Comic Title: Warlord Annual #1
Publisher: DC (DC Comics Inc.)
Address: 75 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY
Cover Date: 1982
On Sale Date: July 1, 1982 Newsstand Date July 22, 1982
Source: Comic Reader, #203

Newsstand Date July 1, 1982
Source: Comics Journal, #74

Newsstand Date July 1, 1982
Source: Amazing Heroes, #13

Cover Price: $1.00
Page Count: 48
Editor: Ross Andru

Title: "Gateway to Doom"
Pages: 41

Feature(s):
Warlord (of Earth-1)

Writer/Penciller: Mike Grell
Inker: Rodin Rodriguez
Letterer: John Costanza
Colorist: Adrienne Roy

Feature Character(s)

• Warlord (last appearance in Warlord #39; next appearance in Warlord #40)

Supporting Character(s)

• Shakira (last appearance in Warlord #39; next appearance in Warlord #40)

Villain(s)

• A group of savages (no further appearances)
• Tarantis (a giant spider; dies in this story; no further appearances)
• Warriors from Doomgate (no further appearances)

Other Character(s)

• Alisandre (princess of Kalabas; no further appearances)
• Tristan (a minstrel; no further appearances)
• King Marselus (ruler of Groniko; no further appearances)

Comments:
This story presents some questions as to when it occurs in the chronological Warlord timeline. The story was released between Warlord #61 and Warlord #62. While it is not impossible for the story to have taken place during that time, it seems unlikely. Travis Morgan was is Shamballah during that time, and Shakira was in Kaambuka. The story does explain that Shakira went to get Travis, suggesting he was not far away. Travel between cities seems to be a long way to go during the attack. Also in Warlord #63, when Travis goes to Kaambuka, he seems to be unaware of Shakira's activities since they parted ways in Warlord #55.

Prior to that separation, the last time Morgan and Shakira were seen traveling alone together was Warlord #49. This story could have taken place after that story, but it seems unlikely that Morgan would abandon his quest to find Jennifer in order to escort the princess in this story to Groniko. Taking Morgan's quest into account, the latest this story could take place would be between Warlord #39 and Warlord #40.

The story could not take place after Shakira rejoined Morgan as his traveling companion because Rostov was also there. He is not present in this story.

Synopsis:
Shakira witnesses a princess and a minstrel being fall under attack by a band of savages. She brings the Warlord to help. After defeating the attackers, he agrees to escort the pair to Groniko where the princess is set to be married. The girl proves to be a spoiled brat and complains during the entire trip.

Along the road, the Warlord tries to play matchmaker between the princess and the minstrel. His attempts fail and bring about an attack by a serpent. While he is killing it, warriors from Doomgate abduct the princess. The Warlord must then stage a rescue with the help of his friends to prevent her from being sacrificed to a giant spider.

After their escape from Doomgate, the rest of the journey resolves peacefully. They arrive in Groniko which is a filthy city ruled by the enormously fat King Marselus. The spoiled princess is then left to her fate as his bride.