The Classics - Red Sonja #1

   Is there a more improbable costume on a comic book character than the one worn by Red Sonja?

   (OK, maybe Dejah Thoris. Or a character in porn comics.)

   Red is, I believe, the only character to successfully spin off from the Conan comics series. (Please correct me if I'm wrong.)

   She first appeared near the end of the classic Roy Thomas - Barry Windsor-Smith comics in the '70s that covered the first couple of years of Conan's adventures at Marvel Comics. (Here's my review of that classic last issue - #24 - which included Sonja's second appearance.)

   Sonja was a warrior woman who originally wore a chain mail shirt - certainly a practical item for a swordswoman. But when she appeared next, in her own adventure, she was wearing a chain mail bikini - and while none of the male fans (oops, almost typed "mail" fans there) are going to complain, it does stretch credibility.

   Sonja was popular enough to spin off into her own adventures, and in 1976 she was given her own series, written by Clara Noto and Roy Thomas (from a plot by Ed Summer) and art by the legendary Frank Thorne.

   The story (which is mighty wordy in places) includes a unicorn, evil efforts to kill it and steal its immortal powers, and Sonja's attempts to save it.

   The story is lushly illustrated by Thorne, whose unique and detailed style somehow bridges the gap between classic storybook tales and underground comics.

   It was a different visual look for Sonja, and I have to admit, it took me a few issues to get used to it - but I was always a fan of Hyborian Age adventures, and throwing in a fierce fighter who happens to be a beautiful woman was a good way to get my attention.

   Sonja continues to be a successful character, still starring in her own series and crossing over with others (including a recent team-up with her pal Conan).

   But I still think her costume is silly - unless she's getting ready for a trip to the beach.

Grade: A-

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Red Sonja Conan #1

   Well, Red Sonja has certainly changed from the days when she first met Conan the Barbarian.

   At the time (this was the early '70s), she refused to give herself to a man until he had defeated her in combat.

   In this series, the two team up to lead an army against a wizard (and his army), but before the battle - well, let's just say the two get cozy. Who needs vows of celibacy?

   I do enjoy seeing the two teaming up again (oh, get your minds out of the gutter).

   It's  solid sword-and-sorcery / fantasy adventure story written by Victor Gichler, and the art by Roberto Castro (with colors by Alex Guimaraes) is powerful, with beautiful women, manly heroes and gruesome monsters.

   Heck, the issue is worth buying just for the stunning cover by Alex Ross (although Red seems a little too fresh and unscarred for a warrior).

   My only question is: why does Red gets top billing on the cover? Perhaps they alternate.

Grade: B+

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Red Sonja #1

I was a big, big fan of Red Sonja when she first appeared in the Roy Thomas / Barry (Windsor) Smith version of Conan the Barbarian.

She was a tough, smart character who was a match for the Cimmerian.

But when she traded in her chain mail shirt for a chain mail bikini, it was more difficult to take the character seriously.

I've followed her adventures off and on in the years since, but when a new version of the character was promised, written by Gail Simone, I knew I'd have to give it a try.

And I'm glad I did! It's a well-crafted first issue that provides an action-packed introduction to the character, a glimpse into her past, and a chance for her to display her martial abilities, tempered by loyalty and a good heart.

The dialogue is sharp and the story includes a good dose of humor - and it's compelling, as Sonja allies herself with what seems to be a lost cause.

The art is by Walter Geovani (with colors by Adriano Lucas), and it's quite good, with strong layouts and good character designs.

So it's a good start to this series. I expected that this would be the only issue of this series I'd be picking up, but Simone's story has me hooked - it has me back in the "Red Sonja fan" category again.

Grade: A-

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