Legends of Red Sonja #1
With only four issues under her belt, Gail Simone has quickly established herself as one of the leading talents to ever tackle Robert E. Howard’s Red Sonja. Using her well-deserved clout, Simone has rounded up a number of talented female writers to join her in an anthology series based around the legend of the character. The aptly named Legends of Red Sonja #1 features a collection of three tales, interwoven by a gang of assassins out for blood.
While the different styles from the many talented creators could have mixed like oil and water, readers are instead treated to a refreshing story that flows like silk. All three writers have a strong handle on the characters that makes the transition from tale to tale unnoticeable. In fact, if there wasn’t a different artist handling each tale, you would never notice the difference. The writers create an air of mysticism around Sonja, who serves as an ancillary character despite her ever looming presence. Last week I reviewed a Conan comic that attempted to do the same thing yet came up short. The reason this works for Simone and Co. is because the writers know that myth building is more than name dropping. Even when Sonja is not on page, her presence is felt, as her actions is the driving force behind the other characters. This makes Legends of Red Sonja an extremely enjoyable read and truly owns its ‘legendary’ title.
The artists, much like the writers, fit right at home within this epic realm, offering us a buffet of gorgeous imagery that’s so steeped in fantasy that the pages are practically dripping. My personal favourite being Carla Speed McNeil’s work during the La Sonja Rossa tale because—Giant Squid. Do I really need to say more?!
Legends of Red Sonja #1 is a fantastic read thanks to the excellent synergy between the creative teams. Each page feels as if it had been a blast to create which in return makes it a blast for the readers. This is definitely one legendary comic.
Legends of Red Sonja
Writer(s): Gail Simone, Nancy A. Collins, Devin Kalile Grayson
Art: Jack Jadson, Noah Salonga, Carla Speed McNeil, Jay Anacleto, Frank Thorne
Colours: Salvatore Aiala Studios
Letters: Simon Bowland
Publisher: Dynamite
Purchase: http://dynamite.com/htmlfiles/viewProduct.html?PRO=C72513020929000111
While the different styles from the many talented creators could have mixed like oil and water, readers are instead treated to a refreshing story that flows like silk. All three writers have a strong handle on the characters that makes the transition from tale to tale unnoticeable. In fact, if there wasn’t a different artist handling each tale, you would never notice the difference. The writers create an air of mysticism around Sonja, who serves as an ancillary character despite her ever looming presence. Last week I reviewed a Conan comic that attempted to do the same thing yet came up short. The reason this works for Simone and Co. is because the writers know that myth building is more than name dropping. Even when Sonja is not on page, her presence is felt, as her actions is the driving force behind the other characters. This makes Legends of Red Sonja an extremely enjoyable read and truly owns its ‘legendary’ title.
The artists, much like the writers, fit right at home within this epic realm, offering us a buffet of gorgeous imagery that’s so steeped in fantasy that the pages are practically dripping. My personal favourite being Carla Speed McNeil’s work during the La Sonja Rossa tale because—Giant Squid. Do I really need to say more?!
Legends of Red Sonja #1 is a fantastic read thanks to the excellent synergy between the creative teams. Each page feels as if it had been a blast to create which in return makes it a blast for the readers. This is definitely one legendary comic.
Legends of Red Sonja
Writer(s): Gail Simone, Nancy A. Collins, Devin Kalile Grayson
Art: Jack Jadson, Noah Salonga, Carla Speed McNeil, Jay Anacleto, Frank Thorne
Colours: Salvatore Aiala Studios
Letters: Simon Bowland
Publisher: Dynamite
Purchase: http://dynamite.com/htmlfiles/viewProduct.html?PRO=C72513020929000111
A Look Inside
