If you missed the last one….
The end has finally come. Warren Publications lost Louise Jones, the top editor in 1980, to be replaced by a revolving door. James Warren was ill and had little to do with the line anymore. Perhaps the biggest blow was the creation of comic shops that sold new types of comics. The old black & white magazine seemed old-fashioned in this day of independent and specialty comics. By 1983, it was over. Harris bought out the rights and produced only Vampirella comics. It is only in recent years that the full impact and power of the Warren comics has been appreciated. I am thankful for all they did for Sword & Sorcery, a sub-genre of comics that needed a place to happen (years before 1970 and Conan the Barbarian.)
I hope these posts will serve as a compass for those looking for great Sword & Sorcery art and comics.
“Perseus” (Vampirella #102, January 1982) written by Timothy Moriarty.
“Haggarth, Book II, part 6” (Eerie #128, January 1982) art and story by Victor de la Fuente.
“Haggarth, Book II, part 7” (Eerie #129, February 1982) art and story by Victor de la Fuente.
“Pentesilea” (Vampirella #103, March 1982) written by Timothy Moriarty.
“Ghita of Alizarr Part 13” (1994 #24, April 1982) art and story by Frank Thorne.
“Vampirella And The Time Force” (Eerie #130, April 1982) written by Rich Margopoulos. This one isn’t Sword & Sorcery particularly but it is the last time you will see Dax the Damned.
“Ghita of Alizarr Part 14” (1994 #25, June 1982) art and story by Frank Thorne.
“Haggarth, Book II, part 8” (Eerie #132, July 1982) art and story by Victor de la Fuente.
“Ghita of Alizarr Part 15” (1994 #26, August 1982) art and story by Frank Thorne.
“Haggarth, Book II, part 9” (Eerie #134, September 1982) art and story by Victor de la Fuente.
“Haggarth, Book II, part 10” (Eerie #136, November 1982) art and story by Victor de la Fuente.
“Ghita of Alizarr Part 16” (1994 #28, December 1982) art and story by Frank Thorne.
“Queen Of Souls!” (Vampirella #110, December 1982) written by Bill DuBay.
“Ghita of Alizarr Part 17” (1994 #29, February 1983) art and story by Frank Thorne
Conclusion
The Warren magazines are usually remembered as the best Horror comics in a time when Horror comics were still forbidden under the Comics’ Code. This is true but I always think of their Sword & Sorcery comics first. (Big surprise.) They introduced me to such talents as Esteban Maroto, who was famous in Europe but absolutely unknown in North America. Warren changed that. Only Heavy Metal can be said to have matched their strong influence on introducing the greats of European comics to Canadian and American fans. While I associate Warren with Maroto and the Spanish School, I think of Moebius and HM and the French artists. Sword & Sorcery’s imagery is better for both.
