Editing Red Sonja (section)

==History==
===Marvel Comics (1973–1995)===
Red Sonja was created by writer [[Roy Thomas]] and artist [[Barry Windsor-Smith]] for [[Marvel Comics]] in 1973, partially based on Red Sonya, a female [[swashbuckler]] from "[[The Shadow of the Vulture]]".<ref>Afterword by [[Roy Thomas]], in ''The Chronicles of Conan Volume 4: The Song of Red Sonja and Other Stories'' (Dark Horse, 2004)</ref>

Red Sonja debuted in Marvel's ''[[Conan the Barbarian (comics)|Conan the Barbarian]]'' #23 (1973).<ref>{{cite web|last=Markstein|first=Don|website=Don Markstein's Toonopedia|access-date=2 April 2020|url=http://www.toonopedia.com/redsonja.htm|title=Red Sonja}}</ref> Thomas created a new origin story and transposed the timeline from the 16th century of Howard's original Red Sonya to the [[Hyborian Age]], another Howard creation, to have Sonja interact with [[Conan the Barbarian]]. In 1975, Marvel Comics published the first issue of ''Red Sonja'' after the character headlined ''[[Marvel Feature]]'' for seven issues that same year.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Cassell|first=Dewey|title=Marvel Feature|journal=[[Back Issue!]]|issue=71|page=18|publisher=[[TwoMorrows Publishing]]|date=April 2014|location=Raleigh, North Carolina}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.redsonja.com/history/|title=History|website=Red Sonja|access-date=21 March 2018|archive-date=26 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171026074342/http://www.redsonja.com/history|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Red Sonja's origin story was told in the story "The Day of the Sword" in the Marvel magazine ''Kull and the Barbarians'' #3 (1975), written by [[Roy Thomas]] and [[Doug Moench]] and illustrated by [[Howard Chaykin]]. The same story was later redrawn by [[Dick Giordano]] and [[Terry Austin (comics)|Terry Austin]] and published in the magazine ''[[The Savage Sword of Conan]]'' #78 (July 1982). In this version, Red Sonja lives with her family in the Western [[Hyrkania (Conan)|Hyrkanian]] steppes. When she is 21, a group of mercenaries kills her family and burns down their house. Sonja attempts to defend herself, but cannot lift her brother's sword. She is [[rape]]d by the leader of the group. Answering her cry for revenge, the red goddess [[Scáthach]] appears to her and gives her incredible fighting skills, on the condition that she never lie with a man unless he defeats her in fair combat. In the story "Sword of the She-Devil" ''[[Marvel Team-Up]]'' #79 (December 1979), Red Sonja is reborn in the present-day of [[Earth-616]] when her sword is found by her descendant/reincarnation [[Mary Jane "MJ" Watson]] (love interest of [[Peter Parker|Peter Parker / Spider-Man]].

In 1983, Marvel Comics published a second ''Red Sonja'' series, a two-issue story written by Christy Marx and Roy Thomas, with art by [[Tony DeZuniga]] and [[Ernie Colón]]. The story also featured an appearance by the Robert E. Howard heroine [[Valeria (Conan the Barbarian)|Valeria]].

That same year, Marvel launched a third series, running thirteen issues. Writers included [[Tom DeFalco]], [[Bill Mantlo]], and [[Louise Simonson]], with art by [[Mary Wilshire]], [[Pat Broderick]], and [[Rudy Nebres]], among others.

In 1985, Marvel published a two-issue adaptation of the [[Red Sonja (1985 film)|''Red Sonja'' film]] starring [[Brigitte Nielsen]]. The adaptation was written by Louise Simonson and Mary Wilshire, with art by Mary Wilshire and [[Vince Colletta]].

In 1995, Marvel published the one-shot issue ''Red Sonja: Scavenger Hunt'', written by Glenn Herdling and illustrated by Ken Lashley.<ref>{{cite web|title=Red Sonja Scavenger Hunt (1995) comic books|url=https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=92811|access-date=July 7, 2021|website=mycomicshop.com}}</ref>

In 2007, Marvel teamed with [[Dynamite Entertainment|Dynamite Comics]] to publish ''[[Spider-Man/Red Sonja]]'', a five-issue series written by [[Michael Avon Oeming]] with art by [[Mel Rubi]], in which Mary Jane "MJ" Watson again awakens as Red Sonja.

===Dynamite Comics (2005–present)===
In 2005, Dynamite Comics began publishing ''Red Sonja''. The series debuted with an issue zero written by [[Michael Avon Oeming]] and [[Mike Carey (writer)|Mike Carey]] and drawn by [[Mel Rubi]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://comicbookroundup.com/comic-books/reviews/dynamite-entertainment/red-sonja-she-devil-with-a-sword/0|publisher=Comic Book Roundup|title=Red Sonja: She-devil with a Sword #0|language=en-US|url-status=live|date=April 2005|access-date=July 19, 2023|archive-date=July 20, 2023|archive-url=https://archive.today/20230720023316/https://comicbookroundup.com/comic-books/reviews/dynamite-entertainment/red-sonja-she-devil-with-a-sword/0}}</ref> It depicted the original Sonja's death in issue #34. A new character of the same name, described as a reincarnation, takes her place from issue #35 onward.<ref>Reed, Brian. ''Red Sonja: Born Again''. Dynamite Comics, 2010.</ref>

At the 2013 [[Emerald City Comic Con]], Dynamite announced that [[Gail Simone]] would be writing a new ongoing ''Red Sonja'' series with art from Walter Geovani.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://comicvine.gamespot.com/articles/eccc-13-gail-simone-to-write-new-red-sonja-ongoing/1100-146141/|title=ECCC 13: Gail Simone to Write New RED SONJA Ongoing Series|author=Guerrero, Tony|work=Comic Vine|language=en-US|url-status=live|date=March 1, 2013|access-date=July 19, 2023|archive-date=May 2, 2016|archive-url=https://archive.today/20160502213559/http://comicvine.gamespot.com/articles/eccc-13-gail-simone-to-write-new-red-sonja-ongoing/1100-146141/}}</ref> Simone noted in interviews that her version was slightly "rebooted", showing the character's beginnings.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/25781.html|title=ICv2: Gail Simone on Her New 'Red Sonja' Series|work=[[ICv2]]}}</ref> Issue #1 of Simone's run was released in July 2013 to positive reviews.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comicvine.com/articles/early-review-gail-simone-s-red-sonja-1/1100-146593/|title=Early Review: Gail Simone's Red Sonja #1|work=Comic Vine|date=20 May 2013}}</ref> The series lasted 18 issues.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ladygeekgirl.wordpress.com/2015/10/01/a-fond-farewell-to-gail-simones-red-sonja/|title=A Fond Farewell to Gail Simone's Red Sonja|work=Lady Geek Girl and Friends|date=October 2015}}</ref> After Simone's run, Dynamite launched a new ''Red Sonja'' series in January 2016. The book featured [[Marguerite Bennett]] as writer, and a redesign of the character by artist [[Nicola Scott]].<ref>{{Cite web|last= MacDonald|first=Heidi|title=New Era: Red Sonja, Vampirella and Dejah Thoris get skirts, sleeves, hoods|url=https://www.comicsbeat.com/new-era-red-sonja-vampirella-and-dejah-thoris-get-skirts-sleeves-hoods/|date=October 9, 2015|access-date=May 17, 2023|website=Comics Beat|language=en-US}}</ref> That series lasted six issues.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://comicbookroundup.com/comic-books/reviews/dynamite-entertainment/red-sonja-(2016)|title=Red Sonja (2016)|publisher=Comic Book Round Up|date=June 2016|access-date=October 5, 2021|archive-date=July 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160713233910/https://comicbookroundup.com/comic-books/reviews/dynamite-entertainment/red-sonja-(2016)}}</ref>

In December 2017, a new ''Red Sonja'' comic series debuted with a zero issue priced at 25 cents by writer [[Amy Chu]] with art by Carlos Gomez.<ref>{{cite web|author=[[Johnston, Rich]]|url=https://www.bleedingcool.com/2016/09/01/red-sonja-back-in-the-bikini-chainmail-as-amy-chu-launches-series-dynamite-with-carlos-gomez-for-december/|title=Red Sonja Back In The Bikini Chainmail As Amy Chu Launches New Series With Carlos Gomez For December|work=[[Bleeding Cool]]|date=September 1, 2016|access-date=January 19, 2021|archive-date=September 2, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160902145726/https://www.bleedingcool.com/2016/09/01/red-sonja-back-in-the-bikini-chainmail-as-amy-chu-launches-series-dynamite-with-carlos-gomez-for-december/}}</ref> The series ran for 25 issues, ending in 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://comicbookroundup.com/comic-books/reviews/dynamite-entertainment/red-sonja-(2017)|title=RED SONJA (2017)|publisher=Comic Book Round Up|access-date=January 19, 2021|archive-date=February 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170208214932/https://comicbookroundup.com/comic-books/reviews/dynamite-entertainment/red-sonja-(2017)}}</ref>

In November 2019, a new series by writer Mark Russell and art by Mirko Colak debuted to positive critical reception,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://aiptcomics.com/2019/08/29/mark-russells-acclaimed-red-sonja-run-gets-november-2019-release/|title=Mark Russell's acclaimed Red Sonja run gets November 2019 release|publisher=AIPT Comics|date=August 29, 2019|access-date=January 19, 2021|archive-date=September 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920042424/https://aiptcomics.com/2019/08/29/mark-russells-acclaimed-red-sonja-run-gets-november-2019-release/}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbr.com/interview-creative-team-killing-red-sonja-end-icon/|publisher=[[CBR.com]]|author=Stone, Sam|title=Killing Red Sonja's Creative Team Is Ready to End the Icon|date=January 28, 2020|access-date=January 19, 2021|archive-date=January 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129151535/https://www.cbr.com/interview-creative-team-killing-red-sonja-end-icon/}}</ref> leading into a spinoff series called ''Killing Red Sonja''.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Arvedon, Jon|title=Killing Red Sonja Promises a 'Heartwarming' Tale of Magic and Murder|url=https://www.cbr.com/dynamite-killing-red-sonja-limited-series/|access-date=November 1, 2021|website=[[CBR.com]]|language=en-US|date=December 19, 2019|archive-date=December 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191220170134/https://www.cbr.com/dynamite-killing-red-sonja-limited-series/}}</ref> Russell left the series after issue 24 and was replaced with writer Luke Lieberman, with art by Drew Moss.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thepullbox.com/2020/12/rs25/|
publisher=ThePullBox.com|title=Red Sonja #25 explores past and future of the She-devil|date=December 21, 2020|access-date=January 19, 2021|archive-date=January 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210119174038/https://www.thepullbox.com/2020/12/rs25/}}</ref> The series ran 28 issues.

In mid-2021, Dynamite released the anthology ''Red Sonja: Black, White, Red''. Each issue presents stories by different teams of artists and writers, including [[Kurt Busiek]], Benjamin Dewey, Amanda Deibert, Cat Staggs, [[Mark Russell (writer)|Mark Russell]], and Bob Q.<ref>{{cite web|author=Dohm-Sanchez, Jeffrey|title='Red Sonja' Series Gets the 'Black, White, Red' Treatment|url=https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/48166/red-sonja-series-gets-black-white-red-treatment|date=April 22, 2021|access-date=June 20, 2021|website=[[ICv2]]|language=en}}</ref> Also announced was a crossover with Project superpower. A sequel to it will be released in November 2022 called Vampirella VS Red Sonja.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Collinson|first=Gary|date=2022-08-24|title=Vampirella vs Red Sonja limited series launching in November|url=https://www.flickeringmyth.com/2022/08/vampirella-vs-red-sonja-limited-series-launching-november/|access-date=2022-08-25|website=Flickering Myth|language=en-US}}</ref>

In February 2021, Dynamite released a series titled ''Sonjaversal'', depicting Red Sonja meeting her [[Multiverse (Marvel Comics)|multiversal]] counterparts.<ref>{{cite news|author=Lovett, Jamie|date=November 23, 2020|title=Dynamite To Launch Red Sonja Multiverse in Sonjaversal|publisher=ComicBook.com|url=https://comicbook.com/comics/news/red-sonja-sonjaverse-dynamite/|access-date=June 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201123215556/https://comicbook.com/comics/news/red-sonja-sonjaverse-dynamite/|archive-date=November 23, 2020}}</ref> That same month, Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti co-wrote the series ''Invincible Red Sonja'' with artist Moritat.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Collinson, Gary|date=February 28, 2021|title=Dynamite announces The Invincible Red Sonja|url=https://www.flickeringmyth.com/2021/02/dynamite-announces-invincible-red-sonja/|access-date=September 15, 2021|website=Flickering Myth|language=en-US}}</ref>

In June 2021, the character appeared in ''[[Die!namite]]'' and ''Die!namite Lives''.<ref>{{Cite web|author=[[Johnston, Rich]]|date=March 19, 2021|title=DIE-Namite Lives, The Long Night Event in Dynamite June 2021 Solicits|url=https://bleedingcool.com/comics/die-namite-lives-the-long-night-event-in-dynamite-june-2021-solicits/|access-date=October 30, 2021|website=[[Bleeding Cool]]|language=en}}</ref> That same month, Dynamite Entertainment announced that a new series written by [[Mirka Andolfo]] and drawn by Giuseppe Cafaro would debut in September 2021.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.flickeringmyth.com/2021/06/red-sonja-returning-for-new-series-this-september/|title=Red Sonja returning for new series this September|author=Collinson, Gary|publisher=Flickering Myth|date=June 25, 2021|access-date=June 30, 2021|archivedate=January 24, 2021|archiveurl=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/S6qND}}</ref> The first issue sold out its initial run of 32,000 copies, prompting a second printing.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Johnston|first=Rich|date=August 30, 2021|title=Mirka Andolfo's Red Sonja #1 Sells Out Of 32,000 Print Run|url=https://bleedingcool.com/comics/mirka-andolfo-red-sonja-1-sells-out-32000-print-run/|access-date=September 2, 2021|website=Bleeding Cool|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=September 10, 2021|title=Mirka Andolfo's Red Sonja #1 Goes Back to Press|url=https://graphicpolicy.com/2021/09/10/mirka-andolfos-red-sonja-1-goes-back-to-press/|access-date=September 15, 2021|website=Graphic Policy|language=en-US}}</ref>

In December 2021, it was announced that Red Sonja would appear in the sequel to ''Die!namite'' and ''Die!namite Lives'' called ''Die!namite Never Dies''.<ref>{{Cite web|publisher=First Comics News|title=Die!namite Lived, Now It Never Dies!|url=https://www.firstcomicsnews.com/dienamite-lived-now-it-never-dies/|language=en-US|date=December 16, 2021|access-date=January 11, 2022|archivedate=December 20, 2021|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20211220070221/https://www.firstcomicsnews.com/dienamite-lived-now-it-never-dies/}}</ref>

''Hell Sonja,'' a spinoff from ''Sonjaversal,'' was released in January 2022.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Red Sonja spinoff Hell Sonja launching in January|url=https://www.flickeringmyth.com/2021/10/red-sonja-spinoff-hell-sonja-launching-january/|language=en-US|website=Flickering Myth|date=October 25, 2021|access-date=March 15, 2022}}</ref> That same month, the ''Immortal Red Sonja'' series by writer Dan Abnett and artist Alessandro Miracolo was announced for April, which would depict Sonja in [[King Arthur]]'s [[Camelot]].<ref>{{Cite web|author=[[Johnston, Rich]]|title=Dan Abnett's Immortal Red Sonja #1 Brings Back Chain Mail Top|url=https://bleedingcool.com/comics/dan-abnetts-immortal-red-sonja-1-brings-back-chain-mail-top/|publisher=[[Bleeding Cool]]|language=en|date=January 20, 2022|access-date=January 22, 2022|archivedate=January 21, 2022|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121044714/https://bleedingcool.com/comics/dan-abnetts-immortal-red-sonja-1-brings-back-chain-mail-top/}}</ref> In February 2022, Dynamite announced that it would debut ''Red Sitha'' in May, set ten years after Andolfo's storyline, following Red Sonja's adopted daughter, Sitha.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Collinson, Gary|title=Dynamite announces new Red Sonja spinoff Red Sitha|url=https://www.flickeringmyth.com/2022/02/dynamite-announces-new-red-sonja-spinoff-red-sitha/|date=February 24, 2022|access-date=February 25, 2022|website=Flickering Myth|language=en-US|url-status=live|archivedate=February 25, 2022|archiveurl=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/hMElF}}</ref>

In March 2022, Dynamite announced another spinoff titled from Sonjaversal, ''Samurai Sonja'', written by Jordan Clark with art by Pasquale Qualano.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Destito|first=Deanna|title=Syndicated Comics|url=https://www.comicsbeat.com/dynamite-new-red-sonja-samurai-sonja-1/|website=[[Comics Beat]]|language=en-US|url-status=live|date=March 14, 2022|accessdate=March 15, 2022|archivedate=March 15, 2022|archiveurl=https://archive.today/20220315193717/https://www.comicsbeat.com/dynamite-new-red-sonja-samurai-sonja-1/}}</ref> In August, a one-shot fairy tale reimagining Red Sonja as Jack from [[Jack and the Beanstalk]] was released.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Amaya|first=Erik|date=2022-05-19|title=Dynamite Plots 'Fairy Tales' Specials With Red Sonja, Dejah Thoris, and Vampirella This August|url=https://comicon.com/2022/05/19/dynamite-plots-fairy-tales-specials-with-red-sonja-dejah-thoris-and-vampirella-this-august/|access-date=2022-10-12|website=COMICON|language=en-US}}</ref> ''Unbreakable Red Sonja'' was released in October 2022,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Collinson|first=Gary|title=Red Sonja becomes Unbreakable this October|url=https://www.flickeringmyth.com/2022/07/red-sonja-becomes-unbreakable-this-october/|website=Flickering Myth|language=en-US|url-status=live|date=July 22, 2022|access-date=August 25, 2022|archivedate=August 25, 2022|archiveurl=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220825220842/https://www.flickeringmyth.com/2022/07/red-sonja-becomes-unbreakable-this-october/}}</ref> and the crossover series ''Hell Sonja/Red Sonja'' was released in December the same year.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Collinson|first=Gary|title=Sonjas collide this December with Red Sonja/Hell Sonja crossover|url=https://www.flickeringmyth.com/2022/09/sonjas-collide-december-with-red-sonja-hell-sonja-crossover/|website=Flickering Myth|language=en-US|url-status=live|date=September 29, 2022|access-date=April 11, 2023|archive-date=April 11, 2023|archive-url=https://archive.today/20230411140601/https://www.flickeringmyth.com/2022/09/sonjas-collide-december-with-red-sonja-hell-sonja-crossover/}}</ref>

In April 2023, Dynamite announced that it would debut the next ongoing ''Red Sonja'' series by writer [[Torunn Grønbekk]] and artist Walter Geovani in celebration of the character's 50th anniversary.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Amaya|first=Erik|title=Dynamite Announces New 'Red Sonja' Ongoing From Torunn Grønbekk And Walter Geovani To Celebrate Her 50th Anniversary|url=https://comicon.com/2023/04/10/dynamite-announces-new-red-sonja-ongoing-to-celebrate-her-50th-anniversary/|website=Comicon.com|language=en-US|url-status=live|date=April 10, 2023|access-date=April 11, 2023|archive-date=April 11, 2023|archive-url=https://archive.today/20230411140701/https://comicon.com/2023/04/10/dynamite-announces-new-red-sonja-ongoing-to-celebrate-her-50th-anniversary/}}</ref> The first issue, released in July, featured dozens of variant covers by artists including [[Jim Cheung]], [[Bryan Hitch]], [[Mike Mignola]], [[Joseph Michael Linsner]], [[Jenny Frison]], [[Frank Cho]], and [[Kevin Eastman]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bleedingcool.com/comics/red-sonja-1-gargoyles-dark-age-1-in-dynamite-july-2023-solicits/|title=Red Sonja #1 & Gargoyles: Dark Age #1 in Dynamite July 2023 Solicits|author=[[Johnston, Rich]]|publisher=[[Bleeding Cool]]|language=en-GB|url-status=live|date=April 21, 2023|access-date=June 27, 2023|archive-date=June 27, 2023|archive-url=https://archive.today/20230627144747/https://bleedingcool.com/comics/red-sonja-1-gargoyles-dark-age-1-in-dynamite-july-2023-solicits/}}</ref>

''Savage Red Sonja'' by [[Dan Panosian]] and Alessio Petillo was released in November 2023,<ref>{{Cite news|last=Destito|first=Deanna|date=2023-08-24|title=Preview: Dynamite shares a look at Savage Red Sonja #1|language=en-US|work=The Beat|url=https://www.comicsbeat.com/preview-dynamite-shares-a-look-at-savage-red-sonja-1/|access-date=2023-10-31}}</ref> followed by ''Red Sonja: Empire of the Damned'' by Steve Niles and Alessandro Amoruso in April 2024.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Comments|first=Rich Johnston {{!}} Last updated {{!}}|date=2024-01-25|title=Steve Niles Writes New Zombie Comic, Red Sonja: Empire Of The Damned|url=https://bleedingcool.com/comics/steve-niles-writes-new-zombie-comic-red-sonja-empire-of-the-damned/|access-date=2024-01-26|website=bleedingcool.com|language=en}}</ref> The sequel to ''Red Sonja: Birth of the She-devil'' called ''Red Sonja: Death and the Devil'' was released in September 2024.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Brooke|first=David|date=2024-06-20|title='Red Sonja: Death and the Devil' announced for September 2024 • AIPT|url=https://aiptcomics.com/2024/06/20/red-sonja-death-and-the-devil-september-2024/|access-date=2024-10-11|language=en-us}}</ref>