Red Sonja has clashed with swords, sorcery, and all manner of monsters in her Hyborean adventures. But how does she far against, and alongside, spandex and capes? Dynamite kicks off 2021 answering that question with RED SONJA: THE SUPERPOWERS!
Complementing the companion series VAMPIRELLA: THE DARK POWERS, acclaimed writer and event architect Dan Abnett (Guardians of the Galaxy, Justice League Odyssey) puts Dynamite’s flagship sword and sandals She-Devil up to the test to of traditional, shiny sci-fi superheroics. Returning Red Sonja artist Jonathan Lau (Red Sonja, Project Superpowers) joins him, along with colorist Andrew Dalhouse and letterer Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou.
“Ever wanted to see what a sword would do to an over-confident superhero..?” said writer Dan Abnett. “You know, now that these projects are both announced, that Sonja and Vampi are going to meet. That’s going to be big. But without getting spoilery, that’s just the start…”
Artist Jonathan Lau added, “I’m very much in the same boat as the readers with regards to the story, I just want to ramp up the action in every issue!”
Sonja’s story starts in her world, initially in line with a usual tale of the Hyrkanian hero. She’s hunting down a diabolical sorcerer by the name of Skarab Nor, who’s been channeling dark forces to turn humans into his mindless thralls. When she encounters strangers with otherworldly appearances, she assumes they are said enemies.
From said strangers’ perspective, they are members of The Project led by Captain Future, on a first contact and surveying mission for this version of Earth. Can they find a local metahuman who can be appointed as the local protector and added to their ranks? Prepare for a big fight – at least at first!
Can Sonja the Red’s brutal, blood-letting style fit in with heroes with glittering costumes and abilities granted to them by advanced science? Will they be able to reconcile before they kill each other?
The fabulous first issue of The Superpowers features a range of covers showcasing this contrast in styles. Lucio Parrillo and Joseph Michael Linsner lead with ferocious depictions of Sonja, looked over by her new prospective allies. Interior artist Lau captures their tense first encounter, while Junggeun Yoon has her already integrated in their ranks. Cosplayer Tabitha Lyons brings the concept to real life and Vincenzo Federici depicts a grisly “what if” zombified scenario.
