Red Sonja #1 Review: Ready for Battle, Even with a Hangover

Writer: Gail Simone

Artist: Walter Geovani

Colors: Adriano Lucas

Dynamite Entertainment recently made a huge splash in the comic space, announcing that acclaimed writer Gail Simone (of Birds of Prey, Wonder Woman, and Welcome to Tranquility fame) would be taking over their Red Sonja book. For those who don’t know much about the character, she originated back in 1934, but the version everyone is more familiar with was brought to life in 1973. She was designed to be a fellow mercenary in the Conan series of books, but quickly gained enough popularity to have had multiple series in her own name over the years.

So, what’s different this time around you ask? For starters, the book has Simone’s trademark sarcastic wit, as finding humor in terrible scenarios tends to be a staple of her characters. Sonja is no different in this. Simone is also known for developing great supporting cast members, and King Dimath, his son (subject of one of the best snarky lines ever on page 3), and her two well-meaning (but less skilled) bodyguards are a unique group that will hopefully grow over time. The book truly reminds me of Xena, and I say that in a completely non-ironic way (And it's a compliment to boot. I know, stick with me here). That show at its best was fun fantasy storytelling mixed with humor and some very likeable characters, all surrounding a rough around the edges but likeable warrior. Granted, at its worst it was none of those things, but I enjoyed the show for what it was, and issue 1 brought that same feeling back in spades.

As for the art, Walter Geovani is a perfect fit in tone and in style. His page layouts are interesting without being convoluted, and he’s able to put a great deal of action and dialogue into a small amount of space.

I’ve never been a Red Sonja fan, but if this is what I can expect from the series I think I might be staying around a while longer.