Red Sonja #2 Review

Writer: Mark Russell

Illustrator: Mirko Colak

Colorist: Dearbhla Kelly

Letterer: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou

Published by: Dynamite

Over the past few years, I have become a pretty big fan of Mark Russell and actively seek out his work. Having him write for Red Sonja, a character that I have passing knowledge of (having read a few of her books over the years), has been nothing but a treat for these two issues. Couple that with some great artwork from Colak and Kelly, makes this book a really fun read.

Russell starts off this issue with a quick little recap of the first issue which saw the Zamoran Empire lead by Emperor Dragan the Magnificent declare that Hyrkania, Red Sonja’s birthplace and now kingdom, would now be his. However, he was quickly rebuffed by Sonja and now is preparing to march his army to take it over by force.

What makes the issue pop for me is the incredible dialogue that Russell provides to all the characters. You sometimes hear about characters having their own voice and Russell is a master at that. The Emperor comes off as an entitled jerk with almost every word that comes out of his mouth and you want to see him get his comeuppance. His interactions with his family (oh dear, what an interaction), his generals and even with Red Sonja, is so well done. His tone never really shifts, but the smarminess is ever present.

As for Red Sonja, after this issue, I am a big fan. Russell does a wonderful job of depicting her not only as this kickass warrior queen that will take your head off, but also as a vulnerable character looking for a home and a pretty astute strategist.

On art, Colak and Kelly continue their strong work from the fist issue. This time around it was a lot of standing around and more establishing shots that were called for and Colak did great with those. The character work, positioning, facial features, could be a little more crisp, but that is a minor gripe in an otherwise fantastic issue.