The events of this issue follow those presented in Savage Sword of Conan (1974), issues 1 - 4, and Kull and the Barbarians (1975) #2.
Story written and illustrated by Gil Kane.
"Blackmark, Chapter I"
Blackmark has risen to power, but his sway over the various tribes is tenuous. Reynard of the Commonlands questions Blackmark's suitability, and the challenge is settled with a dual. Blackmark wins the day, leaving Reynard cowed but an antagonist to Blackmark. Blackmark consults with his vizier Balzamo. If Balzamo cannot find the secrets to the old world's technology and weaponry, then nothing will keep mankind safe from the threat of the Lords of Psi-Keep. A ragged, near-death messenger from Castle Shannux in the North confirms it: the invasion of the Lords of Psi-Keep has begun. 16 pages.
"Blackmark, Chapter II"
Blackmark rallies his forces and rides to Castle Shannux, but too late. The Castle is a scene of carnage, and the Lords of Psi-Keep send their winged demons to beset Blackmark's army, whose weaponry is no match for the monsters. Losses are heavy until Balzamo arrives, having unlocked the key to the old world armaments. Blackmark's army drives off the invaders, and Blackmark meets Shandra, daughter of the dead Lord Shannux, and the two fall in love and marry. The weight of Blackmark's burden of unifying mankind and fending off the Lords of Psi-Keep is too much, and Shandra becomes estranged. Blackmark decides to invade the stronghold of his enemy, but on the day he is to leave with his forces, he discovers that Shandra has left him. 22 pages.
"Blackmark, Chapter III"
Blackmark sails with his forces to press their fight with their enemies. On the way, they encounter a skiff, carrying the wounded Lady Shandra. We learn that she was lured away by Reynard, who's intent was to wound Blackmark. Reynard abandoned Shadra in the skiff with a dagger in her back, on his way to betray Blackmark to the Lords of Psi-Keep. Blackmark keeps the mission on track, fending off supernatural danger, and trying to keep Shandra alive. 10 pages.
"Blackmark, Chapter IV"
Blackmark arrives at Psi-Keep with his forces decimated. Despite this, he presses the attack, and faces Reynard on the battlefield. Reynard reveals that he was the man who murdered Blackmark's parents. Reynard has been empowered by his new allies, and is sure that he will be impossible for Blackmark to kill, but he has not calculated Blackmark's thirst for vengeance. Blackmark wins the day and ends the threat of the Psi-Lords, only to find Shandra has passed on. 12 pages.
Cover painting by Romas Kukalis.