Conan Red Sonja #1 (Dark Horse)

CREDIT: Dark Horse

Rating: 4/5 – Comics Two Greatest Barbarians Together Again!
by ComicSpectrum EiC Bob Bretall.

Conan was originally created in prose stories by Robert E. Howard and subsequently brought to comics by Roy Thomas, whereas Sonja was created in the comics by Roy (in Conan the Barbarian #23 to be precise).   I’ve always associated these two characters with one another even after they both left Marvel Comics to be licensed out to various comics companies, so when I saw this series announced as a cooperative effort between current license holders Dark Horse (for Conan) and Dynamite (for Red Sonja), I was immediately on board.

The story, by veteran fantasy scribes Gail Simone (with a pedigree on Dynamite’s Red Sonja) and Jim Zub (who has done Pathfinder for Dynamite and his creator-owned Skullkickers from Image) takes us back to the first meeting between Conan and Sonja in this continuity.  They’ve both been know to be thieves at various points in their ‘careers’ and that’s how they meet in this issue, on a job. From there we launch into the meat of the tale that has a pay-off that will provide the thread to lead us through the remainder of the series.  Adding to the story is Dan Panosian’s art that is a perfect match for these characters, rough around the edges and full of energy.   His visual storytelling carried me through the issue from beginning to end and it felt right every step of the way.

Gail Simone and Jim Zub have got the personality of both Sonja and Conan down pat and Dan Panosian helps to bring both of them to life visually.  If you’re a fan of either character or sword and sorcery tales in general you should check this comic out.  I’m glad Dark Horse and Dynamite are playing together to let this combination of these two iconic characters happen.  Simone/Zub/Panosian are weaving a sharp story that gets off to a great start in this issue and I’m looking forward to seeing it play out.

Reviewed by: Bob Bretall
(bob@comicspectrum.com)
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