Doomsday Warrior #03 - The Last American

The third installment of Doomsday Warrior, The Last American, was authored by Ryder Syvertsen and Jan Stacy. It was published by Zebra in December 1984. 

The book begins with the series protagonist, Ted Rockson, leading a search-and-rescue mission for scientists. This inevitably leads to the pre-established formula of a mini adventure to open the novel. Only this time, Rockson is attacked by a L. Sprague de Camp monstrosity: a giant spider. He's injected with venom and descends into unconsciousness. After a series of medical procedures, Rockson is up and ready for the novel's two adventures, which is another staple of the series – a double matinee in each book.

In the first segment, Rockson chooses team member Chen to lead an annoying political activist and an older professor to an important meeting. There's an election happening to choose a new president. Each of these rebel cities must send a representative to vote and adopt a constitution. Of course, anytime a non-team character is introduced...it's to add to the body count. In this case, the older professor falls into a ravine and is munched to death by some mutant creatures. Eventually, the meeting happens, but it's ravaged by a Soviet attack. 

The book's second adventure finds Rockson, Kim (Rockson's girlfriend), and Kim's father injured after the attack. Rockson is rescued by a mountain man and nursed to health. Kim and her father are taken by mutants called Glowers. They have more in common with aliens than any mutant abomination. In fact, these Glowers are a kind race and use telepathy to communicate and heal. They are attempting to heal Kim, but need Rockson as her “true love” to immerse himself in her soul – literally. Rockson and the Glowers all unite in a telepathy orgie – no, seriously. It's metaphysical nonsense that seems way...like way...out of place here. But sometimes these 80s post-apocalyptic books take some sharp turns along the way. Doomsday Warrior is evolving into a weird title that blends a lot of ideas.

The Last American is a wacky trip laced with the typical G.I. Joe stuff that I've mentioned in my past reviews. Readers get a martial arts lesson from Chen, tepid sex, and a boring backstory as the two Soviet leaders spar. Overall, this seemed like a placeholder installment. Your mileage may vary.

Get The Last American HERE.