Comics Review: The Invincible RED SONJA #7 Has Fanservice, Too

THE INVINCIBLE RED SONJA #7
DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti
ARTIST: Moritat
COLORS: Matt Carter
LETTERS: Dave Sharpe
EDITOR: Matt Idleson
COVER: Amanda Conner with Paul Mounts
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Joseph Michael Linsner; Celina; Frank Cho; Carla Cohen; Jamie Biggs; Elias Chatzoudis; Amanda Conner, Rachel Hollon cosplay
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (January 2022)

Rated Teen+

Red Sonja is female high fantasy and sword and sorcery hero.  She first appeared in Conan the Barbarian #23 (cover dated February 1973) and was created by writer Roy Thomas and artist Barry Windsor-Smith.  Red Sonja was loosely based on “Red Sonya of Rogatino,” a female character that appeared in the 1934 short story, “The Shadow of the Vulture,” written by Conan the Cimmerian's creator, Robert E. Howard.

In 2005, Dynamite Entertainment began publishing comic books featuring differing versions of the character.  One of those is The Invincible Red Sonja.  It is written by Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti; drawn by Moritat; colored by Matt Carter; and lettered by Dave Sharpe.  In this recently launched series, Red Sonja finds herself on a spectacular journey filled with pirates, mermaids, princesses, and political intrigue as the fate of two kingdoms hangs in the balance.

The Invincible Red Sonja #7 opens in Scathach.  Or does it?  The spell of the now late wizard, Lord Brelaq, still won't let Sonja die.  The Kingdom of Erkhara is now in ruins, and Brelaq and the King and Queen are dead.  While Sonja recovers, she is attacked again.  Now, she and her partner, Tuma, plan to bring the sole survivors, Prince Ederik and his bride-to-be, Princess Zaria, to the latter's home kingdom of Belanj.  But there is no rest for the weary or the wicked.

THE LOWDOWN:  In July 2021, Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department began providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles.  One of them is The Invincible Red Sonja #7, which is the fourth issue of the series that I have read.

As usual, Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti offer a fun script and chapter.  The stars here, however, are artist Moritat and colorist Matt Carter.  Moritat offers several lovely shots of a nude Red Sonja, thick, heaving breasts aplenty.  Moritat's best is a splash page nude of Sonja's rear side, and Carter's colors shine on that ass.

Seriously, the series finds new villains, who are some seriously dark magic spewing muthas!  So now is not the time to stop reading.  Invincible Red Sonja is the bomb.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Red Sonja comic books will want to read The Invincible Red Sonja.

A

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


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Comics Review: "SHEENA Queen of the Jungle #3"

SHEENA: QUEEN OF THE JUNGLE VOLUME 2 #3
DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: Stephen Mooney
ART: Jethro Morales
COLORS: Dinei Ribero
LETTERS: Taylor Esposito
EDITOR: Joseph Rybandt
COVER: Lucio Parrillo
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Rose Besch; Arthur Suydam; Joseph Michael Linsner; Leslie Leirix; Ken Haeser; Lucio Parrillo; Rachel Hollon (cosplay)
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (January 2022)

Rated Teen+

Sheena originally created by S.M. “Jerry” Iger and Will Eisner

Sheena, Queen of the Jungle is an American comic book character.  She first appeared in the British magazine, Wags #46 ( January 1938), and was created by legendary American comic book creators, Will Eisner and S. M. “Jerry” Iger.  Sheena made her first American appearance in Jumbo Comics #1 (Fiction House, cover dated: September 1938) where she was a mainstay until 1953.  Sheena was also the first female comic book character to star in her own series.  A “jungle girl heroine,” Sheen was an orphan, like Edgar Rice Burroughs' Tarzan, who had adventures featuring African natives, wild animals, and white hunters and villains.

Dynamite began publishing Sheena comics in 2017 with a series that ran ten issues.  Dynamite is debuting a second series, Sheena: Queen of the Jungle, Volume 2.  It is written by Stephen Mooney; drawn by Jethro Morales; colored by Dinei Ribero; and lettered by Taylor Esposito.  The story finds Sheena investigating the strange goings on in “MegaPark,” Cardwell Industries' cutting-edge bio-dome in the middle of the Val Verde jungle.

As Sheena: Queen of the Jungle, Volume 2 #3 opens, Sheena still stalks the forest of the biodome/park, trying to discover why the first visitors inside the bio-dome have disappeared.  Sheena is also trying to find her animal friends who are trapped in the park.  Using her tracking skills, Sheena hopes to find the jaguar beast that has been attacking her since she entered the park.

Sheena must face this rogue beast that may or may not be responsible for all the death and destruction in the Mega-Park.  Now, Sheena has found a survivor, Beatrice Toussaint, but there is more to this woman than Sheena can imagine – much more.  And the truth about MegaPark is revealed.

THE LOWDOWN:  In July 2021, Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department began providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles.  One of them is Sheena Queen of the Jungle Volume 2 #3, which is the third Dynamite Sheena comic book that I have read.

The entire creative team of Sheena Queen of the Jungle Volume 2:  Stephen Mooney, Jethro Morales, Dinei Ribero; and Taylor Esposito continue to deliver a stellar series.  Fantastic story, beautiful art, glowing colors, and lively lettering:  the result is one of Dynamite's best series.  This issue's tale of Beatrice Toussaint is filled with magic and mystery.  She is this comic book's best supporting character to date.

And if you read this issue, dear readers, you will enjoy the magic and mystery.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Sheena will want to try Sheena Queen of the Jungle Volume 2.

A

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


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The text is copyright © 2022 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Comics Review: "VAMPIRELLA DRACULA UNHOLY #2" Wants a Booty Call

VAMPIRELLA  DRACULA UNHOLY VOLUME 1 #2
DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: Christopher Priest
ART: Donny Hadiwidjaja
COLORS: Mohan
LETTERS: Willie Schubert
EDITOR: Matt Idelson
COVER: Lucio Parrillo
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Shannon Maer; Rose Besch; Ken Haeser; Zoe Lacchei; Stanley “Artgerm” Lau; Peach Momoko; Lucio Parrillo; Dorria (cosplay)
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (January 2022)

Rated Teen+

“Let's Make a Deal”

Vampirella is a vampire and female superhero created by the late author and science fiction and horror expert, Forrest J Ackerman, and designed by comic book artist, Trina Robbins.  Vampirella first appeared in Vampirella #1 (Sept. 1969), the debut issue of a black and white horror comics magazine from Warren Publishing.  Writer-editor Archie Goodwin changed the character from a hostess of horror comics to a leading character in her own stories.

In 2010, Dynamite Entertainment obtained the character and has been publishing new Vampirella material since then.  Dynamite's latest Vampirella comic book series is a follow-up to the recently concluded Vampirella Volume 5 and is entitled Vampirella Dracula Unholy.  The new series is written by Christopher Priest; drawn by Donny Hadiwidjaja; colored by Mohan; and lettered by Willie Schubert.

Vampirella Dracula Unholy Volume 1 #2 (“Let's Make a Deal”) opens in Corona, Queens, New York.  Detectives Wallace and Michael arrive at the Ecsed home.  One of our heroes has become the target of a murder investigation, and a secret life is exposed.

Meanwhile, at Castle Bran, Braşov, Romania … Kidnapped by dark forces while on their honeymoon, Vampirella and her new husband, FBI Agent Mathias “Matt” Ecsed, are confronted with and tempted by the darkest sides of themselves.  Also, time is running out for them to complete the blood rite required to prevent the resurrection of the deadliest threat the world has ever known.

Will they ever get to consummating their marriage?!

THE LOWDOWN:  In July 2021, Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department began providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles.  One of them is Vampirella Dracula Unholy #2.  It is one of many Vampirella comic books that have engaged my imagination these last few months.

I don't want to spoil anything, but I can say that writer Christopher Priest presents some really intense scenes of Vampirella and Matt facing down confrontation.  Artist Donny Hadiwidjaja throws his super-powers into getting Priest's vision on the page, and Mohan's fiery colors sets the story ablaze.  Big things happen, and still more things prepare to explode.

I am surprised by how good Vampirella Dracula Unholy Volume 1 #2 is, but I shouldn't be.  It's Christopher Priest, after all.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Vampirella comics will want to read Vampirella Dracula Unholy Volume 1.

A-

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


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The text is copyright © 2022 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Finalists for 34th USC Libraries Scripter Award Named

SC Libraries Name Finalists for 34th-Annual Scripter Awards

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The USC Libraries named the finalists for the 34th-annual USC Libraries Scripter Award, which honors the year’s most accomplished film and episodic series adaptations, as well as the works on which they are based.

The finalist writers for film adaptation are, in alphabetical order by film title:

•     Screenwriters Eric Roth, Jon Spaihts, and Denis Villeneuve, for “Dune” based on the novel by Frank Herbert
•     Maggie Gyllenhaal for “The Lost Daughter” based on the novel by Elena Ferrante
•     Rebecca Hall for “Passing” based on the novel by Nella Larsen
•     Screenwriter Jane Campion and author Thomas Savage for “The Power of the Dog”
•     Screenwriter Joel Coen and playwright William Shakespeare for “The Tragedy of Macbeth”

The finalist writers for television are, in alphabetical order by series title:

•     Danny Strong, for the episode “The People vs. Purdue Pharma,” from “Dopesick,” based on the nonfiction book “Dopesick: Dealers, Doctors, and the Drug Company that Addicted America,” by Beth Macy
•     Molly Smith Metzler for the episode “Dollar Store,” from “Maid,” based on the memoir “Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay and a Mother’s Will to Survive” by Stephanie Land
•     Patrick Somerville for the episode “Wheel of Fire,” from “Station Eleven,” based on the novel by Emily St. John Mandel
•     Barry Jenkins for the episode “Indiana Winter” from “The Underground Railroad,” based on the novel by Colson Whitehead
•     Jac Schaeffer for the episode “Filmed Before a Live Studio Audience,” from “WandaVision” based on Marvel Comics characters created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby

Barry Jenkins, a nominee for “The Underground Railroad,” will receive the USC Libraries Literary Achievement Award for his contributions to cinematic storytelling, including his work adapting the 2017 Scripter winner “Moonlight” and the 2019 finalist “If Beale Street Could Talk.”

The 2022 Scripter selection committee selected the finalists from a field of 69 film and 42 television adaptations. Howard Rodman, USC professor and past president of the Writers Guild of America, West, chairs the 2022 committee.

Serving on the selection committee, among many others, are film critics Leonard Maltin, Anne Thompson and Kenneth Turan; authors Janet Fitch and Walter Mosley; screenwriters Mark Fergus and Erin Cressida Wilson; producers Mike Medavoy and Gail Mutrux; and USC deans Elizabeth Daley of the School of Cinematic Arts and Catherine Quinlan of the USC Libraries.

The studios distributing the finalist films and current publishers of the printed works are:

    “Dune”—Warner Bros. Pictures/Legendary Pictures and Ace
    “The Lost Daughter”—Netflix and Europa Editions
    “Passing”— Netflix and Serpent’s Tail
    “The Power of the Dog”— Netflix and Back Bay Books
    “The Tragedy of Macbeth”—Apple Original Films/A24 and Penguin

The networks and streaming platforms broadcasting the finalist television series and current publishers of the works are:

    “Dopesick”—Hulu and Back Bay Books
    “Maid”—Netflix and Hachette Books
    “Station Eleven”—HBO Max and Vintage Books
    “The Underground Railroad”—Amazon and Anchor Books
    “WandaVision”—Disney+ and Marvel Comics

The USC Libraries will announce the winning authors and screenwriters at a black-tie ceremony on Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022, in the historic Edward L. Doheny Jr. Memorial Library at the University of Southern California. After being held in a virtual format last year amid the continuing coronavirus pandemic, the Scripter Awards are currently planning to return to an in-person event subject to up-to-date COVID-19 safety protocols.

Since 1988, Scripter has honored the authors of printed works alongside the screenwriters who adapt their stories. In 2016, the USC Libraries inaugurated a new Scripter award, for episodic series adaptation. For more information about Scripter—including ticket availability, additional sponsorship opportunities, and an up-to-date list of sponsors—please email scripter@usc.edu or visit scripter.usc.edu.

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Comics Review: "STAR WARS: Crimson Reign #1" Makes Star Wars Comic Books Seem Like a Racket

STAR WARS: CRIMSON REIGN #1 (OF 5)
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

STORY: Charles Soule
ART: Steven Cummings
COLORS: Guru-eFX
LETTERS: VC's Travis Lanham
EDITOR: Mark Paniccia
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Akira Yoshida a.k.a. C.B. Cebulski
COVER: Leinil Francis Yu with Sunny Gho
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Steve Cummings with Guru-eFX; Ario Anindito with Edgar Delgado; Clayton Crain; Valerio Giangiordano with Arif Prianto; David Lopez; Rahzzah; Khoi Pahm with Lee Loughridge
36pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (February 2022)

Rated T

Part 1: “The Orphans”

Star Wars: War of the Bounty Hunters was a Marvel Comics Star Wars publishing event that was comprised of 34 individual comic books, published from May to October 2021.  The series imagines a series of events that occur between the time bounty hunter, Boba Fett, collects Han Solo frozen in carbonite in 1980s The Empire Strikes Back (Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back) and his appearance in 1983's Return of the Jedi (Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi).

Coming out of War of the Bounty Hunters is the comic book miniseries, Star Wars: Crimson Reign.  It is written by Charles Soule; drawn by Steven Cummings; colored by Guru-eFX; and lettered by Travis Lanham.  According to Marvel, Crimson Reign is the second installment of a trilogy that will reshape the history of the Star Wars Galaxy during the “Age of Rebellion.”

Star Wars: Crimson Reign #1 opens in the halls of the group known as “Crimson Dawn.”  Qi'ra of Corellia is now the group's leader.  She has taken on the killers, liars, and thieves that make up this group and has given them a purpose.

Qi'ra has gathered a diverse group:  “The Knights of Ren,” “Chanath Cha and the Orphans,” Deathstick, Ochi of Bestoon, Margo and Trinia, and the Archivist to carry out of her plans, which is to destroy the Sith in order to free the galaxy.  Her main targets, of course, are Emperor Palpatine a.k.a. “Darth Sidious” and his apprentice, Darth Vader.  Qi'ra begins her mission by sending her allies against the galaxy's criminal syndicates, but has doom for herself and her group already been foretold?

THE LOWDOWN:  I have enjoyed the vast majority of the Charles Soule's Star Wars comic book work that I have read.  I have enjoyed Steven Cummings art since I was first exposed to it in some OEL (original English language) manga from Tokyopop, including Pantheon High (2007), Star Trek: The Manga (2007), and CSI: Intern at Your Own Risk (2009).

However, Star Wars: Crimson Reign #1 isn't the kind of first issue that will inspire me to go out of my way to read the rest of the series.  It is professionally written, professionally drawn, professionally colored, and professionally lettered.  This isn't a bad comic book.  I simply have little interest in Qi'ra's conspiracy, which is contrived past the point of being credible.  I find it hard to believe that not one syndicate leader would notice that the troubles begin shortly after Qi'ra and her ilk begin meeting with the syndicates.  Does it take two issues for even one of them to figure this out?

Lucasfilm and Marvel seem determined to retcon the fuck out of the original Star Wars trilogy and the imaginary timeline surrounding it – known as the “Age of Rebellion.”  That is their prerogative, but it is mine to choose to read it.  I choose not to.  I have never been that curious about “what happened” between the films, The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and Return of the Jedi (1983).  But if that is your thing, Crimson Reign is not only a miniseries, but it is an event that will take place in various issues across Marvel's line of Star Wars comic books.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Marvel's Star Wars comic books may want to try Star Wars: Crimson Reign.

B

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


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https://www.marvel.com/
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The text is copyright © 2022 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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