“Vampirella vs Red Sonja: Red City #1” Review – A Gloriously Beautiful Battle

The Run Down

By now, it’s safe to assume that Dynamite will give us a Red Sonja and Vampirella crossover every few years. From the years of 2019 to 2020, we had a 12-issue crossover run from writer Jordie Bellaire. Then, from 2022 to 2023, we got a story from Dan Abnett. There the titular characters were recruited by a group called The Project. Finally, if we want to count it, both Red Sonja and Vampirella appeared as cameos in the massive “DC K.O.” event. Alongside the likes of Homelander and Annabelle from “The Conjuring”. Now, we’re here, with this fantastic and latest crossover by Eisner award winning writer Chuck Brown (check out Matt & Lauren’s interview with him here)!

Writer: Chuck Brown
Artist: Paulo Mel
Colorist: Marcos Antônio
Letters: Jeff Eckleberry

The Writing

If you’ve read some of the previously mentioned crossovers, rest assured that you’ll highly benefit when reading this one. As odd of a choice as it may seem on paper, Brown utilizes the character of Dyna Might, introduced during Abnett’s “Powers Saga” where we meet The Project, as the audience surrogate. She quite honestly works perfectly as that, being someone who understands how both Red Sonja and Vampirella operate, being able to clearly communicate that to the reader.

Brown also expertly works in an object of importance from Bellaire’s aforementioned crossover mini-series. In such a short amount of time, he manages to show not only how powerful it is, but why it’s being included here. The fact that he was able to bring in all of these previous elements without making things confusing or making new readers feel like they have to do homework is a testament as to why he’s an award winning writer.

Further proof of that is how he worked in a specific plot twist in such a short amount of time. While I won’t spoil what it is, how he managed to pull it off was mind blowing. The only thing I wish was that this was either a mini-series or an ongoing, just so that the tension preceding it had more time to sit and fester with the audience. Had that been the case, I feel like the twist could’ve been even more impactful. That being said however, it was very well done for the time allowed. At the end of the day, everything on display here made me want so much more as this was stellar!

The Art

Can we get Paulo Mel and Marcos Antônio on more books? Because we need these two on more books. Seriously, the art and colors perfectly match Brown’s writing in how amazing they are. Mel’s art style here has an almost anime-likeness to it, particularly in the character reactions and some of the close-up panels. In speaking of the panels, Mel almost always made sure there was something going on or something to look at. I especially loved it when he has characters breaking frame in some way or another, as it lends heavily to helping these characters truly pop.

As for the colors, they worked in perfect conjunction with Paulo’s artwork. Where Mel made the characters pop through the paneling, Antônio made them pop through his expert use of color. He truly made this world and its characters come to life in a way that needs to be seen to be believed.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a fan of Chuck Brown or just love the titular heroines, this is a prime example of how single-issue crossovers should be done. Let alone crossovers between these two. After having put it down, I already want to give it another read. Brown and crew really worked together and made this a fun experience, albeit a short one that could’ve just as easily made for a fantastic series.

Overall Grade: 9/10

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Comments

Are you a fan of Chuck Brown? Have you read the previous Vampirella and Red Sonja crossovers? Let’s discuss in the comments below!