In RED SONJA: THE SUPERPOWERS #5, available from Dynamite Comics on May 12th, 2021, Red Sonja is the last member of The Project left standing to arrest Vampirella for a crime she may or may not have committed.
The Details
- Written By: Dan Abnett
- Art By: Jonathan Lau
- Colors By: Andrew Dalhouse
- Letters By: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
- Cover Art By: Lucio Parrillo (cover A)
- Cover Price: $3.99
- Release Date: May 12, 2021
Was It Good?
No, it wasn’t good. It was GREAT!!!
It was great for one, simple reason — It kicked ass! This is what every superhero, action comic should aspire to do every single month.
On its surface, there’s not much story going on in this issue, but don’t be fooled by superficial observations. The story actually pushes two key character developments that go well beyond the typical “And then they fight” trope.
First, Red Sonja adapts to her new armor in ways that make her more effective beyond her natural fighting style. As the fight progresses, you see her learn and adjust. She’s evolving into a greater warrior.
Second, Vampirella outmatches Red Sonja if you take away the fancy techno-armor, but you can see Vampirella getting annoyed and frustrated with Sonja’s tenacity. That tenacity is irritating now, but you can tell it would only take one small push to flip that frustration into respect… possibly admiration.
The characters are growing. They’re learning about each other and from each other. As much as this issue is almost one big fight, the story progresses through the action, and that’s how comics action should work.
But to pull it off takes great art, and Jonathan Lau’s art is perfect for this kind of story. The panel angles are interesting, the action is fast and kinetic, and the whole book looks gorgeous. Dynamite would do well to hang on to Jonathan Lau for as long as they can.
View the RED SONJA: THE SUPERPOWERS #5 preview to behold the wonder of Lau’s art.
What’s It About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
We pick up immediately after the end of the last issue with Red Sonja arriving on Plural Earth 0666 to apprehend the fugitive known as Vampirella. “Fugitive?” you say. “What did she do?” you ask. Well, you have to read our RED SONJA: THE SUPERPOWERS #4 review to get the scoop.
There’s no elaborate chase or setup. We’re immediately presented with two warriors facing off in the middle of a city street. Vampirella is confident… almost arrogant… in her posture and her dismissive tone towards Red Sonja. Sonja is steely-eyed and determined to take Vampirella down as she has countless times against daemons on her Earth.
What’s special about how each character is portrayed here is that each is supremely confident they can win and in their own abilities, but they don’t come across as the same person. The difference between arrogance and determination is so close yet so distinctive between the two.
And then they fight, and it’s glorious. There’s not much more to be said other than who wins. Well, that’s one spoiler we won’t give away, but let’s just say the outcome makes sense.
How Does It End?
Neither Vampirella nor Red Sonja is fond of The Project’s “no killing” rule. Plural 6337 may be completely destroyed. A rematch is coming.
Final Thoughts
RED SONJA: THE SUPERPOWERS #5, available from Dynamite Comics on May 12th, 2021, is everything you want in a fun action comic. Excellent writing, outstanding art, and just enough tease at the end to set up what’s coming next.
Score: 9.5/10
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