RED SONJA: DEATH AND THE DEVIL #3, by Dynamite Comics on 11/6/24, unveils the history behind Bloodless’s origin and brings the unlikely duo to the death cult’s hideout.
Credits:
- Writer: Luke Lieberman
- Artist: Alberto Locatelli
- Colorist: Alberto Locatelli
- Letterer: Dave Sharpe
- Cover Artist: Joseph Michael Linsner (cover A)
- Publisher: Dynamite Comics
- Release Date: November 6, 2024
- Comic Rating: Teen
- Cover Price: $4.99
- Page Count: 24
- Format: Single Issue
Covers:
Analysis of RED SONJA: DEATH AND THE DEVIL #3:
First Impressions:
How do you tell a story without telling the story you intended to tell? That’s an odd question that writer Luke Lieberman attempts to answer in Red Sonja: Death and the Devil #3 because you get answers to questions you may not have thought to ask while the questions you probably have remained unanswered. If nothing else, the mysteries remain firmly in place.
Plot Analysis:
Red Sonja: Death and the Devil #3 begins with Bloodless, the half-dead assassin necromancer, recounting how he gained his powers… sorta. Bloodless’s mother had a light touch of magical ability she used to make just enough money to get by. One day, the superstitious men of the nearby village hang his mother as a witch and banish him from town. Refusing to heed the warnings, Bloodless remains by his mother’s side through day and night to keep the scavengers away. The experience… somehow… awakens the necromantic powers within him.
Yes, that’s as much as you get. Bloodless may or may not have received magical powers from his mother. It’s not clear or spelled out in any concrete way, so the best you could surmise is that somehow Bloodless can talk to the dead.
Now, Bloodless and Red Sonja continue their journey to find the Prince. As they travel, they discuss trust and shared goals. When they happen upon a group of corpses, they know they’re close to the secret entrance of the cult’s hideout. When Red Sonja and Heartless are ambushed by deadly snakes and a shapeshifting wraith, the last of their journey gets hairy.
The issue ends with a venomous bite, two warriors entering, one warrior leaving, and the licking of wounds.
Overall, Red Sonja: Death and the Devil #3 is just okay. Luke Lieberman gives readers vague insights into Bloodless’s origin, and Red Sonja touches death in more than one way, but the issue lacks a big idea to grab your attention. In short, this issue is fine but forgettable.
Artwork and Presentation:
Alberto Locatelli pulls double duty as penciler/inker and colorist for an issue that looks as serviceable as the script reads. Locatelli’s figure work and panel compositions are competent, which is about all you could say about this issue.
Art Samples:
Final Thoughts:
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RED SONJA: DEATH AND THE DEVIL #3 explains the history (almost) behind Bloodless’s abilities and brings Red Sonja one step closer to death. Luke Lieberman’s sedate script fills in some of the blanks about Bloodless, which may or may not be interesting, and the art is, at best, satisfactory.
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