Review: Red Sonja #18
When a writer has a grasp this firm on who a character is from day one, like Gail Simone has with Red Sonja, it is always bittersweet reading through their final comic. The quality of every comic so far has been fantastic and the conclusion not only reaches the high bar set by the prior issues, but surpasses it.
Red Sonja finds herself with a rare moment of relaxation in a citadel with a group of nuns whom she has become the protector of. It is with this relationship the theme that has permeated the length of Simone‘s run becomes reinforced. Sonja has been slowly learning that she does not have to be the devil that everyone sees her as and this idea reaches its peak here. For the first time since her childhood, Sonja is read a story which she has refused to do because, when she tried to learn, she could never quite get it. It is with this kindness from the nuns, that Sonja creates another bond that lays a beautiful motivation for her fight with the attacking Viper assassins sent to burn the Citadel. This story is a fantastic conclusion that is not based on any epic buildup or fantastic final battle. Rather, it is a worthy tie up of the understanding within Sonja that she can be whatever she chooses, even if she chooses to remain the same beer drinking, fighting, and randy barbarian she has always been. Even with this larger idea at play, the story never loses its humor, which has been as instrumental to Sonja as a character as any of the action or backstory. The narrative does a phenomenal job of seamlessly transitioning from action, to humor, to introspective growth, all while telling a great and worthwhile final issue for the series.
The artwork is very strong throughout. It is especially impressive in the parts where the story Sonja is being read comes to life with heavy lines that are drenched in a red haze. The pages with Sonja herself are well laid out and each panel design is well matched with the emotions being felt on the page. The action scenes are very impressive and Sonja always looks menacing and powerful, making each of her blows all the more believable. Artist Walter Geovani also does a very commendable job keeping the blood in the fights controlled and realistic, allowing it to enhance the pain rather than distract from the story.
Overall, this issue is a wonderful conclusion to an incredible run of comics. If you have not read any Red Sonja before this, go and grab every prior issue and then make sure you buy this one too.
Story: Gail Simone Art: Walter Geovani
Story: 9 Art: 8 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy
Dynamite Entertainment provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Does this praise include Sonja beating to death the poor sod who warned her of the assassins just because he was a jerk about it? Coming right after an arc about the importance of forgiveness, it doesn’t sound like she learned much there?
I don’t believe that scene detracts from the story. He was technically warning her of the assassins, but more so he was mocking the fact her and all those she had grown close to were going to die and he was going to love it. It would be one thing if it had been a simple warning of the danger coming but he said “I came to gloat and see you despair” which makes it a bit different. It was less an issue of failing to forgive and more an issue of someone threatening to endanger those she has come to protect and care for. I think that scene could definitely could have been done better but it takes nothing away from the praise the issue earned in my mind. Of course, its easy for us to see the same scene differently and come to two equally logical conclusions. It’s definitely an interesting point to bring up of character continuity.