“TO CUT AND TO BLEED! The epic continues. Sonja The Red can save her kingdom…by abdicating her throne.

If she agrees to lead a man’s army, and kill indiscriminately, then her people will be fed.

By MARK RUSSELL (DC’s Year Of The Villain) and BOB Q (Captain America). ”

By BOB FREEMAN – Paint Monk’s Library Writer

It’s no secret that I love Howard’s Hyborian Age, and while the character only marginally could be considered a creation of the Texas-born author, Red Sonja fits into the landscape beautifully.

Roy Thomas was very skilled at adapting characters and repurposing them into Conan’s world. Sonja is no exception. Part Dark Agnes, part Sonya
of Rogatino, Red Sonja, metal bikini notwithstanding, is a strong female character that can stand toe-to-toe with the best sword and sorcery icons in comics.

Which is why I have been such a fan of Dynamites current Red Sonja series. Sure, it has a few warts, but overall, it’s a comic that utilizes all of the strengths that Thomas crafted into the character and, under Mark Russell’s stewardship, develops and enhances not only Sonja but the Hyborian Age itself.

This book focuses on political intrigue and hard choices, and the consequences thereof. While some of the humor is off-putting for me, personally, it is the balance of character and plot that keeps me coming back for more.

Issue 15 is no exception.

It begins with an intriguing cover by Jae Lee, depicting Sonja as both fierce and delicate. I like the contrast and it certainly makes one want to pick up the issue, despite the static nature of the composition.

Inside, the illustrations of Bob Q blend well with Dearbhla Kelly’s colors. It’s not a comic filled with rich, vibrant detail. The focus is on the characters more than the landscapes. Being a bit longer in the tooth, I long for the dynamic artistry that used to fall from the pencils of folks like Big John Buscema and Barry Windsor Smith, but I appreciate what Red Sonja is offering because it is the story that drives the action.

Russell is weaving a narrative, utilizing flashbacks, to direct a tale of hard choices, in which the lessons of the past influence Sonja in the present. As I stated, this is a book about political intrigue, first and foremost, with a bit of swordplay thrown in for good measure.

It’ a strong comic with a unique take on the character. Red Sonja is certainly recognizable to the long-time fan, but Russell’s approach is a breath of fresh air.

My only complaint is the humor which is a bit hit or miss. Everything doesn’t need to be “Guardians of the Galaxy” but that seems to be where we’re at…

Anyway, I give this issue a solid 7.5 skulls of my enemies. It’s a comic well worth picking up.