“JUMPING-ON POINT FOR NEW READERS. Sonja The Red, victorious. But ruling is impossible. And a young, old foe returns with a plan, to Kill Red Sonja… By MARK RUSSELL (Swamp Thing) and ALESSANDRO MIRACOLO (Zorro). The saga of Red Sonja continues at Dynamite Entertainment!”
By BOB FREEMAN – Paint Monk’s Library Writer
Jumping-on point? More like jumping-off.
I have championed Mark Russell’s run on Red Sonja from the start. While less than thrilled with the comedic undertones, I like the political intrigue and seeing Sonja in this light, as a fish out of water.
She handled herself well, but over two arcs, it began to grow stale. I had hoped that perhaps a proposed “jumping-on point” might mean a fresh start and new direction.
I was wrong.
Instead, we’re still mired in the same old “intrigue”, with a child’s revenge fetish coming to the fore, propelled there by the mini-series Killing Red Sonja. A comic I found dull and lifeless as well.
Without spoilers, let me add that this was the most clichéd installment in the series thus far.
Miracolo’s artwork was fine, but again, it’s the same style we’ve seen from the start. Sort of a dark-Disney cartoon, which isn’t awful, but neither is it inspiring. This comic has never strayed near the word “epic”, which is a shame.
And don’t get me started on the cover art. My comic shop usually has a healthy array of covers to choose from, but this week I was saddled with Jae Lee’s as my only option, which I found to be an uninspired mess.
Can we get Patch Zircher on this book, please?
Look, I’m not going to waste anymore breath on this. If you like it, I’m happy for you. As for me, I think I’m done…
I’ll spare 4 skulls of my enemies for this. No more.
—Bob Freeman Alba Gu Brath
August 22nd, 2020 Red Sonja, ReviewsComments Off on REVIEW: It’s Time For Sonja to Get Back to the Battlefield
“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.
“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.
Flashbacks are used to tell a tale of political intrigue.
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.
“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.
“As Conan pines for his lost love Belit, two old adversaries are preparing for a showdown. The wizard Zukala wishes to enlist the Cimmerian’s aid to defeat his long-time foe Karanthes … and as part of the bargain, the conjurer claims that Belit will come to life once more. Will the She-Pirate live again, to one day sit next to Conan on his jeweled throne?”
(EDITOR’S NOTE: Welcome to The Classic Conan Countdown, a series of reviews focusing on the original 275 issues of Marvel Comics’ Conan the Barbarian, which were published from 1970 to 1993. This is a review of Conan the Barbarian (Vol. 1) #115.)
By WALLY MONK – Paint Monk’s Library Editor
How I missed reading Conan the Barbarian #115 when it was on the newsstand is beyond me. It is a fantastic issue, full of references to the last 114 issues, and a fitting swan song for Roy Thomas’ departure from the title for the next 125 monthly installments.
It’s also interesting to note that Conan the Barbarian #115 marks Conan’s 10th Anniversary as a Marvel Comics licensed property. To a lesser but by no means insignificant extent, this means the scribes here at Paint Monk’s Library have reviewed a decade worth of Conan comics in less than a year and a half.
A huge shout out to librarians past and present, especially Bob Freeman and Andy Maglothin, who have stayed along for the ride and continue to make this Classic Conan Countdown event possible.
This issue is chock full of references to Thomas’ earlier stories and includes Red Sonja as a major character. The interactions between Conan and Sonja are almost as important to the development of each character as the main story itself.
In honor of Conan the Barbarian’s 10th Anniversary at Marvel – and this hallmark issue – today’s review will be longer and double-sized, just like the actual comic. It’s a bittersweet tale, and made more so by the knowledge that Thomas’ successors will struggle often trying to keep the magic of Howard’s Hyborian Age alive.
Review: Conan the Barbarian (Vol. 1) #115
Conan is en route to Akkharia, where he hopes to enlist as a soldier in the army of the king. It has been a long time since his last “paid” adventure, and the barbarian’s purse is empty. On the road, Conan is interrupted by a ghostly vision and an adversary from his past.
Zukala, the wizard last seen in Conan the Barbarian #14-15, wants Conan to abandon his journey to Akkharia and take on a mission for him. He assures the barbarian that he will have more than he could ever dream of in reward for his assistance. Angry, and determined to never serve a wizard, Conan throws his blade at the spectre of Zukala and rides on his way, grabbing his sword from the tree in which it lodged after passing through the ghostly visage.
Approaching the walled city, Conan muses on how it reminds him of Asgalun, the home to his lost love Belit. He pines for a moment, and then enters Akkharia.
It’s late at night, and there’s no room at the inn for our barbarian. The innkeeper, awakened from his slumber, tells Conan that for a silver piece he can sleep in the stable.
Tired and in desperate need of rest, Conan accepts the humble lodgings, only to find there’s another warrior sound asleep – and snoring – when he arrives. It’s no deterrent, and soon Conan the Cimmerian is asleep himself.
Conan awakens in the morning to a familiar voice – it seems the fiery Red Sonja also plans to work for the king, and she was his snoring bunk-mate. She tells the barbarian all she’s had is “an empty purse and saddle-sores” since they last met. The Hyrkanian offers Conan one final breakfast before the duo sign their services over to the king.
The visit to the inn is where things get interesting. Red Sonja begins to prod Conan about Belit and her absence. When Conan decides not to engage Sonja in this particular conversation, the redheaded warrior pushes on, going as far as telling Conan that Belit probably left him for “a tree-ape with bigger muscles and a smaller brain” and that he’s “better off without her.”
Conan’s response is brutal.
A sword fight ensues, as Sonja continues to taunt Conan and he spars back, both verbally and with his blade. Sonja tells him to hold still, and that any other man would be dead by now – Conan responds by telling her that perhaps she would be better off putting down the sword and having children.
As Sonja seemingly loses the combat, her sword falling down to the floor, she pulls a dagger with which she plans to continue the battle. Conan turns away, saying that he won, and that she can stab him in the back if she wishes. Author Thomas notes that of this fight, “some people will say there was wine spilled on the floor where Sonja stood” and that was the reason she lost the confrontation.
Conan reminds Sonja of her vow – and soon the Cimmerian is taking her to his room. Dejected, yet honoring her promise not to love a man until he has bested her in combat, Sonja allows Conan to carry her upstairs.
As Conan gently prepares for some personal time with the fiery redhead, Sonja appears dejected. She acknowledges her vow, but also tells Conan that she’s “not required to enjoy it.” Conan rebukes Sonja, who once again brings up Belit. The barbarian then tells her he thought she was smart enough to figure out that Belit was dead.
An angry Cimmerian stalks out of the room, telling a shocked Red Sonja that he still cares about Belit and her coldness has reminded him that he’s not ready for another romantic encounter at the moment.
Conan leaves Akkharia – and Red Sonja – behind, abruptly mounting his horse and galloping away. He finds another city, another tavern and more wenches. But it’s not what he wants at the moment. Frustrated, the barbarian steps out into the rain – only to encounter the spectre of Zukala again.
Now, Zukala makes Conan an offer he cannot refuse – if the Cimmerian brings him the Stygian wizard-priest of Ibis, Karanthes (first seen in Conan the Barbarian #7), Zukala will restore Belit to life.
Conan accepts Zukala’s offer. But he will soon discover that Red Sonja is now in the employ of Karanthes – and they will meet again soon.
Will Belit walk beside Conan once more? Will Red Sonja win the next sword-duel with Conan, if one occurs? And what will happen when Karanthes meets his nemesis Zukala face to face?
CAPSULE REVIEW: There’s so much to enjoy in this issue that it’s hard to put a finger on what is best and what needs work. We see flashbacks to many aspects of Conan’s adventuring career thus far – we hear of the Living Tarim, Belit, Karanthes, and even Melnibone and Conan’s adventures with Elric. It’s almost as if Roy Thomas wants to imagine all that has been and all he’s leaving behind as he walks away from Conan the Barbarian after this issue.
This comic book is a prime example of John Buscema’s supremacy as a Conan illustrator. The facial expressions on Conan and Red Sonja’s face tell as much of a story as Thomas’ words. Sonja’s downtrodden face upon learning she will need to surrender her body to Conan is eerie – you genuinely feel for her and the mental dilemma in which she’s been placed.
Typically, I provide a complete synopsis in most of my Classic Conan Countdown reviews, but you need to read this issue yourself. I will leave you with the final image of Red Sonja from the comic, who rejects Conan’s offer to be his new adventuring companion. It appears that she does and may perhaps harbor some genuine feelings for the Cimmerian after all.
Are those tears in Sonja’s eyes as she parts ways with Conan?
On a scale of 1-10, I’d rate this issue a 9.0. It’s all down hill from here, sadly, as Conan the Barbarian #116 introduces us to the writing of J.M. DeMatteis, a talented scribe in his own right, but one who never seems to grasp the nuances of our Cimmerian hero.
“Know then, O Prince, that after two months of chasing Sonja The Red through the Hyrkanian steppes, Dragan and Sonja at last met in pitched battle. They fought, not for a bridge, as the great histories say, but for the future of the Hyborian Age. For what is a bridge, O Prince, but the choice of one realm over another?”
by BOB FREEMAN – Paint Monk’s Library Writer
I had stepped away from this title around issue #6 or so, which surprised even me. I was quite taken with Mark Russell’s handling of Red Sonja at first, despite the injection of comedy into the narrative. As the title went on, that humor began to grate on me more and more, hence my focusing on other books.
I was still buying Red Sonja, but I found I wasn’t reading it, hence my reviews grinding to a halt.
Wally and I were discussing titles the other day and he asked if I’d be willing to review the twelfth issue and I agreed. The synopsis promised a conclusion to Queen Sonja’s war with Emperor Dragan and I was truly curious how Russell would wrap things up.
Flashbacks help flesh out the story in Red Sonja #12.
So I pulled out the last few books, purchased the 12th, and read them all in one sitting. Not only was the finale satisfying and the highlight of the series so far, but as a whole, this is a tremendous 12-part story that is truly an admirable example of how to accomplish long-form storytelling in comic form.
While the more humorous aspects of the book are still a disappointment, the overall narrative, with flashback framing devices, makes for a complete tale that is highly cinematic and emotionally charged.
Sonja is strong and competent, but she makes mistakes along the way. Russell makes the character come alive in these moments as she fights against near-impossible odds to defend her people with a rag-tag guerilla militia against the might of an empire.
Looking at its Hyborian Age competition, Red Sonja far outshined Marvel’s Conan the Barbarian and Savage Sword of Conan.
Mirko Colak’s art is uneven at times, but he has moments that are just wonderfully sublime and the grittiness of his heavy line brings a very visceral and primal immediacy to the story. It really suits the narrative Russell has created, and complimenting Colak’s inking is the coppery tones of Dearbhla Kelly’s colors which adds a whole other dimension and depth to a near picture perfect tale.
I am thrilled that Wally charged me to revisit the title as the end was something rare in comics these days — it was, in a word, satisfying.
This issue I would gladly give 9.5 skulls of my enemies and, for the twelve issue run as a whole, a solid 8. Looking at its Hyborian Age competition, Red Sonja far outshined Marvel’s Conan the Barbarian and Savage Sword of Conan.
The official teaser for Red Sonja #5 reads: “Like an all-consuming fire, the armies of Dragan The Magnificent pursued Sonja The Red until there was nowhere else to flee. The corpses of her people scattered before her like charred rabbits, she turned to face his exquisite wrath. And prayed in vain for death to take her quickly.”
Looking at issue #6, Dynamite shares: “The first arc of the most exciting series debut of 2019 comes to a stunning conclusion. The dreaded Dragan makes Her Majesty an offer that would end an invasion but sacrifice everything. Sonja The Red must weigh the awful costs, before the decision is no longer hers to make.“
A series that started out strong ends in disappointment.
The final issues of Mark Russell and Mirko Colak’s first arc in this latest volume in the tale of Red Sonja are a shade different from the four that preceded them. While there’s still a bit more humor than is to my liking, the comic has taken a darker tone. Sonja’s predicament is, well, rather grim, and it is reflected in Russell’s dialogue.
What began as my favorite Hyborian Age comic of those currently being offered has deteriorated into a sad state on par with what Marvel has been offering and that’s a bloody shame.
So much promise wasted.
I give them collectively 4 out of 10 skulls of my enemies. That’s 2 for each of them (issues #5 and #6)… I’m feeling generous today it seems.
Will I be back for the second arc? It’s doubtful. The creative team will have to pull out all the stops to reignite my passion for this comic.
May 3rd, 2019 Red Sonja, ReviewsComments Off on REVIEW: Red Sonja’s Misfits Vs. The Zamoran Army
The Imperial forces have been resupplied in half the time expected by mobilizing the chariots meant to defend the entire kingdom. Emperor Dragan of Zamora explains the perils of leaving his empire undefended, then issues the order to mobilize against Sonja’s ragtag army. If he was going to leave Zamora defenseless for this, he was at least going to put them to good use.
Caught off guard by Dragan’s tactics, Sonja turns the evacuation over to her advisors, while she leads the defensive charge against the invaders.
In a flashback to Khitai, Sonja is in training with Master Domo who chastises her for depending on her strength too readily. He warns that she might not always be the strongest in a battle. He advises that knowing one’s enemy is most important.
Back in the present, Sonja rides with the Brothers of Misfortune, a ragged band of misfit thieves and cutthroats, on unarmored horse against Imperial war chariots.
Hiding in the low hills of the Shallows, Sonja’s much smaller force attacks the charioteers from behind, decimating them. A single survivor slinks back to the Emperor’s camp to report the rout.
Sonja sets up multiple decoy trails to confuse Dragon’s forces, but as the Emperor prepares to execute the fool responsible for the chariot debacle, the survivor mentions that the leader of the Brothers of Misfortune is Sonja’s cousin. The fool about to be execute declares that, based on this new information, he has a plan…
***
This was another solid effort from Russell and Colak, with a tightly woven narrative that is quite meaty. For all of its humor, which is, as I’ve said, a bit more than I care for, it’s a cerebral tale utilizing military tactics in a game of cat and mouse between vastly superior Imperial numbers and the guerrilla tactics of Sonja’s Hyrkanians.
I like the way Russell plots his stories, utilizing flashbacks to spotlight Sonja’s tactics. And the loose artwork, not normally my cup of tea, is nicely contrasted between past and present.
All in all, an enjoyable read and certainly more entertaining than Marvel’s current Conan tales.
I’d give this issue an 8 out of 10 skulls of my enemies.
April 5th, 2019 Red Sonja, ReviewsComments Off on REVIEW: Red Sonja (Vol. 5) #3 Is Another Great Issue
Of course, there is one in development, formerly helmed by Brian Singer until the hashtag-me-too movement caught up with him and he was systematically discharged from service, both rightly and thankfully so.
Now is the
opportunity to make something special. Something strong, vibrant,
visceral, savage, and yes, beautiful. Something sexy. Red Sonja is
all those things, and so much more.
With Wonder Woman
and Captain Marvel both generating feminist headlines, who better to
pick up the mantle next than the She-Devil with a Sword?
I would love to see
someone like Kathryn Bigelow get tapped to direct. Securing a great
director and script are paramount. While good casting is cruscial,
Jason Momoa as Conan the Barbarian proved that having the perfect
actor in the role is meaningless without the right people behind the
camera.
That said, someone
like Charlize Theron has the starpower to pull this off, but at 43,
is this the right move? Perhaps someone younger, lesser known, like
Alexandra Daddario, who is 33, or someone even younger, say Barbara
Palvin at 25.
Regardless, Red Sonja has the potential to be a major film that would put the Hyborian Age front and center, set to thrill audiences like never before. They just have to respect the source material and deliver a spectacle worthy of the name.
The prologue in Red Sonja v5 #3.
REVIEW: Red Sonja v5 #3:
Red Sonja negotiates
with another “cousin” who has led his Woodland mercenaries
to Sonja’s camp in hopes of getting a cut of the treasure horde the
Hyrkanians had stolen from the invading army of Emperor Dragan of
Zamora.
Sent away, Vorgon
leads his troops to Dragan,offering to raid Sonja in exchange for
getting to keep all the bounty. The Emperor readily agrees.
In the ensuing
battle, Sonja’s “Barrens”, women warriors who are widowed
or too old to bear children, have laid a trap for Vorgon’s men and
they are cut down.
CAPSULE REVIEW: This was the best issue so far. While there’s still too much humor in the writing, Mark Russell really stepped up his game, delivering a meaningful, message-driven story, that hit all the right notes.
While I wish it were played more straight, for one shining moment, Red Sonja was the best comic I read this week.
On a scale of 1-10, I’d rate this issue an 8.5. Mirko Colak’s artwork continues to be top shelf and the writing finally compliments Colak’s draftsmanship. The title sells for $3.99 US.
Alba Gu Brath – Bob
Freeman (aka The Occult Detective)
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September 4th, 2020 
