Red Sonja #1 // Review
The entire kingdom is after Sonja. It’s understandable. She’s the type of person a lot of people would like to get ahold of for a lot of different reasons. The current pursuit is of an entirely different sort: she’s a fugitive of the law. She has been framed for the murder of a queen in Red Sonja #1. Talented Norwegian writer Torunn Grønbekk opens a brand new series for Sonja’s 50th anniversary with artist Walter Geovani and colorist Omi Remalante Jr. Grønbekk deftly wields Sonja’s distinctive grace, poise, and strength as she tumbles headlong into an appealingly engaging new adventure.
Sonja did not kill the queen, though it would be an easy mistake. Her highness DID die in Sonja’s arms. Now, she’s on the hunt for the true killer. Before she can get into a serious investigation, she’s going to run into a great many people who want her dead. The queen was beloved by many, and there are those who would doubtlessly stand to gain much by apprehending and/or killing Sonja the Red. First, she will go to discuss matters with a bishop she knows. Of course...one in her position isn’t exactly allowed the luxury of announcing her arrival. It’s going to be a bit of a surprise for him.
Grønbekk opens the series with a well-woven first issue. The mystery of the murder filters in around the edges of the pursuit of Sonja. There’s a clever bit of characterization in Sonja’s tackling of the problem. She’s overwhelmingly formidable as a warrior and wouldn’t have any problem slaying everyone the kingdom could send after her, but she would prefer not to kill all the able-bodied young men in the kingdom. She comes across as heroic simply by avoiding the bloodshed. It’s a casually clever approach to characterization.
Geovani frames the action with grace and poise. As she is traditionally rendered, Sonja’s an athletic warrior who looks like she could easily defend herself. The real challenge in directing Sonja across the page lies in making her motions look graceful, swift, and deadly in a way that makes it totally believable that she could take on an entire army on her own. Geovani does a very sharp job of making that work. Omi Remalante Jr. grants Red Sonja depth and highlights, which give her all the more of a substantial presence on the page. Establishing shots of various locations have a very immersive feel thanks to the color as well.
Sonja’s recent exploits have been hit-or-miss. She’s such an interesting character, but it’s all too easy to simply fling her at a conflict and allow her to swing her way through it. Or maybe there’s a premise for a series that seems to force her into being a supporting character in her own book. Thankfully, this new series looks like it’s going to be very well-balanced. Grønbekk is one of the best contemporary writers working in the sword-and-sorcery genre for the comic book industry. Her work with Thor and Jane Foster for Marvel had been particularly impressive. Her Red Sonja for Dynamite joins a Carnage that she’s going to be doing for Marvel, which should be really interesting too.
