Every month, I continue to be amazed that I look forward to a Red Sonja book. Gail Simone has revived this character to one that is incredibly enjoyable all while being foul of mouth and of scent. The insults that Simone puts into Sonja’s mouth are worth the cover price alone.
In this issue, we are told the tale of Malak, Red Sonja’s husband. Oh, you didn’t know she was married? Turns out, neither did she. While Sonja was away for two months at sea, Malak took the name Red Malak and spun quite the story of their courtship. Considering that he portrays Sonja as endearing, lovable and attentive, I can’t imagine how anybody could fall for it. She, of course, finds out about his fallacies and the story takes a rather interesting turn.
The reason I think that Gail Simone is clicking on all cylinders here is because the amount of fun she is having just spills from the page. Red Sonja in her hands is an absolute blast. Where else can you read dialog like, “…hulking fat pile of ox excrement”, “I used to have a pot to void myself in. The pot was stolen. I imagine I could still produce the fluid…”, “…a great sodden turd”, it just goes on and on. The magic is that even though Sonja is an abrasive warrior who loves her ale, she also has a soft side. It’s not very soft, probably more prickly, but it’s there. We’ve seen it multiple times and it comes out again in this story. It gives the character more depth and makes her that much more interesting. There are only a handful of books I read each month that actually bring me great joy. Books that I laugh while reading and that leave a smile on face after I’m done. I’m happy that Red Sonja is one of those books.
If you haven’t been reading this title then it’s time you find out more about Red Sonja. A girl who just wants “some drink, some hay, and someone to roll in it with”.
Covers: Gabriel Hardman
Writer: Gail Simone
Art: Noah Salonga
Publication Date: Jul 2014
Page Count: 32 pages
UPC: 725130217875 01011
ON SALE DATE: July 30
WHO IN THE HYBORIAN AGE IS RED MALAK? Sonja the Devil returns from war at sea, only to find that the entire coastline has been living in fear of a beastly marauder named Red Malak…who claims to be Sonja’s HUSBAND! Don’t miss this special Dynamite anniversary comedy of terrors!
