Red Sonja: She-Devil with a Sword, Vol. 4: Animals and More

Red Sonja: She-Devil with a Sword (2005) (Collected Editions)

by Mike Avon Oeming, José Homs (Artist)

In this fourth collected volume of Red Sonja, She-Devil With a Sword, Michael Avon Oeming and Homs unleash the "animals" and more In "Animals" (issues #19-21): Kulan Gath is in control of the land, with Sonja and her companions sent to the other side of the globe. Here they encounter strange new lands and beasts as they decide to either continue the quest against Gath or cast their fates to this strange new world... a world of the "Animals" And, "In The Long Way Home" (issues #22-24): Sonja and crew, joined by new companions and warriors from the mysterious land, head back to battle the growing power and armies of Kulan Gath. But the voyage home will not be an easy one as the encounter an Old God of the Sea, undead pirates and clash with Valera, the pirate queen and her pirate crew This collection also includes a complete cover gallery

Genres: Comics, Fantasy, Graphic Novels

168 pages, Hardcover

First published February 24, 2008

Reviews

[Tina Olah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one much more than the previous volume (and yaay, no missing pages!). The story wasn't anything original, but I liked the introduction of several new cultures and characters.

[Johan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hells Yeah!! Love the exploits of Red Sonja and how her world revolves around her and her history

Damn, gotta love that woman

Peace out

[Timo · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic, strange and weird thing. Fantastic because, well, fantasy, weird because Finnish words and mythos in there and weird because Sonja fighting and breathing under water.
Fun stuff.

[47Time · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's nice that Kulan Gath was built up to be Sonya's archenemy, only to move her to a different setting for a full volume. Nicely done! Sure, let's begin from scratch in a new world where animal men are fighting each other.

The land Sonja and her companions have discovered is far from peaceful. It's a world where lionmen, fishmen and catmen rule. The are engaged an age-old war fueled by religion and thoughts of superiority.

The lionmen are trying to conquer the whole land and the intruders are set to be killed in the arena. Even Sonja gets pushed around by them. Hell of a fighter, our Sonja. But wait, she suddenly turns into a negotiator when facing the lionmen's inquisitor. He was implacable a moment before, but Sonja sways him. So her outfit finally comes in handy, because her arguments were a dime a dozen. Sonja and gang are released by the lionmen after they present a play that celebrates life and death. When Sonja leaves for home it seems that the people of this land might just be willing to forego fighting and live together peacefully.

On the way home a storm capsizes Sonja's ship and she is saved by a ship of undead pirates who were cursed by an Old God who took the shape of a whale. Sonja believes she can help them, but is thrown overboard in an attempt to lift the curse.

She is doing a good job of holding her breath while fighting powerful sea creatures and defeating the Old God itself. This allows the unded pirates to finally rest in peace. Sonja and gang continue their way home where Kulan Gath awaits them. And he is miffed.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars for the artwork, about 3 for the writing. The writing and story improved significantly in this volume over the last one. While many of the scenarios are still overly fantastic and ridiculous, that is sort of familiar territory for Red Sonja, especially in this era of stories. Some of my favorite depictions of our fiery headed heroine are offered in this arc, Mel Rubi and Homs are masters of their craft. Although the story is still a bit silly and over the top, the writing and plot in this really improved over the last, and has me fully invested in this story arc once again.

[Luana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining enough, but a little all over the place, with the Bedknobs & Broomsticks ass animal kingdom, the Moby Dick riff, and the interludes with Kulan Gath and the goddess.