The golden anniversary of Red Sonja continues this year with yet another new title. Following this past summer’s debut of the latest volume of Red Sonja (from Torunn Grønbekk and Walter Geovani), Dan Panosian, artist Alessio Petillo, and colorist Francesco Segala have teamed up for Savage Red Sonja.
Due out on November 1, Savage Red Sonja #1 is said to “harken back to the classic era of Robert E. Howard’s original pulp tales of swords and sorcery.” In it, Sonja must journey across a hellacious landscape to find a long-lost ancient treasure — only to run afoul of desert bandits and a “monstrous beast from beneath the sands.” It’s story that emphasizes action and supernatural undertones, effectively delivering new levels of total savagery as Sonja continues to evolve after five-plus decades.
In the lead up to Savage Red Sonja, Panosian was kind enough to answer a few of our questions, including why he selected his collaborators, the influence of Howard’s stories, and what to expect from this unwaveringly brutal tale.
Courtesy of Dynamite.
AIPT: What was your history/connection to the character before you started writing this story? Do you have a favorite run or story that involves Sonja?
Dan Panosian: I’m a huge admirer of Robert E Howard’s work and Red Sonja, thanks largely in part to her prolific comic book runs, really left a mark on me. I’ve been a fan since I was a teenager. My favorite story is probably the Roy Thomas, Esteban Maroto, and Neal Adams story that first ran in Savage Sword of Conan. Second would be the Howard Chaykin and Dick Giordano origin story.
AIPT: There’s word that this book “hearkens back to the original Robert E. Howard threads of sword and sorcery.” What about Howard’s stories speak to you specifically?
DP: Well, as you may know, Howard’s original Sonja stories don’t really cross over into the Hyborian Age. So really I’m speaking more about the way Howard carved out an adventure. How he told a story and the language he used. There’s some real blood and guts to it.
AIPT: How does this Sonja compare to maybe some more recent stories and/or titles? How much did you reference some or any of those?
DP: It doesn’t. Not in the slightest. I didn’t want anyone to have had read any other story than maybe just a handful of Red Sonja stories here and there. I think this series can be a great jumping off point for anyone interested in the character.
AIPT: The book continues Sonja’s “golden anniversary” celebration across 2023. Does that add a little pressure on your end to really drive it out of the park?
DP: Not really. I mean, it’s exciting to be a part of that legacy but I would be excited regardless. Like I said, I’m a big fan of the character.
Courtesy of Dynamite.
AIPT: I was told you hand-picked the other members of the creative team (artist Alessio Petillo, colorist Francesco Segala, and letterer Dave Sharpe). What about this team seemed like the right group for the job?
DP: They’re great storytellers. The story has to come first. Everyone on this team does their job exceptionally well. The book looks beautiful. The pacing is just the way I imagined it.
AIPT: How important is it to include/welcome new readers to a story like this, or does it really lean into Sonja’s lore and history?
DP: Like I mentioned, this could be your very first Red Sonja story, although it helps to be familiar with her origin, such as it is. But beyond that, this story could take place during virtually any timeline of hers.
AIPT: You’ve talked about in some interviews/solicitations that this story is about or explores doubts, fears, and regrets. Why is that a novel direction for this fantasy tale, and what is Sonja specifically working through?
DP: Let’s face it, Red Sonja became the warrior she is under horrible circumstances. Initially it was both a matter of survival and revenge. An oath was taken in order to bestow her with such formidable fighting skills and power. But now that she’s been this force to be reckoned with – does the oath bear any weight on her soul? Her happiness? Must she fight her whole life? All of us come to crossroads in our lives. Do we accept who we are or do we seek to change things? For me, that’s a very important part of who someone is. Are they at peace with who they are?
AIPT: You’re also drawing some covers for this book. Is that something where you can better tease stories via cover? Or is it just good fun to do both?
DP: In some cases, yes. Especially moving forward. Really it’s just good fun! 😊
Courtesy of Dynamite.
AIPT: Do you think we’re in a renaissance of sorts for big, bold, and bloody fantasy? And if so, what’s facilitated that?
DP: That sure would be nice. I think Dungeons & Dragons is making a very big comeback and so are RPGs in general. That must have some impact. Who knows! All I can say is that it’s about time!
AIPT: There’s also talk of Sonja acting especially vicious and violent across this run. How do you decide how big and bloody and loud to get while perhaps balancing quieter moments and/or instances of prolonged development?
DP: I’ll be honest, which I hate doing, most Red Sonja comics have their fair share of violence. I don’t know if this one has more or less. But what I can say is that we’ve really choreographed the action sequences with a lot of care. I think it shows.
AIPT: Can you tease any big moments or scenes that might speak to the larger goals or arc of this entire story?
DP: This story has it all, in my not so humble opinion! You have a lost kingdom, ghosts, thieves, assassins, witches and… and I can’t say what’s waiting for them at the end of the series. I wish I could though!
AIPT: Why should anyone pick up issue #1?
DP: Hopefully they want a modern but classic take on their favorite fantasy heroine! I think we deliver!
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