition, with higher-grade copies and professionally graded issues commanding higher values, but it remains accessible compared to major Bronze Age keys.
Is The Warlord #2 connected to other DC series?
Like the rest of the series, The Warlord #2 primarily stands on its own within the world of Skartaris. While the character Travis Morgan later interacts with the broader DC Universe, this issue focuses on the self-contained fantasy setting.
Do I need to read The Warlord #1 before issue #2?
It is recommended to read The Warlord #1 first, as it introduces Travis Morgan and the world of Skartaris. However, issue #2 is still accessible and straightforwardly continues the story, though readers might be confused as to why he starts the issue tied up to a tree.
Why do collectors like The Warlord #2?
Collectors appreciate The Warlord #2 for its classic Bronze Age fantasy storytelling, strong artwork by Mike Grell, and its role in building the early issues of the series. It’s a key part of completing a full run of The Warlord comics. Machiste and Drogar the Terrible first appear in this issue.
Is The Warlord #2 good for new readers?
Yes. While it continues the story from issue #1, it still offers accessible adventure, action, and world-building that fans of fantasy comics and Conan-style storytelling will enjoy.
Is this the first appearance of Travis Morgan?
No. Travis Morgan first appeared in 1st Issue Special #8 in November 1975 before starring in his own "The Warlord" series.
The Warlord comic, The Warlord comics, DC The Warlord, The Warlord DC Comics, The Warlord comic books, classic Warlord comic art, The Warlord comic book, The Warlord issue 2, The Warlord #2, The Warlord 2 comic, The Warlord DC comic, DC Comics The Warlord, Mike Grell Warlord, The Warlord Mike Grell, is The Warlord DC Comics, Warlord comic series DC, The Warlord 1976 comic, Travis Morgan Warlord, Skartaris Warlord comic, first appearance Machiste, Machiste first appearance, black 1970s comic book characters, gladiator comics, comic book characters who are black, arena battle comics, fantasy gladiator comics, first appearance Drogar the Terrible, Prince Eris
