“Red Sonja: She-Devil With a Sword #4” Review – Twists and Chaos Abound!

The Run Down

Just in case you missed the incredible last issue, which, how dare you, if you did, allow me to help you catch up! In it, our heroines Red Sonja and Aretha worked together on figuring out a way to overcome the Rising Sun! In the meantime, Sonja’s been dealing with some past turmoil of her own. Will all of this come to a head? Will Red Sonja and Aretha come to terms with it all? Find out with me as I review ” Red Sonja: She-Devil With a Sword #4″!

Writer: Rory McConville
Artist: Pablo De Bonis
Colorist: Salvatore Aiala Neto
Letterer: Carlos M. Mangual

The Writing

In a move I don’t think anyone could’ve seen coming, McConville starts this issue with a genius decision: putting us right in the middle of chaos. Except, it isn’t done abruptly because that would be too simple. McConville slowly leads readers into it, letting De Bonis and Neto show, not tell, right away. Doing this left my mind scrambling, making me feel like I was in the shoes of our characters.

I don’t know how he does it, but McConville keeps finding new and unique ways to keep this story engaging and ramping up. Two other things that kept me fully sucked in this issue were an unexpected plot twist and a point of tension coming to a head. The twist itself is shocking up front, but it’s also something that makes sense when you look back, and as for the tension that comes to a head? It was so expertly well executed, my entire body leaning in while I read, smiling from ear to ear. That, to me, is a true mark of a fantastic read.

The Art

As I previously stated, De Bonis and Neto were allowed to speak a bit more here, and it shows. It became even clearer that McConville trusts these two to help build the twists and turns, all while building and toppling the world they create. To speak on one thing specifically, De Bonis really had the violence be over the top here, and I loved every moment of it. The intensity of the action perfectly matched the intensity of the writing. However, the violence is just one example of that intensity, as the looks of fear, anger, and resentment were beautifully done throughout.

As for the colors from Salvatore Aiala Neto, they were absolutely next level in this issue. In each panel, one can feel the heat of the flames, pulses of magic and anger in the violence, all through the brilliant use of color. To top it off, the lighting and shadow work on so many of the panels was absolutely astounding.

Final Thoughts

This midway point was exactly what this run needed. I don’t know how they’re doing it, but McConville and his crew keep making this story better and more exciting with each issue. “She-Devil With a Sword” is a true masterclass in fantasy writing, and I can’t get enough.

Overall Grade: 10/10

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Comments

Have you been reading “Red Sonja: She-Devil With a Sword”? How’re you enjoying it so far? Let’s discuss in the comments below!