VAMPIRELLA VS. RED SONJA #5 – Comic Review

VAMPIRELLA VS. RED SONJA #5, from Dynamite Comics on March 8th, 2023, concludes the multiverse-ending battle against the Netherborn as Vampirella and Red Sonja must work together to stop the supernatural evil… if they don’t kill each other first.

The Details

• Written by: Dan Abnett
• Art by: Alessandro Ranaldi, Pasquale Qualano
• Colors by: Ellie Wright
• Letters by: Jeff Eckleberry
• Cover art by: Lucio Parrillo (cover A)
• Comic Rating: Teen+
• Cover price: $3.99
• Release date: March 8, 2023

Is It Good?

VAMPIRELLA VS. RED SONJA #5 concludes the epic battle against the Netherborn with a twist reveal, massive stakes, a big battle, and the one thing every major story should do when it ends – establish a new status quo. This issue isn’t perfect, but it’s a solid finish for an otherwise exceptional arc.

When last we left Ella and Red, they came to blows under the presumption that the other was under the influence of the Netherborn. Now, they quickly work their bad assumptions out and partner up to tackle the Netherborn head-on.

This series works as well as it does because the characters couldn’t be more different, yet they’re equally strong in their own ways. Dan Abnett has the separately distinctive voices of Vampirella and Red Sonja down pat, and he manages to weave in a trait that allows the two to find something in common and develop a type of sibling connection. Vampirella and Red Sonja may not ever like each other, but they find a way to respect the common thread that binds them.

As much as this is a big action finale, Abnett also creates a strong character piece that elevates both protagonists in new and interesting ways.

The minor down point of the issue is the mildly antic-climactic final battle against the Netherborn. Part of the victory happens off-panel, which is an odd choice considering nearly eight pages are devoted to the epilogue, where the outcome of the final battle is described but not shown. In fairness, the epilogue is very good, as it sets the stage for a new status quo for just about everyone, but you get the feeling the final victory was cut short due to lack of page space.

Ranaldi, Qualano, and Wright deliver a decent set of visuals in the finale with characters and backgrounds that span the universe. Honestly, the art has been the weakest aspect of this series, but it’s at least consistent and generally not bad, so kudos to the art team for finishing well.

Keep scrolling for a closer look at the covers, or Click Here to jump right to the story description with some spoilers.

What’s It About?

[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]

Check out our VAMPIRELLA VS. RED SONJA #4 review to find out how Vampirella made it to Black Terror’s Earth.

We begin with Red Sonja and Vampirella at each other’s throats. They each believe the other is under the spell of the Netherborn and must be eradicated. Ultimately, they share enough about themselves to realize they’re both on the same side for the same reason.

Now united, the team turns their attention toward the Netherborn resident in Tim Terror’s body. Vampirella and Red Sonja quickly formulate a plan based on their mutual experiences, and the team charges into the attack.

Unfortunately, the team realizes too late that one of their own really is under the Netherborn’s influence. We conclude the issue with self-sacrifice, a change in leadership, and a class in session.

Keep scrolling for a closer look at preview images of the internal pages, or Click Here to jump right to the score.

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