Red Sonja vs. Thulsa Doom

Red Sonja Vs. Thulsa Doom #1-4

by Peter David, Luke Lieberman, Will Conrad (Illustrator)

Taking place before the events of the original Conan #23 comic, writers Luke Lieberman and Peter David -- along with artist Will Conrad -- present this powerful four issue series that no Sonja or Conan fan can be without Also includes the back-up story by the creative team originally published in Red Sonja #2, as well as a complete cover gallery featuring the work of Will Conrad and Gabriele Dell'Otto

Genres: Comics, Fantasy, Graphic Novels, Fiction, Graphic Novels Comics Manga

128 pages, Paperback

First published November 15, 2006

About the author

aka David Peters

Peter Allen David, often abbreviated PAD, was an American writer of comic books, novels, television, films, and video games. His notable comic book work includes an award-winning 12-year run on The Incredible Hulk, as well as runs on Aquaman, Young Justice, SpyBoy, Supergirl, Fallen Angel, Spider-Man, Spider-Man 2099, Captain Marvel, and X-Factor.
His Star Trek work included comic books and novels such as the New Frontier book series. His other novels included film adaptations, media tie-ins, and original works, such as the Apropos of Nothing and Knight Life series. His television work includes series such as Babylon 5, Young Justice, Ben 10: Alien Force and Nickelodeon's Space Cases, which he co-created with Bill Mumy.
David often jokingly described his occupation as "Writer of Stuff", and he was noted for his prolific writing, characterized by its mingling of real-world issues with humor and references to popular culture, as well as elements of metafiction and self-reference.
David earned multiple awards for his work, including a 1992 Eisner Award, a 1993 Wizard Fan Award, a 1996 Haxtur Award, a 2007 Julie Award and a 2011 GLAAD Media Award.

Reviews

[David · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. I admit it, I like Red Sonja in all her pulchritudinous chainmail cheesecake glory, but I've read very few Sonja stories that were actually good. I mean, the usual complaint about Sonja stories is that she's basically "Conan with tits," and that's pretty much how she's written here.

The villain is our old snake-worshipping friend Thulsa Doom. In this miniseries, he's invading Sonja's homeland, Hyrkania. Flame-hair and her chainmail bikini catches his eye, so he infiltrates himself into her group of adventurers, the better to score the sudden but inevitable betrayal.

So the thing is, there's no real continuity here, no reason we should believe Sonja cares about any of this stuff (since when is she a Hyrkanian nationalist?), and the other elements, like her old childhood friend who has "dead man walking" written all over him the minute he's introduced, and the naive princeling who's a 10th level Monk, and "Hyrkanium" gunpowder (wtf?) just get dropped in almost at random.

I've generally liked the Marvel Sonja comics more than the Dynamite ones.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Needs More Of The Versus Action

I mean, this isn't the worst Red Sonja story I've ever read, but it doesn't live up to its potential. There's not enough of Sonja getting to fight him, and Thulsa Doom's actions throughout the book puzzle me. He's just doing things because he can? Because he's bored? Because Sonja's hot? I don't know. I shouldn't have so many questions reading Red Sonja.

But Sonja was fine overall, and I didn't have any issues with the art. If you're curious, give it a read, but be prepared to be underwhelmed, especially in terms of Sonja/Doom fighting.

[Gareth Brown · Rating 2 out of 5]

Whilst this does introduce one of Sonja's key enemies and tells you how she gets her sword, i found the story lacked pace and was too one dimensional. Not sure, maybe i am spoiled by the excellent current run of Red Sonja by Gail Simone

[LordSlaw · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting story about some unexpected consequences of Red Sonja's past actions. The artwork is decent. A quick read.

[C.T. Phipps · Rating 4 out of 5]

RED SONJA VERSUS THULSA DOOM is a short four issue comic book collection that deals with the conflict between Red and the villain from the John Milinus 1984 Conan the Barbarian movie. Note that this is explicitly the one used in said movie as played by James Earl Jones as opposed to the skull-faced sorcerer of Robert E. Howard's work. Up to and including the Riddle of Steel as a motivation for the enigmatic wizard.

Thulsa Doom is invading Hyrkania with his cult and having a pretty easy time of it due to the fact that Red Sonja killed the king some time in the past (presumably Red Sonja #1 in the original Marvel series). Thulsa becomes quickly enamored with Sonja and attempts to make her his bride, which leads to some intriguing trickery on his part as well as many fanservice-y scenes about the She-Devil bathing.

My biggest complaint about the book is the fact that it really should have been five issues as the infiltration of Thulsa Doom into Sonja's camp is over too quickly. I would have appreciated Sonja being more attracted to Thulsa (magical powers or not) before rejecting him. As is, it feels like a wasted opportunity.

[Villain E · Rating 3 out of 5]

I came to this as a Peter David fan, rather than a Red Sonja fan. I don't know much about the characters, but enough background is explained. Red Sonja left her native country of Hyrkania after killing the king, who was trying to have his way with her. Years later, she returns to find out that leaving the country without a king was bad for the country. The royal heir is underage and the regent is corrupt, that old chestnut. So Thulsa Doom, the snake guy from the Conan movie, is leading an army against Hyrkania and Sonja is trying to figure out how to stop them. And then Thulsa Doom takes a liking to Sonja and pretends to be a freed prisoner to befriend her. So, for a minute, he's fighting against his own army. But he never loses sight of his agenda.

The art is decent. A lot of good background detail. The coloring is pretty limited and makes it all look the same. Sure, Sonja spends the whole book with little-to-no clothing on, but so do most of the men. It's definitely got that barbarian feel to it.

[Bret · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll fully admit that I enjoyed this. But the weird thing is, I can give you several reasons why I shouldn't like it, I still really enjoyed it. Like, a lot. I've read the main run on the comic before and I am starting a reread. I can point to specifics with that as to why I enjoy it despite its flaws. This one, other than the quality of art, I can't. Why did I like it? Because I did.

[Álvar García · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5 el argumento es bastante flojo, el dibujo a ratos inconsistente.

[Pranay · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story is a starting point of Sonja's rivalry with the sorcerer Thulsa Doom. Story wise it moves predictably but art-wise it is a visual treat. Will Conrad does a dynamite (pun intended) job in creating the world of Red Sonja where she faces off against the evil Doom.

SPOILERS:
Red Sonja returns to her homeland to fend off an invasion from Doom's army. Doom's identity is not known but his powers are many and he falls for the red haired she-devil. In disguise he joins her and tries to hit on her but she rejects his advances. Ultimately the reason for Doom attacking Hyrkania is revealed in the final chapter and a terrific battle ensues. The art is what makes the book worthwhile otherwise the plot is quiet simple.

[Matt Piechocinski · Rating 1 out of 5]

Cliched, generic, immensely disappointing. Can't wait to see what Gail Simone does with Sonja!

[Timo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good fun. Predictable, but fun.