Synopsis:
The introduction of this title lets us know that the name “Red Sonja” doesn’t come from the color of her hair but for the blood of those that challenged her. I found this very interesting because I’d never thought of it that way before. It also expounds on her leaving the Hyborian land to serve as an acolyte for the legendary Master of War Domo of Khitai. The issue then opens with a splash of an elephant army searching for Sonja in Hyrkania. The historian Foghor is writing of the war before it happens based on his belief that when a man has been chosen by the gods to rule over all other men, such a man is no longer the passenger of history but it’s driver. A show of overconfidence that speaks to the arrogance of the people involved.
The Creative Team:
Mark Russell takes us from this prolog back in time to Khitai years before. Red Sonja is being schooled in the ways of strategy by playing chess with her mentor. Then he jumps back to the moment at hand and we see our fearless Amazon applying what she learned to the events of this day. I really enjoyed the progress of this tale as Russell brings out information on our antagonists from a servant girl who experienced a similar situation when her people, from the land of Koth, also tried to resist capture from the Zamorans. She gives our protagonist much-needed information to aid them in their battle with the Zamorans. At first, Red looks like she’s poised for defeat but this hearkens back to what she learned about strategy. Here’s our Sonja like we’ve never seen her before. Great stuff includes Sonja’s heart-wrenching decision on how to save her people and the cupbearer’s description of how her land was overrun by the Zamorans.
Mirko Colak has an artistic style that’s different than anyone else’s who has worked on Red Sonja comics. It may take a little getting used to for some but eventually, it grows on you and is a visual treat for fans of Hyboria. Colak seems to capture the spirit of the age in her depictions of both the characters and the times they lived in. I love the attention to detail in the clothing and buildings represented in those times. Highlights include the battle between the Zamorans and Koth also the final splash page with Red Sonja’s dilemma.
In Conclusion:
Red Sonja has faced defeat and despair many times in her sordid career, but she’s always come back fighting. Will this time be different? Are the odds too great for her to overcome? We’ve never seen her as vulnerable as she is here. It’s a desperate feeling we get as we see her anguish. But as the old cliche says; it’s always darkest before the dawn. To be continued. ***1/2 (9.2 rating)
3.5/5
Writer – Mark Russell
Art – Mirko Colak
Color – Dearbhla Kelly, Bob Q
Letters – Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
Publisher – Dynamite
Author Profile
- Kevin Given has studied with “ Longridge Writers Group †and “ Writer’s Boot Camp †a speech/communications major from the University of Maine Presque-Isle/Orono sites. He has created the “ Karl Vincent Vampire Hunter †franchise which includes novels and comic books. They can be found on amazon, Indyplanet and Kindle. For a limited time you can get digital copies of “ Karl Vincent: Vampire hunter †# 1 and “ Files of Karl Vincent †# 1 for free on Indyplanet. Kevin is producing the third novel in the series “ Dracula Rising †(working title) and developing “ Foul Blood †into comic book form. Don't forget to check out the YouTube show " Comics: Let's Talk " hosted by Kevin Given
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