If you missed 1971…
Sword & Sorcery at Warren in 1972 could have been called “The Year of Maroto”. Esteban Maroto, with his luxurious style, did nine of the seventeen stories. His series of “Dax the Damned” begin in Eerie in 1972. For many, this series is the one they think of when you say “Warren Sword & Sorcery”. Dax is sometimes credited with being the first series character, but this isn’t true. Thane (created by Archie Goodwin) and Amazonia (created by Gardner F. Fox), predate Dax. Maroto wrote and drew the Dax strips. Writing wasn’t his strong suit so Budd Lewis would later take over scripting.
But Maroto wasn’t alone though. Rafael Aura Leon, Felix Mas, Luis Garcia and Luis Dominguez all appeared in this year too. Spanish and Argentine artists, they all brought a lush, exotic feel to the black & white magazines. (On the covers Manuel Sanjulian and Erich Torres appeared before Maroto.) Tom Sutton and Ernie Colon were the only familiar names from years past. For writers, Jan Strnad premiered. He would later do some great S&S work with Richard Corben.
“Dethstalker” (Eerie #37. January 1972) written by Doug Moench
“Dax the Damned” (Eerie #39, April 1972) art and story by Esteban Maroto
“Vampi’s Feary Tales” (Vampirella #16, April 1972) written by Jan Strnad
“Targos” (Creepy #45, May 1972) Written by Jack Katz
“Dungeons of the Soul” (Creepy #45, May 1972) written by T. Casey Brennan
“Dax: The Paradise Tree” (Eerie #40, June 1972) art and story by Esteban Maroto
“Vampi’s Feary Tales” (Vampirella #17, June 1972) written by Jan Strnad
“Horus: Tomb of the Gods” (Vampirella #17, June 1972) art and story by Esteban Maroto
“Spellbound” (Creepy #46, July 1972) written by Lynn Marron
“Dax: Chess” (Eerie #41, August 1972) art and story by Esteban Maroto
“Kali: Tomb of the Gods” (Vampirella#18, August 1972) art and story by Esteban Maroto
“Land of Bone” (Creepy #47, September 1972) written by Buddy Saunders
“Vengeance, Brother, Vengeance” (Vampirella #20, October 1972) written by Greg Potter
“Musical Chairs” (Eerie #43, November 1972) written by Steve Skeates
“Dax: Let the Evil One Sleep” (Eerie #43, November 1972) art and story by Esteban Maroto
“Tomb of the Gods/Legend” (Vampirella #21, December 1972) art and story by Esteban Maroto
“Dax: Lake of Gold” (Eerie #44, December 1972) art and story by Esteban Maroto
Conclusion
Sword & Sorcery at Warren in 1972 is a new look that previous years did not have. The lush and exotic are key (not always plot) with plenty of swords and nudity. (That old nickname for S&S: “tits & daggers” certainly isn’t entirely undeserved.) The American readers of comics gasped at the sheer beauty while folks back in Europe nodded, “Of course”. This was not new to them.
Next time the Spanish feel continues into 1973…
