Conan/Red Sonja #4 - A Review

Thrown into the arena and warned that they must fight to the death or see their respective homelands destroyed, Conan and Red Sonja are in dire straits. The dread wizard Thoth-Amon seems to have the two barbarians at his mercy. But there is little the two will not do to save all of Hyboria from the otherworldly menace of the Bloodroot plant. Such is the path which turns mere warriors into heroes.


Gail Simone and Jim Zub have spun one hell of a ripping yarn with this series. And this issue proves an epic and satisfying conclusion to the tale. And yet... it isn't satisfying at all. I want more tales of Conan and Sonja together. I want this to be a monthly series. Like Thoth-Amon starring into the Outer Dark, I must see more!


Randy Green and Rick Ketcham deliver some truly great artwork through this issue. There are individual panels that are reminiscent of the layouts of John Buscema and the creature designs of Barry Windsor-Smith. And yet, the artwork is still its own unique creation for all its welcome familiarity.

Conan/Red Sonja #3 - A Review

Circumstance and the will of a revenge-hungry nobleman have forced Conan and Sonja together again. The mad king and his minions are quickly dispatched, but it is a battle Conan takes no joy in. And as Sonja seeks the source of the once boisterous barbarian's sorrow, another old enemy watches and waits for his own chance at revenge upon the two warriors...


This issue sees the team of Randy Green and Rick Ketcham take over the penciling and inking duties respectively.  The style is different than that of Dan Panosian, who provided the artwork for the first two issues, but no less enjoyable.  Green's figures are well drawn and his panel placement well thought out.  And Ketcham perfectly shades and defines the original art.


I am fast running out of ways to praise the writing of Jim Zub and Gail Simone. This issue featured a number of honest surprises and at least one moment I am unashamed to say left me howling in disbelief. If I say nothing else, let me say this much -  This is the Conan and Red Sonja team-up the fans have been waiting for!