PRESS RELEASE
Red Sonja, the iconic She-Devil With a Sword, is blazing toward a brand new ongoing comic series celebrating the character’s 50 fantastic years across comics, film, and beyond! The first issue of the new series written by Torunn Grønbekk will be on sale July 19, coinciding with San Diego Comic Con.
Acclaimed writer Torunn Grønbekk is bringing the same energy and attuned voice for powerful women and fantasy heroes that she’s channeled for beloved runs on Thor, Valkyrie, and the upcoming Realm of X. She initially made her splash in comics working closely with Eisner-winning writer Jason Aaron on his iconic Thor and recent Punisher stories, and since then she’s continued to excite fans as one of the biggest rising stars in comics. She’s taking the Hyrkanian heroine on an unforgettable journey to celebrate the past 50 years and set forth for the next 50!
“Growing up in Norway, I was raised on mythology and stories, and it sometimes feels like it has all led up to the work I’m doing now,” said writer Torunn Grønbekk. “Badass, complex women are a pillar of our lore, and there are few things I enjoy as much as writing them. Red Sonja is a legend. She is the sword-wielding menace I dreamt about growing up, not only because she is capable but because she is allowed to be vulnerable.”
Fan-favorite artist Walter Geovani joins Grønbekk as interior artist for the series. He’s contributed to Red Sonja going back over 15 years, nearly to the beginning of Dynamite’s publishing of the character. He was the main artist on such runs and stories as Gail Simone’s lauded tenure, The Price of Blood, the Prophecy crossover, and team-ups and showdowns with other icons like Tarzan. With nearly 70 total issues under his belt contributing to the Hyborean Age, Goevani has staked his claim as a definitive modern artist for the character. This combination of Grønbekk and Geovani, alongside colorist Omi Remalante Jr. and letterer Simon Bowland, will be the perfect creative team both for readers who have never checked out Red Sonja and for those who’ve been fans for decades!
The story is initially teased in a special Free Comic Book Day issue #0 that will be available for all fans at no cost this May 6. The Free Comic Book Day issue features a show-stopping, ultra-detailed, and action-packed cover by Nick Bradshaw. His big breakout was on Army of Darkness, in fact the very first comic book issue ever officially published by the company. Since then he’s received acclaim from fans and critics for his work on titles like Wolverine & the X-Men, Spidey, and a range of covers.
Dynamite has already confirmed orders of around 95,000 copies of Red Sonja #0 will be stocked by retailers, who can still increase theirs to meet the demand of fans and newcomers.
The kickoff of the series finds Red Sonja on the run, framed for a heinous crime she did not commit and with an unseen force tugging at the back of her mind. Fans can expect mirth, violent delights, and hair-raising action. Yet even as Sonja deals with the terrors of war and mysterious magic, true danger will be threatening from the most unexpected sources. Big surprises await readers, as the creative team pays tribute to the golden anniversary legend, while challenging her and the audience’s expectations along the journey.
In addition to the gorgeous storytelling of Geovani and company, the series will also feature a bursting treasure chest of variant covers from the industry’s biggest hall of famers and brightest rising stars! The roster of artists contributing to just the first issue includes Shannon Maer, Jim Cheung, Alan Quah, Bryan Hitch, Jenny Frison, Kevin Eastman, Mike Mignola, Lucio Parrillo, Joseph Michael Linsner, and Bjorn Barends. To celebrate the anniversary, legendary French collage artist Mr. Garcin has also done a piece. Dynamite’s beloved cosplay covers are represented by Joanie Brosas. Even more fun limited edition covers feature a throwback icon cover with Frank Thorne art, an action figure packaging design, and photography of an iconic Sideshow statue.
RED SONJA #1 is solicited in Diamond Comic Distributors’ May 2023 Previews catalog, the premier source of merchandise for the comic book specialty market, and slated for release in July 2023. Comic book fans are encouraged to preorder copies of the issue with their local comic book retailers. It will also be available for individual customer purchase through digital platforms courtesy of Comixology, Kindle, iBooks, Google Play, Dynamite Digital, ComicsPlus, and more!
