RED SONJA: NOIR – New Comic Review

Red Sonja: Noir, by Dynamite Comics on 7/16/25, attempts a gritty take on the She-Devil with a Sword, but ultimately delivers a tale that’s more lukewarm than red-hot. While it has its moments, this one-shot largely fades into the background, much like a forgotten alleyway at dawn.

Credits:

• Writer: David Avallone
• Artist: Edu Menna
• Colorist: Adriano Augusto
• Letterer: Jeff Eckleberry
• Cover Artist: Leirix Li (cover A)
• Publisher: Dynamite Comics
• Release Date: July 16, 2025
• Comic Rating: Teen
• Cover Price: $5.99
• Page Count: 32
• Format: One-Shot

Covers:

Analysis of RED SONJA: NOIR #1:

First Impressions:

My initial reaction to Red Sonja: Noir was a shrug. It promises a dark, detective-style narrative, but the execution felt a bit too by-the-numbers, leaving me with little to truly sink my teeth into

Plot Analysis:

The story kicks off with a narrator setting the scene, explaining that Red Sonja is typically a lone wolf but occasionally takes on allies. We’re then immediately thrown into an ambush where Sonja and her partner, Tamsin, rescue a merchant from brigands, highlighting their mercenary-for-hire dynamic. Following the skirmish, Sonja returns to their base of operations to find a client, Shauna, waiting. Shauna explains that her younger sister has fallen in with a dangerous slaver named Zander Thor, who intends to sell her to pirates. Zander has offered to return the sister for 500 sovereigns, but Shauna fears he plans to betray her and take both her money and her.

Tamsin, eager to prove his capabilities and secure the payment, quickly agrees to accompany Shauna to retrieve the sister, leaving Sonja behind. However, Sonja’s sleep is soon interrupted by Captain Dunbar and his men, who inform her that Tamsin has been found dead with a dagger in his chest, leading them to suspect a falling out between the partners. Sonja, ever the shrewd observer, points out the obviousness of the planted dagger, suggesting a more elaborate plot is at play.

Determined to uncover the truth behind Tamsin’s murder, Sonja begins her own investigation, which leads her to confront various shady figures and delve deeper into the city’s underbelly. Her journey intertwines with Shauna’s desperate search for her sister, revealing a complex web of deceit, betrayal, and unexpected alliances.

The climax sees Sonja confronting the true mastermind behind Tamsin’s death and the enslavement plot, resulting in a chaotic showdown. Sonja’s relentless pursuit of justice and her unique brand of problem-solving ultimately lead her to expose the true villains and bring a semblance of resolution to the tangled affair.

Story

The narrative attempts a “noir” feel, but it often comes off as forced rather than organically gritty. The dialogue, while functional, lacks the sharp, witty exchanges one would expect from the genre, often feeling a bit too on-the-nose. The pacing is a mixed bag, with some scenes rushing by while others drag, leading to an uneven reading experience. The plot, while coherent, doesn’t offer many surprising twists, making it fairly predictable.

Art

Edu Menna’s artwork, with Adriano Augusto’s colors, is competent but not particularly striking. The action sequences are clear, and the character designs are consistent with Red Sonja’s established look, but there’s a certain flatness to the overall aesthetic. The “noir” aspect isn’t strongly conveyed through the visuals, which tend to be brightly colored rather than utilizing the deep shadows and stark contrasts typically associated with the genre. While the art doesn’t detract from the story, it doesn’t elevate it either.

Characters

Red Sonja remains a formidable and independent character, though her portrayal here doesn’t offer any new insights or significant development. Tamsin serves his purpose as the ill-fated partner, and Shauna is a catalyst for the plot, but neither leaves a lasting impression. The supporting cast feels largely forgettable, serving more as plot devices than fully fleshed-out individuals.

Positives

The standout aspect of Red Sonja: Noir is its attempt to blend the classic fantasy heroine with a detective narrative, offering a fresh premise for the character. The initial mystery surrounding Tamsin’s death does pique curiosity, providing a solid hook for the story. Additionally, Red Sonja herself is consistently portrayed as strong and capable, staying true to her core essence.

Negatives

The execution of the “noir” elements falls flat, failing to fully commit to the genre’s atmospheric and thematic potential. The story’s predictability undermines any sense of suspense, making the journey less engaging. Furthermore, the supporting characters are largely underdeveloped, existing primarily to serve the plot rather than adding depth to the narrative. The artwork, while serviceable, doesn’t lean into the stylistic demands of noir, resulting in a visual experience that feels at odds with the intended tone.

Art Samples:

Final Thoughts:

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RED SONJA: NOIR is a perfectly adequate one-shot that doesn’t quite live up to its intriguing premise. It’s an easy read, but it won’t be one that sticks with you long after you’ve turned the final page. It’s a decent enough diversion if you’re a die-hard Red Sonja fan, but for those looking for a truly captivating “noir” experience or a memorable Red Sonja adventure, this one might leave you wanting more.

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