REDCOAT #13 – New Comic Review

Redcoat #13, by Image Comics on 7/16/25, barrels onto the scene with the subtlety of a cannonball and the swagger of a centuries-old mercenary. If you thought history was boring, this issue is here to slap that notion right out of your powdered wig.

Credits:

• Writer: Geoff Johns
• Artist: Bryan Hitch, Andrew Currie
• Colorist: Brad Anderson
• Letterer: Rob Leigh
• Cover Artist: Bryan Hitch (cover A)
• Publisher: Image Comics
• Release Date: July 16, 2025
• Comic Rating: Teen
• Cover Price: $3.99
• Page Count: 36
• Format: Single Issue

Covers:

Analysis of REDCOAT #13:

First Impressions:

From the jump, Redcoat #13 grabs you by the lapels and refuses to let go. The blend of razor-sharp dialogue and cinematic visuals makes it impossible not to be swept up in the chaos, even if you’re just here for the snark and the swordplay.

Recap:

In Redcoat #12, Simon Pure’s alt-history escapades collided with the enigmatic Northerner, whose mission to save history threatened to unravel everything Simon thought he knew. The last issue saw our immortal antihero forced to confront the consequences of his own selfishness, as the fate of the Civil War, possibly the world, hung in the balance. With alliances fraying and time itself at risk, Simon’s choices set the stage for a showdown that promises to rewrite the rules of the game.

Plot Analysis:

Redcoat #13 opens with Simon Pure, the cynical immortal, reflecting on his mercenary life during the Civil War, emphasizing his neutrality and pursuit of profit over patriotism. He recounts his entanglement with The Northerner, a time-traveler who is chasing The Cobbler, another temporal disruptor providing advanced weaponry to the Confederacy. Simon, still in his distinctive red coat, finds himself caught between the “blue and gray” of the war, his existence punctuated by bullets, visions, and explosions.

The narrative quickly shifts to the present chase, with Simon, The Northerner, and a young orphan named Sarah in a stolen wagon, hurtling towards Atlanta. The Northerner stresses the urgency of their mission: they must stop The Cobbler before sunrise, or Confederate General Hood will receive the weapons, sealing America’s fate and, by extension, Simon’s. Simon grapples with the strange reality of time travel and modern weapons, questioning The Northerner’s dire warnings about the future but reluctantly starting to believe him.

A critical juncture arises when The Northerner decides to drop off Sarah at a contraband camp run by missionaries, a safe haven on the Underground Railroad. He intends to face The Cobbler alone, but both Simon and Sarah fiercely resist, insisting on staying and helping. Sarah’s quick thinking saves them from a booby-trapped bridge, as she hears a strange “beep” that causes their horses to halt just before disaster.

However, their brief reprieve is shattered by The Cobbler himself, who emerges from the shadows, mocking their “crude and unreliable” modern hardware, revealing his own superior grasp of time-displaced technology, and declaring his intent to “burn more bridges” and do more damage to history. A firefight erupts, and The Northerner, with grim determination, urges Simon and Sarah to take cover, while he plans to flank The Cobbler on foot through a ravine. The issue concludes with Simon and Sarah left behind amidst the chaos, trusting The Northerner to confront their time-bending foe.

Story

The writing in Redcoat #13 is as sharp as a newly honed bayonet. Geoff Johns delivers a compelling mix of historical setting and mind-bending time travel, all filtered through Simon Pure’s jaded yet surprisingly relatable perspective. The dialogue crackles, especially Simon’s sardonic internal monologue, which perfectly captures his cynicism and eventual, grudging heroism. The pacing is relentless, propelling the narrative forward with a sense of urgency that makes it impossible to put down. The stakes are clear, and the personal motivations of each character, even the mysterious time-travelers, are compelling.

Art

Bryan Hitch’s art is simply phenomenal, a masterclass in dynamic storytelling. Every panel is packed with detail, from the grim determination on The Northerner’s face to the explosive impact of The Cobbler’s futuristic weaponry. The action sequences are fluid and impactful, making you feel every bullet and explosion. Andrew Currie and Brad Anderson’s inks and colors bring it all to life with a rich, cinematic palette that enhances both the historical setting and the sci-fi elements. The character designs are distinctive and powerful, ensuring each player in this historical drama stands out.

Characters

Simon Pure remains the star, a wonderfully flawed anti-hero whose immortality hasn’t dulled his wit or his self-preservation instincts. His internal struggle with helping The Northerner, despite his natural inclination for neutrality, provides much of the issue’s emotional depth. The Northerner is suitably stoic and mysterious, a man burdened by future knowledge, and his interactions with Simon are a highlight. Young Sarah, despite her age, proves to be a surprisingly brave and vital addition to the team, her presence challenging Simon’s detachment and providing unexpected moments of heroism. The Cobbler, while not fully explored in this issue, is set up as a chillingly effective antagonist whose motivations are deeply unsettling.

Positives

This comic absolutely nails its premise, blending American history with high-concept sci-fi in a way that feels both fresh and engaging. The character dynamics are fantastic, particularly the reluctant partnership between Simon and The Northerner, which is rife with witty banter and underlying tension. The action sequences are incredibly well-choreographed and visually stunning, making every panel feel like a pivotal moment. The overarching mystery of the time war and its impact on history is genuinely intriguing, keeping you hooked and eager for the next installment.

Negatives

If there’s a weak spot, it’s that the story occasionally leans a bit too hard on exposition, especially when explaining the stakes of the alternate timeline. A few supporting characters could use more fleshing out, and the constant double-crosses threaten to tip into predictability if not handled carefully in future issues.

Art Samples:

Final Thoughts:

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REDCOAT #13 is a powerhouse of a comic. It’s a high-stakes, time-traveling adventure that doesn’t just deliver on action but also on sharp writing and compelling characters. Geoff Johns, Bryan Hitch, and the entire creative team have crafted a truly engaging experience that leaves you wanting more. This issue is a must-read for anyone looking for a unique spin on historical fiction and sci-fi.

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