Red Sonja is a character from the Conan the Barbarian series, which was created by Roy Thomas and Barry Windsor-Smith. She was adapted from the character Red Sonya of Rogatino created by Robert E. Howard. Red Sonja has appeared in novels, Conan the Barbarian comic books and self titles, the Conan the Barbarian television series, and a film adaptation. The 1985 film Red Sonja was directed by Richard Fleischer.
The film was about Red Sonja, who seeks vengeance for her family who was murdered by mercenaries. Queen Gedren devised a plan to use a talisman’s power in order to rule over others. It is up to Red Sonja to stop her. She is aided by her friends Kalidor, Prince Tarn, and Falken, whom she met along her journey. When the movie was released into theaters in 1985, Marvel Comics Group published a comic book adaptation of the film Red Sonja.
Title: Marvel Super Special: Red Sonja: The Movie
Writers: Mary Wilshire & Louise Simonson
Penciled: Mary Wilshire
Inker: Vince Colletta
Colorist: Manny Handz
Letterer: Janice Chiang
Cover: Mary Wilshire & Vince Colletta
Issue: #38
Pages: 68
Price: $2.00
Publisher: Marvel Comics Group
Release Date: 1985
Side Notes: From November to December of 1985, Marvel Super Special- Red Sonja: The Movie was reprinted as 2 single issues, with 32 pages, and priced at $0.75. It can be found at auction sites like eBay or through a search online.
Marvel Super Special- Red Sonja: The Movie was an interesting story. The writing was horrible, and the pictures looked questionable or weird. I wasn’t prepared with how bad Marvel Super Special: Red Sonja: The Movie was going to be. Although the comic had the same weird or misogynistic implications as the film, I thought it would read differently like the other comic adaptations I had read.
I read a possible implication of Queen Gedren having deep feelings for Red Sonja. She expressed anger anytime Red Sonja refused to rule by her side. Also, according to the comic book adaptation, she wanted to “tame her.” The joke could be made that the reason why Red Sonja won’t rule by her side, is because she likes men and not women. Do you think Queen Gedren is one of those “evil lesbians” I’ve heard bedtime stories about?
Another implication in the comic adaptation, was Red Sonja’s vow. Her vow was to never allow herself to be loved by any man, unless he beats her in a fair fight. Where do I begin to discuss logic in that situation? The thought of Red Sonja’s vow bothers me. I don’t think it’s necessary for Red Sonja to find the love of a man, and if she does find one, he shouldn’t have to beat her in combat to be loved by her. Kalidor’s line from the movie illustrates the idiocy of her vow:
Kalidor: “So, the only man that can have you, is one who’s trying to kill you. That’s logic.”
Despite my opinions toward the Red Sonja series, it was surprisingly entertaining.
In 2010, there will be a revamp of the film Red Sonja. It will be produced by Robert Rodriguez and directed by Douglas Aarniokoski. The film will star Rose McGowan as Red Sonja. Judging from the images of the film, it feels like it might be a great movie. I have enjoyed Rose McGowan’s films, so it’s possible that I’ll love her performance in this one. However, only time will tell if my opinion comes true.
Red Sonja is an interesting story about a woman with great power. Although I don’t agree with the nature of the premise, I enjoyed the film. However, I have a restraining order against the comic book adaptation. I hope the revamp of Red Sonja will be great, and I have high expectations for it.
If you’re up for a good laugh, I suggest reading Marvel Super Special: Red Sonja.
“Do you actually want me to quote the Red Sonja film from 1985?”
Princess Powerful
princesspowerful@comicattack.net
“Do you actually want me to quote the Red Sonja film from 1985?” lmoa! NO DON’T!!! I’ve actually seen it several times (don’t ask why) and I don’t think there is one line worth pulling from that movie lol. I thought it didn’t take itself seriously and Arnold was only put in to drive up ticket sales.
I don like the poster for the new movie but i’m skeptical of Rose McGowan’s ability here…i just don’t see her as the sword wielding type here…ah well, i’ve been wrong before!
My boy rented the movie recently…or maybe it was on TV. I saw Arnie in there, and I went “Is Conan in this?” Apparently not. He looks like Conan, is the same actor, talks like Conan, acts like Conan…but he’s playing a character who is not actually Conan. I thought that was hilarious.
By the way, I think the idea that she won’t be with a man unless he beats her in combat, is more her attempt to find a man who is her equal. She’s a warrior. What’s she want with some pansy kid, you know? She wants a man who can fight along side her.
It’s still kind of silly (the scene in the film is ridiculous), but it sort of makes sense.
I never could get into Red Sonja. That picture of the new movie looks cool though.
Your take on the vow sounds fair and empowering. The movie illustrated her vow as if they’re poking fun at a woman taking back her strength.
I loved Smith’s and Thorne’s rendition of the character…and the obvious 300/Miller look to the new poster speaks well. I dunno about Rose McGowan…she emotes about as much as a paper bag (looks good, tho), and does not seem like the warrior type at all. Too bad they couldn’t get someone like Jennifer Garner or any number of other actresses.
Omg, if they get Jennifer Garner, I will start hurting anything I can get hands on. I really don’t like her. Anybody but her!
Lol.
I for one love Jennifer Garner and I would start aiding the people that princesspowerful began hurting. Jennifer Garner makes me all warm and fuzzy inside! So does Kate Beckinsale.
Yeah.
Well, I will say that I like the way RS dresses.:)
I thought Arnie WAS Conan in the Red Sonja movie lol I never thought to look at the credits and NOW see his character’s name was Kalidor..wow I really wasn’t paying attention when I saw the movie…must have been the martial arts mastery of Ernie Reyes Jr. thought he did smack the Rock around in the Rundown lol