“An all-new series, spinning out of the smash-hit RED SONJA title written by MARK RUSSELL! In order to become queen, Sonja The Red had to defeat an evil emperor. But that emperor had a son. And that son will do ANYTHING to exact his revenge…even if it means embracing horrible magics he does not understand. Don’t miss out on this series that will affect the Sonja series for years to come! By MARK RUSSELL (Red Sonja, Year Of The Villain), BRYCE INGMAN (Edgar Allen Poe’s Snifter Of Terror) and CRAIG ROUSSEAU (The Flash).”

By BOB FREEMAN – Paint Monk’s Library Writer

Calling Red Sonja a “smash hit” is a bit disingenuous. The book is moving about 10,000 copies a month, and that’s with 5 variant covers per issue. It’s a good comic, however, and I wish more people were reading it. And while I didn’t love this spin-off out of the gate, I realize it will affect the main series and so I’ll happily read along to see where they take it.

In a nutshell, Killing Red Sonja is following right on the heels of issue 12 of Mark Russell’s Red Sonja series, where we find the Boy-Emperor Cyril on a quest for vengeance — intent on avenging the death of his father, Emperor Dragan, at the hands of Sonja the Red following the betrayal of Minnas of Aquilonia.

Overall, the story is well-written, if not necessarily to my tastes. While Russell co-plotted the issue, I think it is safe to say that the lion’s share of the writing was left up to Bryce Ingman.

There are a handful of characters, with Cyril taking center stage. He is clearly the most defined, but the cast is well developed, full of diverse, albeit over-the-top, personalities.

The writing and art put one in mind of a child’s story, with primitive illustrations and an almost fairytale-like narrative. Not that this is a bad thing. I have no problem with the stylistic choices at all — except it seems completely out of place in a story about Howard’s Hyborian Age.

There are just too many fantasy elements in this issue as far as I’m concerned. I have always preferred a more grounded approach to the world. Fantastical elements are sure to enter the picture, but they need to be a rare event, not an ever-present component as we find here.

Still, I’m not turned off enough to turn away. Ingman’s pacing is spot on, and words and pictures are positively in sync.

I’d give the first issue of Killing Red Sonja a solid 5 skulls of my enemies. It’s not terrible, but talking pigs and pampered Boy-Kings are not what I’m looking for in my Hyborian Age adventures.

“A NEW STORY ARC BEGINS! Year Two of MARK RUSSELL’s epic tale kicks off here, joined by artist BOB Q (Captain America, Fantastic Four). In this issue: Sonja The Red has won. Now comes the impossible part…”

By BOB FREEMAN – Paint Monk’s Library Writer

While Shadizar relishes in the death of their despotic ruler, Emperor Dragan, Queen Sonja debates with her counsel how Hyrkania is to survive in the wake of their victory. With little food, their only hope is to receive aid from neighboring Khitai. Of course, therein lies a pretty big problem.

As we followed Sonja’s mentorship with the Khitian War Master in flashback over the previous twelve issues, we are now introduced to his fall at the hand of the crown prince, learning that Sonja was framed for the murder of her mentor and of the Emperor, allowing for the prince to assume the throne.

Sonja is the only one who knows the truth, and now, after passing through bandit infested mountains, she ends up on the doorstep of her most hated enemy.

CAPSULE REVIEW: Mark Russell is an excellent storyteller. His plots are politically charged without losing any of the small moments that add respites of levity and, sometimes, tenderness to the narrative. Not an easy task. While he continues to lean into camp, there is still enough meat and bone to satiate your cravings for Hyborian Age adventure. It continues to be superior to Marvel’s current treatments of Conan, unfortunately. Not that I am unhappy for Sonja’s success, but that Conan cannot even compare is a sad state of affairs. Hopefully, Jim Zub will right that ship with his run.

Sonja has a lot going for it. In addition to the competent writing, I really enjoy Dearbhla Kelly’s colors. They’re very moody and enhance Bob Q’s artwork, improving what I feel can be sometimes inconsistent line weight from the illustrator. Who knows, maybe that’s by design?

(Dynamite’s Red Sonja) continues to be superior to Marvel’s current treatments of Conan, unfortunately. Not that I am unhappy for Sonja’s success, but that Conan cannot even compare is a sad state of affairs.

Paint Monk’s Library Writer Bob Freeman (from this review)

The overall package is certainly entertaining enough. While not reaching the brilliance of early Marvel’s treatment, or even that of Walter Giovanni during his run with Gail Simone, the creative team is competently keeping Sonja alive (if not well).

Red Sonja is a solid book. It deserves a wider readership. I would herald the book based on the cover art, and its virtual parade of brilliant variants, alone, but thankfully they’re producing admirable content between the covers, adding to the history of one of comicdom’s best characters.

I honor this book with 7 out of 10 skulls of my enemies. Long may Sonja reign.