Red Sonja #7: Revenge is for Idiots

Red Sonja #7 wastes no time in picking up on the battle against the Zamoran invaders, getting right to the heart of the Queen’s tactics and even her opinions on the role of government in Hyrkania in an action-packed issue.

This has been marketed as the start to a brand new arc, which is beneficial for new readers looking for a point to jump in and also as an introduction to the series new artist, Bob Q. However, I believe it is a mistake to view this series in such terms. This has been a long overarching narrative that is akin to a chess game, as warfare often is, where each ruler has made specific moves to bring about the chain of events we see.

After recently losing Kryon, one of the Sonja’s last remaining kin, the mood underwent a noticeable shift. The battle isn’t just about maneuvering to win, it’s about putting an end to the war. This rage-filled dedication kicks off a rather brutal chain of events that sees Sonja almost kill the Zamoran Emperor, Dagan the Magnificent.

Almost.

Though she fails to kill Dagan, she does manage to rescue the hostages and deal another crippling blow to the Zamorans by killing Snakes, one of Dagan’s favorites. This fight is depicted beautifully by the new artist Bob Q. While Red Sonja is a series that is certainly familiar with the themes of death, Bob Q brings a dynamic that matches both the humor and brutality exceptionally well. Mark Russell’s writing feels like it has become more focused recently, which is a relief. The pieces seem to be coming together for this series to truly be an epic sword and sorcery tale.

One of the best issues yet actually came in the form of a one-shot that featured very little of the titular character herself. The Lord of Fools set up Prince Cyril in a very unique and interesting way, so I was excited to see his return towards the end of issue #7. Although he is just another moving piece in the game at hand, the transition of leadership almost always brings unexpected turmoil. The recent developments of Sonja’s understanding on how to lead could prove to be an unexpected influence in Hyrkania.

Ultimately, Red Sonja #7 shows that the series does have a strong direction and despite being on such a grand scale, it can tell a story that is concise and equally enjoyable. With a new artist behind the wheel, it feels like things are only going to get better from here!