Legenderry: Red Sonja #1 takes place shortly after defeating the Council’s army. Red Sonja, now fully aware of who she is, heads back to the Big City to spend some quality “me time” and bumps into an army of stitched-together monstrosities who are chasing after an older man. Being Red Sonja, she gets involved, and the story begins.
Legenderry: Red Sonja #1 continues the happy mix of sources and story types that the miniseries introduced. Legenderry has already introduced Dr. Moreau and his nightmare creatures, why not add some Frankenstein monsters to the mix? Marc Andreyko gets Red Sonja’s new story started here, introducing the antagonists and a possible ally and ends on a cliffhanger, leaving the details of “Why” and “how” for the next issue. Personality-wise, his Red Sonja is more like Gail Simone’s than older variants: She wants male company and lots of it. She does look to be bathing more often, however, judging by this issue’s fashionable outfit.
Aneke draws a lovely steampunk-world, complete with all the trimmings now expected. Red Sonja’s trademark metal bikini with is combined with khaki’s, boots, gloves, a gesture toward a jacket, and (of course) goggles. She is also carrying both a sword and a gun. There is a lovely Western/Steampunk saloon to visit. Her design for Sonja’s potential ally is a perfect blend of the classic look and the steampunk aesthetic. Opening panels parallel Red Sonja and a black-hooded figure, hinting at similarities that I hope Aneke and Andreyko will develop in later issues.
The Legenderry: Red Sonja series promises to be fun for those who enjoyed the Legenderry miniseries and for those who like seeing familiar characters fighting in unfamiliar circumstances.
Writer: Marc Andreyko
Artist: Aneke
Colors: Impacto Studios
Letters: Dave Lanphear
Covers: Joe Benitez and Ivan Nunes, Cedric Poulat, Sergio Fernandez Davila and Ivan Nunes
