"Jewel in the Skull, Part One"
*Count Brass, Lord Guardian of the Province of Kamarg, is counseled by Bowgentle that GranBretan has ruthlessly conquered most of Europe, recently seized Koln, and that Kamarg is in their sights. Brass is visited by Baron Meliadus as an emissary of GranBretan, who proposes a strategic alliance, but is rebuffed. The Baron attempts first to woo, then to kidnap Brass's daughter Yisselda, but is stymied by the Count. The Count releases the Baron to ensure a diplomatic outcome, but has earned Meliadus's hatred. Later, we meet Duke Dorian Hawkmoon of Koln, a prisoner of GranBretan in the aftermath of their conquest of Koln. Hawkmoon is approached by Meliadus, who proposes that Hawkmoon kidnap Yisselda in return for his freedom and return of his lands. The Baron hands Hawkmoon over to his chief scientist Baron Kalan, who uses an invention of his to implant a black jewel in Hawkmoon's brow. The gem is a fail-safe, which, should Hawkmoon fail in his mission, will eat his brain. *Source: Warlock
Story adapted from the book by Michael Moorcock by Gerry Conway, penciled by Rafael Kayanan, inked by Alfredo Alcala, colored by Tom Luth, and lettered by Bill Pearson.