SAMURAI SONJA #2, from Dynamite Comics on July 20th, 2022, follows Sonja as she makes her way to confront the wicked Oni King, but she must deal with a talkative, mind-reading monkey first.
The Details
- Written by: Jordan Clark
- Art by: Miriana Puglia
- Colors by: Kike J. Diaz
- Letters by: Jeff Eckleberry
- Cover art by: Clayton Henry (cover A)
- Cover price: $3.99
- Release date: July 20, 2022
Is It Good?
SAMURAI SONJA #2 brings readers into Sonja Asakura’s world as she assumes the title of Samurai Sonja and accepts the Sun Goddess’s task of destroying the Oni King. Does this second issue build on the first and open a new world of Sonja adventures? No, not even a little bit.
Honestly, it’s impossible to tell what Clark was thinking by writing this issue. When a new character is created, it’s absolutely critical to hook the reader as quickly and deeply as possible. Grab the reader, and don’t let go until they are thoroughly invested in the character’s journey. Issue #2 is absolutely the wrong time for a casual, breather episode where the biggest challenge Samurai Sonja faces is an annoying monkey.
Yes, you read that right. Samurai Sonja encounters a mind-reading, talking monkey on the road, and the most you could say about the monkey is that it’s annoying. The monkey doesn’t threaten Sonja, steal her things, or try to impede her progress. The monkey only taunts her from a safe distance. At the risk of script-doctoring, maybe Sonja should find a way to befriend a monkey with mind-reading powers that could come in handy.
As for the rest of the plot, there is no rest of the plot. Samurai Sonja encounters a monkey. Samurai Sonja deals with the monkey. The end. Clark mildly works in a Samurai lesson about being in the present moment, but it doesn’t fit the resolution, and the best you could say is that this issue teaches Samurai Sonja how to be a slightly better fighter.
Regardless of the story (or lack thereof), Puglia’s art is fantastic in this issue. Puglia breathes life into the monkey with a human personality but all the simian traits of movement and mannerisms for a wholly unique character. Diaz’s colors are expertly applied, although the palette selection is very muted to the point of almost being dull, and Eckleberry’s lettering is top-notch.
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What’s It About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
For a recap on how Sonja Asakura became Samurai Sonja, check out our SAMURAI SONJA #1 review.
We begin with a brief recap by the Sun Goddess, Amaterasu, on the creation of Samurai Sonja and the challenge she must undertake to save her family name. Now, Samurai Sonja enjoys a cup of green tea before starting on her long trek to the palace of the Oni King.
Later, Sonja encounters a dead body on the trail. A body ripped apart and stripped of all armor and clothing. The discovery puts her on guard for whatever might lay waiting in the woods. Soon, Sonja hears a voice in the trees repeating her thoughts back to her out loud. Sonja finds the source, and a mischievous-looking monkey drops down from the trees to greet her.
Sonja walks away from the monkey as it probes her mind and taunts Sonja with her fears and insecurities. Fed up with the taunts, Sonja draws her sword to attack the surly simian. The monkey dodges every sword slash because Sonja thinks about the attack before she executes it. We conclude the issue with late-night reading, a lesson in mindfulness, and defeat.
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Final Thoughts
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SAMURAI SONJA #2 is beautifully drawn with solid pacing and energy, but the plot does nothing to get readers invested in a new character, and may even show Samurai Sonja lacks good judgment. The one event in this issue is pointless, doesn’t further or help Sonja’s challenge, and the resolution doesn’t quite make sense. If the goal was to get readers invested in a new character, this is the wrong direction to get there.
Related Information
Do Samurais still exist?
Officially, Samurai no longer exist as a recognized role within Japanese culture. However, many of the precepts of duty and honor innate to the Samurai are still prevalent in Japanese society today. Unofficially, there are modern groups whose members occupy roles inspired by the Samurai.
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