Skip to main content

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. 

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

REVIEW: 'Little Monsters' #1 by Jeff Lemire and Dustin Nguyen

  LITTLE MONSTERS #1 Writer: Jeff Lemire Artist: Dustin Nguyen Publisher: Image Comics Release Date: March 9, 2022 Cover Price: $3.99 They are the last children on Earth... who also happen to be vampires. For longer than they can remember, these child vampires have lived a life of eternal wonder amongst the ruins of humanity. But shocking events fracture the group and set them on a path of discovery that will shatter their innocence forever. Score: ★★★★1/2 (4.5/5) There are certain comic book creators whose books I'll pick up without hesitation. One of those creators is Jeff Lemire. He instills confidence knowing that his stories will be thoughtful and engaging. You add a talented artist like Dustin Nguyen on another collaborative effort and well, 'Little Monsters,' is a must-buy. I know, shocking.   They team up again with an intriguing post-apocalyptic vampire tale featuring "the last children on Earth" who've been left to their own devices among the ruin...
Post a Comment
Read more

PREVIEW: 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds' Omnibus, Vol. 1

Explore never-before-seen adventures of the hit Paramount+ show in this graphic novel omnibus! Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Omnibus, Vol. 1 Writers: Mike Johnson, Kristen Beyer, Ryan Parrot Artists: Megan Levens, Angel Hernandez Publisher: IDW Publishing Trade Paperback: August 20, 2025, $24.99 First, in The Illyrian Enigma, set between seasons one and two, Una is accused of unlawful genetic modification by Starfleet and Captain Pike sets out in search of evidence that could prove her innocence. But when Captain Pike and the crew of the Enterprise get caught in the Pryllia colony, home to the elusive Illyrians, the mission objective quickly shifts from gathering evidence to exonerate Una to…breaking out. Then, in The Scorpius Run, set course with Captain Pike and the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise to the Scorpius Constellation as they become the first Federation vessel to explore this uncharted region of space! In this romp across the stars, the Enterprise crew learn what i...
Post a Comment
Read more

PREVIEW: THE ART OF INVINCIBLE SEASON ONE Companion Hardcover Offers a Behind the Scenes Look at the Hit Series

  Today Skybound debuted an all-new look at  The Art of Invincible Season One,  the behind-the-scenes companion to Prime Video’s hit animated series,  Invincible.  This hardcover marks the first animation artbook produced by Skybound Entertainment for the landmark franchise’s jump to television and will be available everywhere books are sold on March 27, 2024.     The Art of Invincible Season One  features never-before-seen production art, and exclusive commentary on the hit Prime Video series from key creatives, including  Invincible  comic co-creators Robert Kirkman and Cory Walker. Superfans of the hit animated series will be happy to find exclusive characters, backgrounds, vehicle designs, key art, and more inside this volume!    The critically acclaimed adult animated superhero series is currently airing the first half of its eight-episode second season on Prime Video, with new episodes airing weekly on #...
Post a Comment
Read more