Legenderry: Red Sonja #1
Dynamite Entertainment
Story by: Marc Andreyko
Art by: Aneke
After the success of Legenderry: A Steampunk Adventure, the breakout star of course was Red Sonja. She along with Vampirella and the Green Hornet got a spin-off series with the same alternate universe, steampunk aesthetic created by Bill Willingham. In Legenderry: Red Sonja #1 by Marc Andreyko and Aneke provide a great debut for the She-Devil with a Sword as she ducks to find some rest but instead stumbles upon a mystery and supernatural danger. What else could we want?
If there was any doubt that the great warrior known as Red Sonja couldn’t transcend beyond the medieval fantasy realm, then Bill Willingham proved she could with great success. The same sass, bravery and penchant for beer and men is alive and well as Andreyko sets up an intriguing adventure when Sonja returns from a long voyage.
She bumps into an old man who’s being chased by some dubious men. Later, a confrontation ensues and she finds herself in the middle of a battle that could have world-changing implications.
The danger escalates quickly, but it’s a fun, light-hearted affair so far. Sonja is her signature self with a sarcastic wit and swashbuckling bravado on full display. It’s a great set-up for what seems like an engaging conflict to come. The world itself is like nothing we’ve seen Sonja in before. The Victorian influences are there but so are motor vehicles. It all makes for a strange new world for Sonja to delve into and she remains the focus beyond the obvious reasons.
Frankly, it would be hard to mess up a Red Sonja story. She’s fierce, unafraid and self-aware. I like where Andreyko is taking her so far. He’s got her personality just right.
Aneke provides the wonderful art capturing Sonja’s presence and stature as she walks the boardwalk. The action sequences are well choreographed especially the car chase. Everything is well executed from layouts to colors bringing this alternate universe to life.
Legenderry: Red Sonja #1 is another rip-roaring adventure series from Dynamite that is undeniably fun. It’s well worth the time and money to support good old-fashioned storytelling that brings back the joy in comic books.