Interview: Savage Red Sonja Takes A Classic Approach
Dec 19, 2023
Interview by Nick Faust
Prepare yourself for the savagery that only Red Sonja can deliver in this brand-new series that harkens back to the classic era of Robert E. Howard's original pulp tales of swords and sorcery!
In comic shops now, Dynamite Comics' Savage Red Sonja is a fast-paced tale of mystery, suspense, and the supernatural - written by comics superstar Dan Panosian and illustrated by Alessio Petillo!
We talked with the writer to find out more.
Dan, many fans may be most familiar with your work via your incredible art and the stylistic evolution and mastery you’ve gone through over the years — and you’re rocking out a set of covers on this series as well. But in recent years you have really showcased your ability as a writer on series like Slots, Alice Never After, Black Tape and more. How has it been flexing that skill and re-introducing yourself to fans as a man who can do it all?
It’s been what I’ve always wanted out of my career in the comic book field. I grew up inspired by Frank Miller, Walter Simonson, John Byrne and Joe Kubert. I’ve never had so much fun doing my job!
On that note then, can you give us a non-spoiler elevator pitch on your approach to taking on the She-Devil With a Sword, and any inspirations that went into this thrilling narrative?
We all have doubts about the paths in life we’ve chosen. This story explores the course her life has taken and how it has affected her. Does she have any misgivings? Doubts? Fears? Regrets? Couple that with a very mysterious adventure and you have Savage Red Sonja!
Something that fans will immediately notice on the covers for this series is the unique title and logo — Savage! Though technically the titling has been used once before — for a vicious and fun story by Frank Cho and others — it’s been years. How would you describe how fans can interpret that word’s inclusion and how it factors into your series?
Well, first, the alliteration is very appealing. But beyond that, I think it’s a side of Red Sonja that deserves some attention. Red Sonja is a fierce force to be reckoned with.
We understand that you played a major role in bringing on other members of the creative team to this series, right? That’s not often the case. Can you tell us a bit about the artwork of Alessio Petillo, and his pairing with Francesco Segala, and what makes them a great match for both the character and the story?
I’ve been wanting to work with Alessio for years now and this is the perfect project for him. He draws everything well. Everything! I’m always stunned and impressed by the pages when I see them. Then I get to see them colored by the amazing Francesco Segala, another artist I found that really impressed me. He’s also coloring the work of Giorgio Spaletta on Alice Never After. They’re both delivering some very moody and powerful pages.
As mentioned, you’re also contributing covers to this series, and the first one is already an absolute killer. Fans may find it interesting that you actually whipped that one together fairly quickly as we were pulling things together to announce the title at San Diego Comic-Con, and no one would ever guess if we hadn’t just shared that secret! Fans also loved your covers for Unbreakable Red Sonja. Can you touch on how you approach your covers?
First and foremost, I’m a fan of all things Robert E. Howard. I’m always excited to draw Red Sonja. So every cover I illustrate is an opportunity to take a trip down a nostalgic road and have fun. But these covers are very special to me. It’s my own series and I want this book to be read by as many Red Sonja fans as possible. I hope it’s a story that resonates with readers. Something they remember and cherish. I can’t wait to draw the next cover!
Savage Red Sonja is available now at your local comic shop. Reserve your copy with PREVIEWSworld Pullbox.
Tasked with retrieving a long-hidden gem from a crumbled, ancient kingdom, the She-Devil With a Sword is traveling alone through a dangerous wasteland when fate intervenes, and her solo adventure is sidetracked by a wayward prince and his bride as they try desperately to escape from fearsome desert bandits - only to be attacked by a monstrous beast from beneath the sands!
Don't miss out on this fast-paced tale of mystery, suspense, and the supernatural - written by comics superstar DAN PANOSIAN and illustrated by ALESSIO PETILLO, with colors by FRANCESCO SEGALA!
Find out in this second issue of Red Sonja's most savage adventure to date, from comics superstars DAN PANOSIAN and ALESSIO PETILLO!
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