RED SONJA: BLACK, WHITE, RED #6 – Review

RED SONJA: BLACK, WHITE, RED #6, from Dynamite Comics on January 19th, 2022, recounts three tales of adventure as the Crimson-Haired She-Devil rescues an unusual prince, hunts down an imposter, and picks on someone not her own size.

The Details

• Written By: David Avallone, Shannon Watters, Bob Q.
• Art By: Jonathan Lau, Ro Stein, Bob Q.
• Colors By: Kike J. Diaz, Ted Brandt, Bob Q.
• Letters By: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou, Jeff Eckleberry
• Cover Art By: Jae Lee (cover A)
• Cover Price: $4.99
• Release Date: January 19, 2022

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Was It Good?

The Black, White, Red gimmick is getting used with increasing frequency these days. Sometimes it works and makes sense. Sometimes it doesn’t. Surprisingly, it works in this series and each anthology is showing to be a little stronger than the previous one. RED SONJA: BLACK, WHITE, RED #6 is no exception.

As with nearly every anthology, some entries are stronger than others. Again, RED SONJA: BLACK, WHITE, RED #6 is no exception. Generally, every short in this issue has some amusement factor. The variety of styles gives readers a taste of what each creative team is capable of. And the net result is a better-than-solid entry in the series so far.

Of the three shorts, The Daring Rescue of Crown Prince Maximilian (Beloved of All the Peoples) is the strongest for being the most complete story, stellar action visuals by Jonathan Lau, and a twist you know is coming but can’t guess until you see it.

Of the three shorts, Morgona the Crimson is the weakest of the three for its cartoonish art style and paper-thin plot. To be fair, it’s weakest in comparison to the other shorts in this anthology, but if it were presented on its own, it would be perfectly serviceable as an amusing cartoon short.

If you’re liking this series so far, there’s more to like in this issue.

What’s It About?

[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]

As with every anthology review, we’ll cover each story briefly and highlight what worked or didn’t.

The Daring Rescue of Crown Prince Maximilian (Beloved of All the Peoples)

Red Sonja is tasked with rescuing Crown Prince Maximilian (Beloved of All the Peoples) after being kidnapped for ransom by a band of nefarious brigands. When Red Sonja fights her way through the kidnappers’ lair, she finds the Prince may be a bigger challenge than the brigands.

No spoilers on this one. However, the twist is telegraphed early but not what you expect. Avallone’s story nails the right mix of action and humorous irony. Jonathan Lau’s art is always a favorite here, so it looks exquisite, and the last panel says so much without saying a word. This is the best short of the bunch.

Morgona the Crimson

Red Sonja rescues a fair maiden in the woods from a beast. However, the maiden is quick to offer payment as thanks. Red Sonja soon learns her exploits have been co-opted as belonging to Morgona the Crimson, a warrior who insists on payment in goods and services for her rescuing deeds. Red Sonja soon decides it’s time to find the charlatan’s location and put a stop to the charade.

This is fine, but the weakest of the three shorts. It looks and reads more like a middle-grade children’s book, and to be blunt, it feels out of place with its slapstick humor and exaggerated art. If this short was presented out of this format, it may have been received better, but as part of this anthology, it’s tonally off and reads like a corny joke.

The Giant

Red Sonja faces off a very tall giant guarding a bridge to her destination. That’s it. That’s the story.

Credit where credit is due, Bob Q. goes solo on writing and art for this short with Otsmane-Elhaou on letters. The art looks great. It’s full of energy and dramatic panel angles. The story says what it wants to say and also informs the reader how Red Sonja is still unstoppable when faced with impossible odds and has the brains to use more than a sword to get the job done. That said, it’s an extended scene rather than a full story, and it feels a little incomplete.

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