Red Sonja #7 Review

 

Writer: Torunn Gronbekk

Artist: Walter Geovani

Colorist: Omi Remalante Jr.

Letterer: Jeff Eckleberry

Cover Artists: Lucio Parrillo, Bjorn Barends, Joseph Michael Linsner, Francesco Francavilla, Jenny Frison, Frank Thorne & Cosplay

Publisher: Dynamite Comics

Price: $3.99

Release Date: January 24, 2023

 

Red Sonja opened an interdimensional portal and freed the god trapped in Lady Alaberta’s black diamond. Kulan Gath used the portal to defy death and return to the mortal plane. Now, Gath marches through the border kingdoms, leading a band of ravagers. More trouble afflicts nearby Brythunia. What terrors did Red Sonja unleash on the Hyborian World? Let’s leap into Red Sonja #7 and find out!

 

Story

Kulan Gath defied the gods and returned to Earth. Now, he feels aches and pains, and his aging muscles tire from exertion. Gath had planned to take over Thord Varg’s army, but the She-Devil defied him and freed the soldiers from their oath. So Gath gathers a band of sword and axe-wielding traitors. They storm a castle and celebrate their victory in a tavern.

 

The god brought Red Sonja to a convent in Brythunia. While the She-Devil healed from her ordeal, more injured people arrived. They filled the beds of the infirmary where the sisters attended their wounds. The Sister Superior summons Red Sonja to her office in Red Sonja #7. She explains that the injured began arriving shortly after Red Sonja. The victims describe strange, otherworldly attackers. Sister Superior wonders if Red Sonja opened the Gates Of Hell. She disapproves of the She-Devil’s violent life but hopes Red Sonja can close the gates and end the Witching Hour.

 

A sister gives Red Sonja herbs to ward off evil spirits. Red Sonja accepts the nun's kindness but knows it will take more to banish the demons. She mounts her horse, and rides to the nearby village of Ludlow. Red Sonja finds the streets abandoned. Frightened villagers peer out the windows of their homes. A scream fills the air. Red Sonja spurs her horse into a gallop.

 

In Red Sonja #7, Torunn Gronbekk shows how the She-Devil empathizes with others. Although she wields great power, Red Sonja risks her life to protect the weak and helpless. This time, she'll face more than Kulan Gath's band of sword and axe-wielding traitors. Gods walk the Earth. Legendary creatures called Tsjoko seek out human prey. Fear of these ancient Earth Spirits drives the Brythunians to abandon civilized gods like Mitra or the goddess mentioned by Sister Superior. Instead, locals appeal to ancient gods and follow a less humane worship.

 

Still, Kulan Gath remains a threat. Through his knowledge of human nature and the force of his personality, the sorcerer mobilizes an army capable of storming a castle. Only after securing victory does Gath summon magic. He's on a mission. Gath searches for something or perhaps someone. Whatever he seeks, rest assured it won’t bring peace to the Hyborian world.

 

 

 

Art

Kulan Gath digs a cane into the snow as he climbs a hill in Red Sonja #7. He grits his teeth, and his exhalation is visible amid the storm. While a castle rises in the distance, a barren tree frames our view as he turns and urges his followers to keep up. Their features look soft compared with Gath’s crows-feet, wrinkles, and prominent cheekbones. Yet they raise their weapons above their heads as they shout and charge the wooden castle doors.

 

Garbed in black & white cloth from head to toe, a sister covers her mouth when she sees Red Sonja has pulled up her dress and tied it beneath her breasts. The sister fumbles to loosen the knot. Leaving her axe and wood pile behind, Red Sonja smiles as she dashes off. Sister Superior wears a frown as she talks with the She-Devil. Her frown deepens as she grasps Red Sonja’s weapon and lifts it with two hands.

 

In Red Sonja #7, Omi Remalante Jr. enhances Walter Geovani’s storybook art with vibrant color. The traitorous rabble rejoice in the gray stone tavern illuminated by flaming torches. Yet Kulan Gath’s electric green magic makes the interior seem dim. The blood of injured locals matches Red Sonja's hair and cape, although the latter two show more highlighting and shading. Her armor and weapons shimmer like silver and gold, contrasting with her lightly tanned skin. While brown, gray, and beige dominate the town of Ludlow, verdant green fills panels as Red Sonja rides into the surrounding forest.

 

Jeff Eckleberry shares Torunn Gronbekk’s narration on beige parchment and dialogue in white balloons. Wavy rows fill yellow balloons as the drunken traitors celebrate their victory. Stressed words grow bold, and raised voices swell the large-size uppercase words. While enormous black letters threaten to burst their balloons, the green clicking that fills panels hints at the danger threatening Red Sonja, if not all humankind.

 

Thanks to Dynamite Comics for providing a copy for review.

 

Final Thoughts

A sorcerer who returned from the dead seeks supernatural power, and ancient gods judge Humans guilty of crimes against nature in Red Sonja #7.

 

Rating 9.6/10

 

For more cover art see my review at Comic Book Dispatch.