Red Sonja #1973

Since her fearless debut in 1973, the She-Devil with a Sword has redefined the fantasy genre thanks to the efforts of acclaimed writers including Gail Simone, Roy Thomas, Luke Lieberman, and Eric Trautmann! Joined by first-time Sonja writer Cullen Bunn and a handful of amazing artists, these titanic talents each contribute tales of derring-do to this supersized, action-packed anthology. Everyone's favorite red-tressed heroine battles monsters, rivals, and ne'er-do-wells in Hyborian adventures retro-tinted to capture the flavor of her classic comics era!

Red Sonja never gets old.  It is just a fact.  The character has been running strong for over 40 years in one form or another in books, comics and movies since her inception.  This 48 page one-shot is a celebration of the year she was first introduced to the comic book world by the inimitable Roy Thomas, who also pens one of the stories in this book.

This book features 6 stand alone stories that celebrate the various aspects of her character from her fiery temper, to her relentless quest for justice, to her wicked wit, and of course Sonja’s inestimable skill with a sword.  The stories have a fair bit of range.  One details a time shortly after her family is murdered when she is taken in by a farmer only to be ousted when the oldest son needs to be taught a lesson.  Another is her bid to free female slaves forced to fight in a gladiatorial arena.  The Hanging Tree, tells a tale of justice and vengeance when she goes from tavern brawl to tied to her horse with a noose around her neck.  Raiding Party features dazzling fight scenes with epic prose accompaniment.  Silent Running is a wordless tale that chronicles fight, and flight and then more fighting, ending with a brief moment of peace for the eternal warrior.

Fans of the character will find everything they have come to love from this character since her early days to phenomenal development she has received since being acquired by Dynamite in 2005.  The visuals are vivid, breathtaking and fluid.  The artists for these stories succeeded in keeping up the breakneck pace of a Red Sonja book, while still capturing the tender moment of occasional vulnerability from the she-devil with a sword.  Whether readers are old friends to the character, or completely new, they will find equal joy in the story telling.  The writing for each of these short pieces is of the high quality that we have come to expect from Dynamite.  Another throwback to the origins of Red Sonja is the price, being listed as 799 cents.

Fans of the Robert E. Howard mythos or just great sword swinging will love this one-shot.

For more information about Red Sonja and other great products from Dynamite, please visit their website.  Dynamite Comics

Geek-o-Rama received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments and opinions are those of the individual reviewer.