It’s good to be a Red Sonja fan, with a film in the works and a new series from Torunn Grønbekk and Walter Geovani. Launching today, the series picks up where the Free Comic Book Day Red Sonja #0 left off, with Red Sonja on the run and a threat of a nation hanging in the balance. Well written, the first issue establishes Grønbekk has a great handle on the lead character, but the story feels too safe for its own good.
Red Sonja is very good at establishing a threat that requires a vigilante hero. A religious zealot has taken over a nation due to the king’s death, and we learn early on that killing babies is the only way to ensure the gods will return. Cut to Red Sonja, who is attempting to avoid soldiers. A voice seemingly gives her away, and it’s clear some magic is afoot that’s a real pain in Red Sonja’s butt.
One of the strongest elements of this first issue is how Red Sonja uses her wits over her fighting ability. She’s clearly in the know regarding a religious person she sneaks in on, and while he’s up to no good, she sees the value in using him. This element is key since the enemy is a cunning false religious type who can control an entire army. There’s no way Red Sonja can take him on straight on, and Grønbekk makes it clear Red Sonja’s wits will keep her head above water.
The usual sword and sorcery settings are utilized, like a chaotic bar or the dangerous dusty streets. Ultimately there aren’t a lot of big fantasy things popping up just yet, save for some soldiers in knight’s armor.
Red Sonja starts out on the run, framed for murder.
Credit: Dynamite
Truth be told, the sorcery element in this sword and sorcery series doesn’t rear its head till the end, but there’s plenty of battling to enjoy throughout the issue. Geovani captures the fight choreography well and makes each blow feel real. Red Sonja herself never comes off as overly sexualized (as much as you can avoid it with the classic costume), and she comes off as strong-willed and cunning. The art can sometimes feel a little underwhelming, but it’s mostly telling the story well.
Part of the reason the art never really grabs you is that there aren’t many show-stopping moments. No big twists or epic vistas, and instead, a more traditional adventure with a good fight scene and the slow build of a threat Red Sonja will soon come face to face with. Never bad or boring, the story feels like it’s not taking enough chances out the gate and instead aims to build towards the main threat and danger slowly.
Red Sonja #1 is a good start, establishing the threat of a religious zealot and the cunning of Red Sonja that’ll likely come head to head as the series unfolds. The fantastical elements aren’t played up; instead, there’s a more traditional sword-fighting feel to it all.
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