RED SONJA (VOL. 7) #2, from Dynamite Comics on 8/16/23, brings Red Sonja closer to Vestfold and Thord Varg’s unholy influence when the mad cleric searches for a special gem.
The Details
- Written by: Torunn Grønbekk
- Art by: Walter Geovani
- Colors by: Omi Remalante Jr.
- Letters by: Simon Bowland
- Cover art by: Stephen Platt (cover A)
- Comic Rating: Teen+
- Cover price: $4.88
- Release date: August 16, 2023
Is It Good?
RED SONJA (VOL. 7) #2 is another strong entry in the series by Torunn Grønbek, but one narrative choice brings the enjoyment of this comic down compared to the previous issue. It’s a fixable choice, but it’s not a great sign when you start to get mildly annoyed halfway through a comic.
When last we left Red Sonja, she readied herself to enjoy a pint of ale and a warm fire in a local inn when the surrounding patrons suddenly turned on her. Now, Red Sonja hacks and slashes her way through possessed men in her travels to Velanger, only to be captured by Thord Varg’s zealots.
What’s great about this comic? Grønbekk’s premise and plot are clear, with a solid mix of action/adventure, mystery, and a grim atmosphere. We like Thord Varg’s development as a villain who meant to do right by his people, opening himself up to dark forces that turn him into a dangerous zealot. And the gritty action is excellent.
What’s not so great about this comic? There’s one narrative choice that acts as an irritating fly in the ointment of this series – the disembodied narrator. The voice is either a competing god to Thord Varg’s dark master, or it’s the quiet whisper of Red Sonja’s patron god, Scathach, or it’s something else entirely. Whichever entity it belongs to, the voice continually talks over the story as it’s happening, possibly influencing the actions of side characters, ultimately creating an undercurrent of distracting noise. Imagine watching a football game (or any sport of your choice) while the announcer rambles on and on about the sound tuning he performs to help announce the game.
You’re watching the story while somebody else is telling you a different perspective of the story that may or may not be relevant, and it turns into an annoying buzz in your ear.
How’s the art? Outstanding. Walter Geovani and Omi Remalante Jr. are delivering some of the best work of their careers in this issue. The ine and figure work is clean and sharp, the action choreography is grounded and forceful, and the coloring is pristine. This comic looks great.
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What’s It About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
Check out our RED SONJA (VOL. 7) #2 review to find out how Thord Varg became the emissary of darkness.
We begin with the cliffhanger from issue #1 where Red Sonja found herself surrounded in a tavern by men possessed of a whisper in their minds ordering them to kill her. Red Sonja makes easy work of the villagers, and when the room is clear, she finds an old man cowering in the corner. The old man tells Red Sonja about the unceasing whisper.
Elsewhere, Thord Varg tears the royal vault of the king’s throne room looking for the missing element that will allow his people to regain dominance over the surrounding kingdoms. In the writings of an ancient text, he learns that a black gem is required to complete a special ritual, and his underlings inform him that the last person known to possess the gem was Red Sonja.
Later, Thord Varg sends his warriors on a special task. We conclude the issue with refugees carrying a warning, a fight to the death, and the price of innocent blood.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at preview images of the internal pages, or Click Here to jump right to the score.
Final Thoughts
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RED SONJA (VOL. 7) #2 delivers a dangerous and believable villain, excellent action, and outstanding art for a reasonably good second issue. That said, the narration frequently overlaps and competes with the main story, creating an annoying distraction.
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