Gail Simone has been teasing for awhile on her Tumblr about who the new writer will be for Red Sonja now that Simone has stepped down, but with a recent press release from Dynamite, the new Red Sonja writer has been revealed. It’s MARGUERITE BENNETT of DC Bombshells, A-Force, and other great lady-led comics. Essentially, this announcement makes me feel like this:
Bennett is not new to Red Sonja. She recently wrapped up the Red Sonja & Jungle Girl mini-series for the Swords of Sorrow event, and neither is new artist, Aneke, who drew Red Sonja for Legenderry Red Sonja. The first issue from this dynamic duo is set to release January 13, 2016, and Bennett promises that the new arc will be:
“…dark but fun, vicious but witty, balanced between battle, romance, intrigue, and good old-fashioned monster-slaying.”
I love all these things, and fortunately that’s not all the exciting news for the lady characters of Dynamite. Dejah Thoris and Vampirella will also be seeing new series.
Dejah Thoris will be written by Frank J. Barbiere and launch in February of next year. Based on the premise for the new arc, it looks Dejah may be more of a warrior and less of a diplomat (much to WWAC Assistant Editor Wendy Browne’s consternation). Vampirella will be written by Kate Leth and debut in March 2016. Leth promises a fun romp where Vampi “takes Hollywood.” I hope to see lots of nods to classic B-horror flicks in this one!
All three of the new arcs are receiving narrative direction from Gail Simone, and amazing Aussie artist Nicola Scott has redrawn the infamous, if you will, costumes of these pulpy ladies.
Where’s the cleavage? Where’s the wonderment over the character’s ability to find waxers on Barsoom or Hyrkania? I jest because these designs look incredible. Either way, it looks like with the success of Simone’s Red Sonja and the Swords of Sorrow event, that Dynamite is realizing that there is an audience that wants fun, powerful, and sexy without a side of exploitation.
I am so excited that Bennett is taking over. I was a little worried about what would happen to Sonja when Simone left but I think Bennett is more than capable of taking up the mantle. Also Sonja and Vampirella look AMAZING.