REVIEW: 'Invincible Red Sonja' #4 by Jimmy Palmiotti, Amanda Conner, Matt Carter, and Moritat

 Everything changes for Red Sonja when Brelraq exacts his revenge!

THE INVINCIBLE RED SONJA #4

Writer: Jimmy Palmiotti, Amanda Conner

Artist: Moritat, Matt Carter

Letterer: Dave Sharpe

Publisher: Dynamite Entertainment

Release Date: September 15, 2021

Cover Price: $3.99

This issue is all-out action as the Grim Reaper descends upon the kingdom of Erkhara in response to Red Sonja's actions, dangerously destabilizing the realm, and as for Sonja herself? Let's just say those glowing eyes of hers in issue #1 are a clue!

AMANDA CONNER, JIMMY PALMIOTTI and MORITAT continue to reveal an epic that will stand the test of time!

Score:

★★★★★ (5/5)

With seasoned comic book vets like Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti writing 'Invincible Red Sonja' you know to expect an iconic version of the She-Devil with a Sword. There is some deviation depending on the creatives but Sonja is always a bad-ass warrior, an opportunistic mercenary, an agent of justice, with a cunning sense of humor, and sometimes a little sexy. Despite the way she's drawn and how revealing her armored bikini is, she's rarely sexualized for the sake of it. She has her own agency and along with artist Moritat, Sonja encompasses all those traits as the hero in this sweeping epic adventure. 

I've always said new comics, or in any story arc, are made or broken by the third or fourth chapter. IRS issue four not only makes this series an undisputed winner, but it is also a monumental shift in the storyline that has Sonja trying to overcome immeasurable odds. Usually, we're used to Sonja finding a way out of a situation using her wits and her sword. But what if she isn't triumphant? What if she falls to the power of magic? What if she's incapable of escaping the vengeful retribution of a powerful wizard? Those are the questions Team IRS poses in this issue and it's one of the greatest cliffhangers in Red Sonja history. 

Moritat has shined on this series especially in crowded fight scenes but while this issue has its share of fighting it's the dramatic use of magic and the psychological effects of those powers that really stand out. Without giving too much away, Sonja and Tuma's return to the King with the head of the thief who stole the crown is the catalyst for Brelaq the Wizard's catastrophic freakout. His powers are on full display with the force of a disintegrating light beam that fries his victims. Moritat's designs are visually compelling and horrific in the best ways. Coupled with Matt Carter's rich and colorful hues that add depth and strength to those magical forces. Brelaq is shown to be a formidable adversary, the art team makes certain of it with mindblowing sequences. 

If you thought 'Invincible Red Sonja' was going to be just another walk in the park for the She-Devil with a Sword you are sadly mistaken. Team IRS raises the stakes in big ways with this game-changing fourth issue. With a jaw-dropping cliffhanger, it's everything you could hope for and more in a Red Sonja comic.