Review: Red Sonja, Birth of the She Devil #2

Synopsis:

This issue opens with our anti-hero showing signs of regret for taking on the mission upon which she is about to embark. Shashana also has her doubts but her father insists that she go along. They’ll also need a ship, but when the person they acquired a ship from realizes who the passengers are, he tries to raise the price of renting the vessel. A situation which Sonja remedies for our stalwart warriors. It’s an exciting introduction that more then defines our female champion.

The Creative Team:

Luke Lieberman brings out the best and worst of Red Sonja in the opening pages of this chapter. Her toughness, impatience and no-nonsense attitude shine forth. Helping define her abrasive personality. I’m really enjoying this take on our female anti-hero and her new mission seems to be a bloodthirsty one with gruesome consequences that will resonate throughout the land. This tale takes us to the capital city of Khawaris, Kaldor. Here we meet another antagonist that revels in using religion as a fear tactic. Controlling the land with an iron fist in so doing. It’s a good issue that draws us into Sonja’s plight as she boldly goes on a quest she didn’t count on joining. Her reluctance is what keeps us turning each page as we wonder what she’ll face next and if she’ll continue on despite her misgivings. Great stuff includes Red Sonja confronting the owner of the boat they acquire and the presence of a stowaway on board which turns the mission on its heels.

Sergio Davila brings the Hyborian age to life within the pages of this fine tale. The friction between our protagonists is plain to see through his fine renderings and the villain of the piece is downright terrifying as he should be. These characters show a distinction with this artist as we haven’t seen before. Highlights include the splash page with the octopus and the final splash page.

In Conclusion:

This issue sees a friendship strained between Red Sonja and Ozzyus. Tensions rise as Ozzyus misjudges their enemies intentions and we see our heroes falter. Will this affect their quest? A mission Sonja wanted no part of in the first place plays out in ways that she couldn’t have predicted. Can their friendship be restored or will they remain enemies? To be continued. **** (9.2 rating)

[yasr_overall_rating size=”large”]

Writer – Luke Lieberman
Art – Sergio Davila
Colors – Ulysses Arreola
Letters – Taylor Esposito
Publisher – Dynamite

Author Profile

Kevin Given

Kevin Given has studied with â€œ Longridge Writers Group â€ and â€œ Writerâ€™s Boot Camp â€ a speech/communications major from the University of Maine Presque-Isle/Orono sites. He has created the â€œ Karl Vincent Vampire Hunter â€ 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 â€œ Karl Vincent: Vampire hunter â€ # 1 and â€œ Files of Karl Vincent â€ # 1 for free on Indyplanet. Kevin is producing the third novel in the series â€œ Dracula Rising â€ (working title) and developing â€œ Foul Blood â€ into comic book form. Don't forget to check out the YouTube show " Comics: Let's Talk " hosted by Kevin Given