SAVAGE RED SONJA #5, by Dynamite Comics on 3/20/24, concludes the mini-series with a carefully executed plan to outsmart a dragon.
The Details
- Written by: Dan Panosian
- Art by: Alessio Petillo
- Colors by: Francesco Segala, Gloria Martinelli
- Letters by: Dave Sharpe
- Cover art by: Dan Panosian (cover A)
- Comic Rating: Teen
- Cover price: $3.99
- Release date: March 20, 2024
Is SAVAGE RED SONJA #5 Good?
Let’s recap the previous issue. Through a series of misdirections and assassination attempts by the cursed Marcus (a downtrodden barkeep with eternal life), Red Sonja avoids his plans to steal the Scepter and Ruby. These artifacts, when joined, grant any wish to the wielder.
Marcus’s estranged wife, the Pale Witch, approaches Red Sonja with a proposition. She despises Marcus and desires freedom from the goddess who grants her sword-wielding power. However, the Blood Ruby and Scepter can only be reunited with dragon fire. Red Sonja reluctantly agrees, and they set off.
Savage Red Sonja #5: A Quick Finale
This issue, the finale of the miniseries, feels rushed. The Pale Witch and Castille (a member of the Slayers of Shadizar) head towards the dragon’s lair, with Red Sonja joining them. The journey is filled with distrustful banter between Red Sonja and the Pale Witch, constantly questioning each other’s loyalty.
A Plan Fraught with Mistrust
Upon reaching the cave, Red Sonja proposes a plan. They’ll place the Scepter and Ruby together, distract the dragon with noise, and hope it breathes fire at the artifacts, fusing them. They’ll then grab the Scepter and escape.
The plan involves some misdirection and Castille setting up horses with ropes near the cave entrance for a quick getaway. It all unfolds smoothly. The dragon ignites the Ruby and Scepter with its fire, and the Pale Witch snatches it up, commanding the dragon to surrender its treasures and power.
Double-Crosses and a Cave-In
Meanwhile, Castille attempts a secret double-cross on Red Sonja, but she’s prepared. Red Sonja turns the tables, killing Castille and escaping the cave. The Pale Witch’s attempt to control the dragon fails, and Red Sonja cleverly uses the horses to collapse the cave entrance, presumably trapping the Pale Witch and the dragon.
Red Sonja Rides On
Red Sonja, having outsmarted everyone, retrieves the Ruby from a stream. It was a series of double-crosses, and she emerges victorious. Marcus believes his wife betrayed him, the Pale Witch is likely dead, and Red Sonja rides towards her next adventure.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at the covers, or Click Here to jump to the Final Thoughts and Score.
Review: Twists and Rushed Execution
This issue offers plenty of twists, red herrings, and tension due to the distrust between Red Sonja and the Pale Witch. However, the fast pacing detracts from the experience. The betrayal by Castille and the cave-in happen too quickly, leaving the reader wanting more development.
Major Plot Points Rushed
While the overall plot is clever, the execution feels rushed. Key moments occur off-panel or are glossed over. This creates a sense of incompleteness, like reading cliff notes instead of a fully developed story. The ending feels abrupt, leaving you wondering if a sixth issue was planned.
Subpar Artwork
Unfortunately, the artwork by Alessio Petillo with colors by Francesco Segala and Gloria Martinelli falls short. The linework is sketchy, and Red Sonja’s portrayal is often unattractive, lacking the expected image of a majestic warrior.
Final Thoughts
(Click this link 👇 to read this comic)
SAVAGE RED SONJA #5 has a promising plot concept with its web of double-crosses. However, the rushed execution of the story and the subpar artwork bring the issue down.
We hope you found this article interesting. Come back for more reviews, previews, and opinions on comics, and don’t forget to follow us on social media:
If you’re interested in this creator’s works, remember to let your Local Comic Shop know to find more of their work for you. They would appreciate the call, and so would we.
Click here to find your Local Comic Shop: www.ComicShopLocator.com
As an Amazon Associate, we earn revenue from qualifying purchases to help fund this site. Links to Blu-Rays, DVDs, Books, Movies, and more contained in this article are affiliate links. Please consider purchasing if you find something interesting, and thank you for your support.