Review - Red Sonja Berserker (One Shot)

Review by Paul Fiander
Nancy A. Collins (w)
Fritz Casas (a)
Joseph Michael Linsner (c)
FC • 40 pages • $4.99 • Teen+ 
Release Date 12/02/14
For a Spoiler laden preview to this issue you can follow this link.
It almost feels odd to see a name on a Red Sonja cover other than Gail Simone’s, but for this one Nancy A Collins is at the helm. Perhaps best known for her novel work and her character Sonja Blue, Collins does have a rich comic history. With credits including Predator; Hell came A’ Walkin (from Dark Horse) and Swamp Thing (DC/Vertigo 1991/93) to name but a few. So can the Queen of blue handle the powder keg of Red that is Sonja.

This is a strong one shot, the beauty of an established character means there is no need for lengthy exposition. Instead we get a wonderfully tender opening featuring a Snow Bear, it’s really well drawn and its interaction with Sonja and her companions set about events which encapsulate our heroine to a tee. Her balance between compassion and ferocity are what make for a compelling central character. Too far either way could make the character feel either too weak or overly cruel. This Sonja feels well balanced and it’s great to see her with tenderness but also when she has fire in her eyes.

Interestingly though the essence of this story is all about perceptions, and most of these concern Sonja. From as long as I can remember she has always been drawn as an attractive woman. Certain ideas always make sense; her body would have to be well toned in order to be able to comfortably wield a sword. Even her lack of armour which is the source of this issues assumption could be reasoned out as to not be cumbersome and so affect her fighting style. Her beauty however just seems to be out of historical context this is not a problem but the way she is treated certainly is. Sonja’s look gets her thought of as a whore, her reaction is extreme and so are the consequences. This leads to a chance reintroduction with an old friend that gives this story an awful lot of weight.

Berserker is a great story or those who are entrenched in Red Sonja lore or the casual reader. It has the necessary mix of narrative and action. My main complaint is the story does feel familiar in sections especially where the pit is concerned. I will not spoil it but it does feel a little bit of a letdown compared to the rest of the story. Overall though is a really good read and I hope this is the reintroduction of Collins to the comic world.

For a different take on Sonja read the books below.

Red Sonja #5

Gail Simone's Sonja is similar to the one depicted in Berserker but which do you prefer?
Lil Sonja

Is a wonderful take on the Sonja story with a twist of all ages gags.
Images courtesy of Dynamite Comics
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