Pick Of The Week - Red Sonja: She Devil With A Sword #1
From Dynamite Comics is a new Red Sonja series that drops us into a new revolt and new adventures. My pick of the week is Red Sonja: She Devil With A Sword #1.
“Know also, ‘o prince, that in the self-same days that the Cimmerian did stalk the Hyborian Kingdoms, one of the few swords worthy to cross with his was that of Red Sonja, warrior-woman out of majestic Hyrkania.”
A bold new series, featuring the Dynamite Debut of writer Rory (King Spawn) McConville and artist Pablo de Bonis!
Red Sonja must protect the last descendent of an ancient bloodline from a revolutionary movement determined to reshape all of Hyboria! Featuring the debut of the Cult of the Rising Sun and several new friends and foes of the She-Devil with a Sword! Be there!
Author: Rory Mcconville
Artists: Stuart Sayger, and Pablo De Bonis
Red Sonja: She-Devil With a Sword #1 is exactly the kind of relaunch that reminds readers why the character has endured for so long. Red Sonja is a classic fantasy icon, but one of the strengths of every new series is how accessible it feels for new readers, and this opening issue absolutely continues that tradition. You do not need decades of continuity knowledge to jump in and enjoy the story. The creative team gives us just enough background on who Sonja is, what drives her, and the kind of world she inhabits before immediately throwing us into the action.
What makes this debut work so well is its pacing. The issue wastes very little time, quickly establishing the growing tension in the world around Sonja. There is a revolution brewing, and the people behind it are not portrayed as simple villains. Their motivations and frustrations feel understandable, which immediately adds some depth to the conflict. That moral greyness gives the story a stronger foundation, because even though Red Sonja may not entirely agree with them, she is clearly navigating a situation that is more complicated than a straightforward battle between good and evil.
At the same time, the comic never forgets to deliver the elements readers want from a Red Sonja story. There is plenty of strong action throughout the issue, with Sonja thrown into brutal and dangerous situations that showcase both her skill and her fierce personality. Alongside the combat, there are also subtle hints of something darker and more mystical happening beneath the surface. The touches of magic and mystery help build anticipation for where the series could go next, especially as the issue closes on a genuinely effective cliffhanger that leaves you wanting the next chapter immediately.
One of the most intriguing aspects introduced here is the Cult of the Rising Sun. The organisation already feels layered and potentially dangerous, with enough mystery surrounding it to keep readers guessing. There is a strong sense that larger forces are operating behind the scenes, and uncovering who is truly pulling the strings could become one of the most compelling parts of the series moving forward.
The artwork complements the story perfectly. The visuals are clean, crisp, and easy to follow during the more intense action sequences, ensuring every fight feels impactful and dynamic. Beyond the action, the expressive facial work helps sell the emotion and tension of key scenes, while the overall character and costume designs fit the world's tone extremely well. The art captures both the savage fantasy atmosphere and Red Sonja's personality, balancing grit with style throughout.
Overall, this is an excellent opening issue and an easy pick of the week. It successfully reintroduces Red Sonja for longtime fans while remaining welcoming to newcomers, delivering action, intrigue, mystery, and strong visual storytelling in equal measure.
