“A Children’s Crusade.” Hyrkania’s food stores are empty. The king of Khitai has the ability to save them, but he will not. But what he has not considered, is that to save her people, Sonja The Red will do ANYTHING. Year Two continues, by MARK RUSSELL (DC’s Year Of The Villain) and BOB Q (Captain America).

By BOB FREEMAN – Paint Monk’s Library Writer

Finally, this arc comes to an end. It has had its moments. Far more ups than downs, but I’m glad it has closed. For all the value I’ve taken from it, I prefer a different thread for Sonja the Red. I long to see her away from politics and in the throes of wild adventures across the kingdoms of the Hyborian Age.

That said, I’ll not be holding my breath for that any time soon.

Review: Red Sonja Vol. 5 #18

In “A Children’s Crusade”, we get a moving story, with, surprisingly, Tortoise taking center stage. Mark Russell really shines here, as he taps into the emotional heart of the Emperor’s advisor and delivers a tale that is exciting, with a thematic interplay between action, court politics, and military strategy.

The artwork is solid as always. I am not the biggest fan of the style, but Bob Q has a terrific command of facial expressions and they really sell what Russell cooks up.

The story ends on a sad, but fitting note. War is hell, especially when your commander is a cruel, emotionally stunted despot. The ruler of Khitai is not unlike that which we found in Sonja’s last nemesis, the Emperor Dragan, which may be why I am ready to move on.

I prefer Sonja as a wanderer, a loner, not unlike her more brooding male counterpart who is currently taking up residence in the House of (Bad) Ideas.

I don’t think that’s where we’re headed though. I don’t see this as the road Russell wants to explore. And that’s okay. I’m along for the ride regardless. Red Sonja has been something that Marvel’s take on the Hyborian Age thus far has not — consistent.