#IReadsYou Movie Review: HELLBOY 2004

Hellboy (2004)

Running time:  122 minutes (2 hours, 2 minutes)

MPAA – PG-13 for sci-fi action violence and frightening images

DIRECTOR:  Guillermo del Toro

WRITERS:  Guillermo del Toro; from screen story by Peter Briggs & Guillermo del Toro (based upon the comic book by Mike Mignola)

PRODUCERS:  Lawrence Gordon, Lloyd Levin, and Mike Richardson

CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Guillermo Navarro

EDITOR:  Peter Amundson

COMPOSER:  Marco Beltrami

HORROR/ACTION/ADVENTURE and SCI/FANTASY

Starring:  Ron Perlman, Selma Blair, Jeffrey Tambor, Karel Roden, Rupert Evans, John Hurt, Corey Johnson, Doug Jones, Brian Caspe, James Babson, Biddy Hodson, Jim Howick, Kevin Trainor, and (voice) David Hyde Pierce

Hellboy is a 2004 American superhero and horror-fantasy film from director Guillermo del Toro.  The film is based upon the Hellboy comic book franchise and character created by writer-artist Mike Mignola.  Hellboy the movie focuses on a demon who becomes a defender against the forces of darkness after being conjured by the Nazis as an infant.

Mike Mignola’s titular character of his wonderful Hellboy comic books comes to life in director Guillermo del Toro’s colorful and well-dressed B-movie, Hellboy.  This horror/action flick is dry, slow, and even the action is deadpan, although there are a few funny and genuinely scary moments.  Now, I can describe a plethora of movies as having “a few good moments,” but this movie does have quite a few.

The film begins late in World War II.  A young scientist, Trevor “Broom” Bruttenholm (Kevin Trainor) and a squad of Allied soldiers come upon a group of Nazi kooks.  The kooks include the Russian mystic, Grigori Rasputin (Karel Roden), in the midst of a ritual to summon a group of big bow wow evil gods.  The Allies stop the evil that is coming “from the other side,” but something does slip through – a little demon kid they name Hellboy.

Sixty years later, Hellboy (Ron Perlman) is now an adult, having been raised by Trevor Bruttenholm (John Hurt).  Hellboy is the main man/strongman for "The Bureau of Paranormal Research and Defense," which is a group fighting the good fight against all manner of bogeymen and boogens.  Our entry into this dark world of supernatural special operations is an FBI newbie, John Myers (Rupert Evans).  Myers comes just in time, as Rasputin and his gang of uglies are back to finish what they started six decades earlier.

Hellboy is a pleasant diversion, and it certainly is pretty to look at, featuring colorful art direction, set decoration, and makeup.  Hellboy looks a lot like Guillermo del Toro’s last film, Blade II, but whereas the latter had a dark atmosphere and a convincing, unbroken line of suspense, Hellboy is flat and too long to be as flat as it is.  Perlman is, at times, almost D.O.A. as the title character, and then, quite lively at other times.  I don’t think Perlman's interpretation of Hellboy really fits the comic book original version of the character.  The four color Hellboy is more humble and earthy, whereas Perlman’s creation often comes across as a cocky, uncouth roughneck.

Hellboy has excellent production values.  It is a great looking film, from its set and environments to its costumes and hair and make-up that transform actors into a menagerie of inventive and imaginative characters.  Still,I don't think audiences have to see Hellboy in a theater; they can save it for a rental.

B-

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

The text is copyright © 2025 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved.  Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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WEBTOON's "Webcomic Legends" Contest Opens March 10th

WEBTOON Announces “Webcomic Legends” Contest with Over $1 Million in Cash Prizes

Launching in spring 2025, the contest will celebrate 40 outstanding webcomic entries with cash prizes and the chance to join the WEBTOON Originals program

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--WEBTOON Entertainment Inc. (“WEBTOON”), a leading global entertainment company and home to some of the world’s largest storytelling platforms, is on the hunt for the next wave of visionary webcomic creators with “Webcomic Legends,” a new contest with over USD $1 million in prizes. The contest will highlight emerging talent on WEBTOON’s CANVAS platform, rewarding 40 outstanding webcomics with cash prizes and the opportunity to join the WEBTOON Originals program.

“We are constantly on the lookout for incredible stories to celebrate and elevate at WEBTOON, and ‘Webcomic Legends’ will continue our tradition of creating opportunities to spotlight diverse new series and talent.”

Launching on March 10, 2025, creators from around the world can submit to “Webcomic Legends” on WEBTOON’s English language CANVAS platform. Future legends can submit stories across four genre categories: Most Epic (Action/Fantasy); Most Feels (Romance/Drama); Most Laughs (Comedy/Slice of Life); and Most Gripping (Horror/Thriller/Mystery/Supernatural). Entries will be evaluated by a combination of scoring from a panel of expert judges, including WEBTOON’s in-house editorial team and select WEBTOON Originals creators, and audience appeal and engagement.

The “Webcomic Legends” prize breakdown includes:

-- Grand Prize Winner (1): a total of $150,000

-- Genre Winners (3): a total of $100,000 each

-- Genre Finalists (12): a total of $35,000 each

-- Genre Runner-Ups (24): a total of $5,500 each

In addition to the cash prizes, all 40 winners will have the chance to pitch their title to join the WEBTOON Originals lineup, where they can develop their series as an ongoing story with the support of the WEBTOON editorial team.

“WEBTOON is home to a new generation of superstar creators who have built a global audience and fandom for their stories on our platform,” said David S. Lee, Head of US WEBTOON. “We are constantly on the lookout for incredible stories to celebrate and elevate at WEBTOON, and ‘Webcomic Legends’ will continue our tradition of creating opportunities to spotlight diverse new series and talent.”

CANVAS contests have launched the careers of some of WEBTOON’s biggest hit series, including unOrdinary by uru-chan, Cursed Princess Club by LambCat, The Kiss Bet by Ingrid Ochoa, Love Advice From the Great Duke of Hell by unfins, and Hooky by Míriam Bonastre Tur.

“Webcomic Legends” will be open to CANVAS creators and ORIGINALS creators who do not currently have a series in progress. Submissions for the contest will open in March 2025 and close in June 2025. Additional details and contest guidelines for “Webcomic Legends” are to be announced later this year.

About WEBTOON Entertainment:

WEBTOON Entertainment is a leading global entertainment company and home to some of the world's largest storytelling platforms. As the global leader and pioneer of the mobile webcomic format, WEBTOON Entertainment has transformed comics and visual storytelling for fans and creators.

With its CANVAS UGC platform empowering anyone to become a creator, and a growing roster of superstar WEBTOON Originals creators and series, WEBTOON Entertainment’s passionate fandoms are the new face of pop culture. WEBTOON adaptations are available on Netflix, Prime Video, Crunchyroll, and other screens around the world, and the company’s content partners include Discord, HYBE and DC Comics, among many others.

With approximately 170 million monthly active users (as of the quarter ended June 30, 2024), WEBTOON Entertainment’s IP & Creator Ecosystem of aligned companies include WEBTOON, Wattpad--the world’s leading web-novel platform--Wattpad WEBTOON Studios, Studio N, Studio LICO, WEBTOON Unscrolled, LINE MANGA, and eBookJapan, among others.

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I Reads You Juniors: February 2025 - UPDATE #44

by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon.

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like these, BOOKS PAGE, GRAPHIC NOVELS, or MANGA PAGE and BUY something(s).

TREATS - From AnotherCookie:  There is a new online cookie retailer. It is called "AnotherCookie?" and the cookies are delicious.

NEWS:

DIAMOND - From BleedingCool:  Bankrupt-ass Diamond Comic Distributors has sent invoices to comics shops it claims owes it money - about 22 million dollar specifically, with about 5 million of that irrevocably lost.

DC STUDIOS - From Variety:  The website offers this article that includes a lot of DC Studios news, including two "Batman" films, a possible "Teen Titans" film, and a second season of "The Penguin." There is also news about several new animated series based on DC Comics' properties.

FANTAGRAPHICS - From BleedingCool:  Fantagraphics Books has pulled out of Free Comic Book Day 2025, including pulling their "Lost Marvels" FCBD title. This story will be updated as information is available.

MARVEL/DC COMICS - From BleedingCool:  There is big news out of "ComicsPRO," the comic book retailer summit held in Glendale, California.  DC Comics Editor-In-Chief Marie Javins and Marvel Comics Editor-In-Chief CB Cebulski followed the Keynote speech to take to the floor and announce a new crossover between the two comic book publishers. Two one-shots, "Marvel/DC" produced by Marvel Comics and "DC/Marvel" produced by DC Comics, will be published later this year (2025).

DC CINEMA - From Deadline:  The "Constantine" sequel just won't go away.  The film's star, Keanu Reeves says that he and the film's director, Francis Lawrence, have put together a story and recently pitched it to DC Studios.

From DCBlog:  It's the 20th anniversary of the 2005 film, Constantine, starring Keanu Reeves and featuring the DC Comics' character, John Constantine.  With the release of a new 4K Blu-ray edition of the film, director Francis Lawrence looks back at his directorial debut.

DC COMICS - From DCBlog:  Writer Matt Fraction and artist Jorge Jimenez will launch a new #Batman #1" September 2025.

COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Midtown Comics' will revive its UCS Comics Distributors to help small publishers left without distribution because of Diamond Comic Distributors' bankruptcy. Previously, UCS distributed new issues of DC Comics to comic book stores for a short time back in 2020.

DC COMICS - From DCBlog:  Writer G. Willow Wilson talks about the new "Poison Ivy" ongoing comic book that she is producing with artist Marcio Takara.

DISNEY - From BleedingCool:  In case you might sue the Walt Disney Company in the future, you might have to write them a letter now informing them that you are opting out of "arbitration agreements" and "class action waivers."

MANGA - From Variety:  In 2025, written media has become the most pirated data on the Internet, surpassing films and TV.  This is thanks in large part to piracy of manga.

COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Blood Moon Comics has shut down as a result of the bankruptcy of Diamond Comic Distributors.

LGBTQ - From BleedingCool:  The comic book writer and co-creator of such characters as "Black Lightning," "Misty Knight," "Black Goliath," and "Tigra," Tony Isabella, has come out as transgender at the age of 73.  Her name is now "Jenny Blake Isabella."

MARVEL STUDIOS - From ComicBook:  In March 2024, Disney fired Beau DeMayo the showrunner of the Disney+ animated series, "X-Men '97."  Now, DeMayo is addressing the firing and the incidents around it in a video posted on YouTube.

From YouTube:  The video in which Beau DeMayo speaks about his firing from "X-Men '97" by Disney/Marvel Studios.

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MARVEL - From THR:  Deadpool co-creator Rob Liefeld has once again declared that he is done with Marvel after he detailed perceived slights surrounding the premiere of the 2024 hit film, "Deadpool & Wolverine," and its afterparty.

From BleedingCool:  The site provides an overview of Rob Liefeld's disputes with Marvel, including the most recent one.

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COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Massive Publishing has signed with Lunar Distribution in the wake of Diamond Comic Distributors bankruptcy.  Massive has also created a new entity, "Massive Indies," as a new sub-distribution initiative to help independent publishers and self-comics publishers get distributed through Lunar. Massive has also released their terms of use for this initiative.

COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Joe Quesada and his new publisher, Amazing Comics, are at the "Angoulême International Comics Festival" in France this week.  The company, which involves a partnership with Mad Cave Studios and French publisher, Dupuis, and have been announcing new projects in their bid to redefine graphic novels globally. The announcements include new comic books by Garth Ennis, Steven Paul Judd, Derek Kolstad, Christopher Priest, Esad Ribic, J. Michael Strączyński, Ethan Sacks, Ryan Stegman, Charles Dorfman, and Ronan Toulhoat.

NEIL GAIMAN - From BleedingCool:  The fast-moving, ongoing demolition of Neil Gaiman's prestigious career as a world-famous author continues with the announcement that Marvel Comics has no plans to publish "Miracleman: The Dark Age," the final work in Gaiman and Mark Buckingham's "Miracleman trilogy."

From Variety:  In an exclusive story, "Variety" is reporting that Netflix has cancelled "The Sandman" series after Season 2.  Apparently, Netflix was considering dumping the show before the current Neil Gaiman controversies.

From ComicsBeat:  Apparently, Neil Gaiman is being locked out of the Kickstarter-funded comic book adaptation of "Good Omens," the 1990 novel he co-wrote with the late Terry Pratchett.

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DECEMBER 2024 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:

From BleedingCool:  Ablaze Publishing for December 2024

From BleedingCool:  Abrams Comics for December 2024

From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for December 2024

From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for December 2024

From BleedingCool:  BlackBox Comics for December 2024

From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for December 2024

From BleedingCool:  Cosmic Lion Productions for December 2024

From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for December 2024

From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for December 2024

From BleedingCool:  Dren Productions for December 2024

From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for December 2024

From BleedingCool:  Fantagraphics Books for December 2024

From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for December 2024

From BleedingCool:  Image Comics "Energon Universe" titles for December 2024

From BleedingCool:  Image Comics "Ghost Machine" titles for December 2024

From BleedingCool:  Image Comics Todd McFarlane titles for December 2024

From BleedingCool:  Kodansha Comics for December 2024

From BleedingCool:  Keenspot Entertainment for December 2024

From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for December 2024

From BleedingCool:  Magma Comix for December 2024

From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for December 2024

From BleedingCool:  Massive for December 2024

From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for December 2024

From BleedingCool:  Penthouse Comics for December 2024

From BleedingCool:  Rebellion / 2000 AD for December 2024

From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for December 2024

From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for December 2024

From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics "Conan" titles for December 2024

From BleedingCool:  TOKYOPOP for December 2024

From BleedingCool:  Valiant Comics for December 2024

From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for December 2024

From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for December 2024

From BleedingCool:  Yen Press for December 2024

JANUARY 2025 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:

From BleedingCool:  1First Comics for January 2025

From BleedingCool:  Abrams Comics for January 2025

From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for January 2025

From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for January 2025

From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for January 2025

From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for January 2025

From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for January 2025

From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for January 2025

From BleedingCool:  DSTLRY Media for January 2025

From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Comics for January 2025

From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for January 2025

From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for January 2025

From BleedingCool:  Image Comics "Energon Universe" titles for January 2025

From BleedingCool:  Image Comics "Ghost Machine" titles for January 2025

From BleedingCool:  Image Comics "Spawn" titles for January 2025

From BleedingCool:  Keenspot Entertainment for January 2025

From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for January 2025

From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics "Ultimate Comics" titles for January 2025

From BleedingCool:  Massive for January 2025

From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for January 2025

From BleedingCool:  Rebellion/2000 AD for January 2025

From BleedingCool:  Rising Empire Studios for January 2025

From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for January 2025

From BleedingCool:  Udon Studios for January 2025

From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for January 2025

From BleedingCool:  Zenescope Comics for January 2025

FEBRUARY 2025 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:

From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for February 2025

From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for February 2025

From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for February 2025

From BleedingCool:  AWA Studios for February 2025

From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for February 2025

From BleedingCool:  CEX for February 2025

From BleedingCool:  Cosmic Lion Productions for February 2025

From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for February 2025

From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for February 2025

From BleedingCool:  DC Comics "Absolute" titles for February 2025

From BleedingCool:  Dstlry Media for February 2025

From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for February 2025

From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for February 2025

From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for February 2025

From BleedingCool:  Image Comics' Energon Universe titles for February 2025

From BleedingCool:  Keenspot Entertainment for February 2025

From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for February 2025

From BleedingCool:  Magma Comix for February 2025

From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for February 2025 - full list

From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics "Star Wars" Black History Month variants for February 2025

From BleedingCool:  Marvel "Ultimate Comics" for February 2025

From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for February 2025 - Part 1

From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for February 2025 - Part 2

From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for February 2025

From BleedingCool:  Rebellion / 2000 AD for February 2025

From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for February 2025

From BleedingCool:  Sumerian Comics for February 2025

From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for February 2025

From BleedingCool:  Valiant Comics for February 2025

From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for February 2025

MARCH 2025 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:

From BleedingCool:  Ablaze for March 2025

From BleedingCool:  Abrams Comicarts for March 2025

From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for March 2025

From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for March 2025

From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for March 2025

From BleedingCool:  Cosmic Lion Productions for March 2025

From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for March 2025

From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for March 2025

From BleedingCool:  Drawn & Quarterly for March 2025

From BleedingCool:  DSTLRY Media for March 2025

From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for March 2025

From BleedingCool:  Fantagraphics Books for March 2025

From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for March 2025

From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for March 2025

From BleedingCool:  Image Comics "Energon" titles for March 2025

From BleedingCool:  Image Comics "Ghost Machine" titles for March 2025

From BleedingCool:  Image Comics "Spawn" titles for March 2025

From BleedingCool:  Keenspot Entertainment for March 2025

From BleedingCool:  Kodansha Comics for March 2025

From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for March 2025

From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for March 2025

From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics' "Amazing Spider-Man" titles for March 2025

From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics' "One World Under Doom" titles for March 2025

From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics' "Ultimate Comics" titles for March 2025

From BleedingCool:  Massive/WhatNot for March 2025

From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for March 2025

From BleedingCool:  Rebellion / 2000 AD for March 2025

From BleedingCool:  Seven Seas Entertainment for March 2025

From BleedingCool:  Shift Presents for March 2025

From BleedingCool:  Sumerian Comics for March 2025

From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for March 2025

From BleedingCool:  TOKYOPOP for March 2025

From BleedingCool:  Udon Entertainment for March 2025

From BleedingCool:  Valiant Comics for March 2025

From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for March 2025

From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for March 2025

From BleedingCool:  Webtoon Unscrolled for March 2025

From BleedingCool:  Yen Press for March 2025

APRIL 2025 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:

From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for April 2025

From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for April 2025

From BleedingCool:  AWA Studios for April 2025

From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for April 2025

From BleedingCool:  Cosmic Lion for April 2025

From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for April 2025

From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for April 2025

From BleedingCool:  DC Comics "Summer of Superman" titles for April 2025

From BleedingCool:  DSTLRY Media for April 2025

From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for April 2025

From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for April 2025

From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for April 2025

From BleedingCool:  Keenspot Entertainment for April 2025

From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for April 2025

From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for April 2025

From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics "One World Under Doom" titles for April 2025

From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics "Ultimate: titles for April 2025

From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for April 2025

From BleedingCool:  Rebellion / 2000 AD for April 2025

From BleedingCool:  Sumerian Comics for April 2025

From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for April 2025

From BleedingCool:  Valiant Comics for April 2025

MAY 2025 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:

From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for May 2025

From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for May 2025

From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for May 2025

From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for May 2025

From BleedingCool:  DC Comics "Absolute DC" titles for May 2025

From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for May 2025

From BleedingCool:  Free Comic Book Day 2025 titles for May 2025

From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for May 2025

From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics "One World Under Doom" titles for May 2025

From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics "Ultimate Comics" titles for May 2025

From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for May 2025

From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics "Conan" and "Solomon Kane" titles for May 2025

From BleedingCool:  Valiant-Alien Books for May 2025

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#IReadsYou Review: RED SONJA Black White Red #4

RED SONJA BLACK WHITE RED #4
DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: Sanya Anwar; Phillip Kennedy Johnson; Chuck Brown
ART: Sanya Anwar; Steve Beach; Drew Moss
COLORS: Kike J. Diaz; Steve Beach; Drew Moss
LETTERS: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
EDITOR: Nate Cosby
COVER: Lucio Parrillo
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Cat Staggs; Jae Lee; Lucio Parrillo; Rachel Hollon (cosplay)
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (October 2021)

Rated Teen+

Based on the characters and stories created by Roy Thomas, Barry Windsor-Smith, and Robert E. Howard

Conan the Barbarian #23 (cover dated: February 1973) saw the debut of a high fantasy, sword and sorcery heroine, Red Sonja.  Created by writer Roy Thomas and artist Barry Windsor-Smith, Red Sonja was loosely based on “Red Sonya of Rogatino,” a female character that appeared in the 1934 short story, “The Shadow of the Vulture,” written by Robert E. Howard (1906-1936), the creator of the character, Conan the Cimmerian.

In 2005, Dynamite Entertainment began publishing comic books featuring differing versions of the character.  One of those is Red Sonja Black White and Red, an anthology comic book featuring stories from well known comic book writers and artists, with the art presented in black, white, and red.

Red Sonja Black White and Red #4 is comprised of three stories.  The first is “The Iron Maiden,” and it is written and drawn by Sanya Anwar; colored by Kike J. Diaz; and lettered by Hassan Otsmane-Elahou.  The second story is “The Iron Queen,” and it is written by Phillip Kennedy Johnson; drawn by Steve Beach; and lettered by Hassan Otsmane-Elahou.  The third story is “Cold Monger,” and it is written by Chuck Brown; drawn by Drew Moss; and lettered by Hassan Otsmane-Elahou.   I'll review each story separately.

THE LOWDOWN:   Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department recently began providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles.  One of them is Red Sonja Black White and Red #4, which is the third issue of the title that I have read.

“The Iron Maiden” by Sanya Anwar, Kike J. Diaz, and Hassan Otsmane-Elahou:
After being grievously injured, Sonja of Hyrkania passes out.  When she awakens, she is under the care of Oenila, and two more different women there couldn't be.  However, when Sonja later tries to save Oenila, she learns that a women can be a warrior on a different kind of battlefield.

“The Iron Maiden” is a nice story, but I think it doesn't show its power until the very end.  I do like that the story shows that every woman does not have to be a she-devil with a sword in order to be brave in a struggle that she must face.

“The Iron Queen” by Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Steve Beach, and Hassan Otsmane-Elahou:
This a tale of Red Sonja's past and present, one that finds her aged and waiting for the opportunity to be great again.  It takes a young woman who idolizes her to remind the She-Devil that she was and still is a she-devil.

The art for “The Iron Queen” by Steve Beach is beautiful, and has a quality that recalls the “ink-wash” art that could be found in Savage Sword of Conan, the old Marvel Conan comics magazine.  Johnson's story is nice, but I'm sure that I have read something just like it in the past.

“Cold Monger” by Chuck Brown, Drew Moss, and Hassan Otsmane-Elahou:
Red Sonja meets a stranger in a strange, cold land.  He tells her of King Ole VII, “the Cold Monger,” who uses magic to keep the land frozen and him in control of fire.  Can the hot-blooded She-Devil with a Sword melt down the Cold Monger's rule?

I like “Cold Monger.”  It's like a fairy tale with Red Sonja as the unnamed hero who passes through a land, staying only long enough to depose a despot.

It is not hard for me to pick a favorite story of the three offered in Red Sonja Black White and Red #4.  “Cold Monger” by Chuck Brown, Drew Moss, and Hassan Otsmane-Elahou really stands out in this issue, which I must admit that I find to be the weakest issue of this series that I have read, thus far.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Red Sonja will want to try Red Sonja Black White and Red.

B

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


https://twitter.com/DynamiteComics
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https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNOH4PEsl8dyZ2Tj7XUlY7w
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dynamite-entertainment


The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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BOOM! Studios from Diamond Distributors for February 26, 2025

BOOM! STUDIOS

OCT240068 CROCODILE BLACK TP (MR) (C: 0-1-2) $17.99

DEC240074 HELLO DARKNESS #8 CVR A MERCADO (MR) $5.99

DEC240075 HELLO DARKNESS #8 CVR B FRISON (MR) $5.99

DEC240076 HELLO DARKNESS #8 CVR C BASTIAN (MR) $5.99

DEC240077 HELLO DARKNESS #8 CVR D ANNIVERSARY VAR MORA (MR) $5.99

JUL240121 NOMADS THE SAND KINGDOM OGN BOOK 02 (C: 0-1-2) $12.99

JUL240071 PULPHOPE2 THE ART OF PAUL POPE HC (MR) (C: 0-1-2) $59.99

JUL240070 PULPHOPE2 THE ART OF PAUL POPE TP (MR) $39.99

DEC240119 UNCANNY VALLEY #8 (OF 10) CVR A WACHTER $4.99

DEC240120 UNCANNY VALLEY #8 (OF 10) CVR B FLEECS $4.99

DEC240111 VICARIOUS #5 (OF 5) CVR A PANOSIAN $4.99

DEC240112 VICARIOUS #5 (OF 5) CVR B VECCHIO $4.99

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DC Comics from Lunar Distributors for February 26, 2025

DC COMICS:

Absolute Transmetropolitan Volume 3 HC (2025 Edition), $125.00

Absolute Wonder Woman #5 (Cover A Hayden Sherman), $4.99

Absolute Wonder Woman #5 (Cover B Homare Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Absolute Wonder Woman #5 (Cover C Jeehyung Lee Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Absolute Wonder Woman #5 (Cover D Mike Perkins Card Stock Variant), AR

Absolute Wonder Woman #5 (Cover E Homare Card Stock Variant), AR

Batman '89 Echoes #6 (Of 6) Cover A Joe Quinones & Paolo Rivera), $3.99

Batman '89 Echoes #6 (Of 6)(Cover B Joe Quinones Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Batman Superman World's Finest Volume 5 Secret Origins HC, $24.99

Batman Superman World's Finest Volume 5 Secret Origins TP, $17.99

Batman The Long Halloween The Last Halloween #5 (Of 10)(Cover A Tim Sale), $4.99

Batman The Long Halloween The Last Halloween #5 (Of 10)(Cover B Bill Sienkiewicz Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Batman The Long Halloween The Last Halloween #5 (Of 10)(Cover C Rob Liefeld Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Black Canary Best Of The Best #4 (Of 6)(Cover A Ryan Sook), $4.99

Black Canary Best Of The Best #4 (Of 6)(Cover B Rachta Lin Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Black Canary Best Of The Best #4 (Of 6)(Cover C Kendrick Kunkka Lim Card Stock Variant), AR

DC Connect #58, AR

Detective Comics #1094 (Cover A Mikel Janin), $4.99

Detective Comics #1094 (Cover B Bruno Redondo Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Detective Comics #1094 (Cover C Ariel Olivetti Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Detective Comics #1094 (Cover D Ryan Benjamin Black History Month Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Detective Comics #1094 (Cover E Dustin Nguyen Hush Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Detective Comics #1094 (Cover F Juan Ferreyra Card Stock Variant), AR

Detective Comics #31 (Facsimile Edition)(Cover A Bob Kane), $6.99

Detective Comics #31 (Facsimile Edition)(Cover B Bob Kane Foil Variant), $9.99

Detective Comics #31 (Facsimile Edition)(Cover C Blank Card Stock Variant), $7.99

Flash #18 (Cover A Mike Del Mundo), $3.99

Flash #18 (Cover B Saowee Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Flash #18 (Cover C Stephen Segovia Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Flash By Grant Morrison And Mark Millar The Deluxe Edition HC, $49.99

Flash By Grant Morrison And Mark Millar The Deluxe Edition HC, $49.99

Green Arrow #21 (Cover A Taurin Clarke), $3.99

Green Arrow #21 (Cover B Marc Aspinall Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Green Lantern #20 (Cover A Ariel Colon), $4.99

Green Lantern #20 (Cover B Stephen Segovia Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Green Lantern #20 (Cover C Fernando Blanco Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Green Lantern #20 (Cover D Michael Allred Card Stock Variant), AR

Green Lantern (2023) Volume 2 Love And War TP, $19.99

Green Lantern Dark #3 (Of 7)(Cover A Werther Dell Edera), $4.99

Green Lantern Dark #3 (Of 7)(Cover B David Nakayama Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Green Lantern Dark #3 (Of 7)(Cover C Tran Nguyen Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Harley Quinn #48 (Cover A Elizabeth Torque), $3.99

Harley Quinn #48 (Cover B David Nakayama Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Harley Quinn #48 (Cover C Jorge Fornes Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Harley Quinn #48 (Cover D Gleb Melnikov Hush Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Harley Quinn #48 (Cover E Bailie Rosenlund Card Stock Variant), AR

John Constantine Hellblazer Dead In America HC, $39.99

Justice League International Volume 1 Born Again TP (2025 Edition), $39.99

Justice League Unlimited #4 (Cover A Dan Mora), $3.99

Justice League Unlimited #4 (Cover B Christian Ward Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Justice League Unlimited #4 (Cover C Lucio Parrillo Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Justice League Unlimited #4 (Cover D Salvador Larroca Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Justice League Unlimited #4 (Cover E Ryan Benjamin Black History Month Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Justice League Unlimited #4 (Cover F Fico Ossio Wraparound Card Stock Variant), AR

Justice League Unlimited #4 (Cover G Gavin Guidry Card Stock Variant), AR

Little Batman Month One #4 (Of 4)(Cover A Patrick Ballesteros), $4.99

Metamorpho The Element Man #3 (Cover A Steve Lieber), $3.99

Metamorpho The Element Man #3 (Cover B Derrick Chew Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Penguin Volume 2 All Bad Things TP, $19.99

Power Girl #18 (Cover A Yanick Paquette), $3.99

Power Girl #18 (Cover B Elizabeth Torque Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Power Girl (2023) Volume 2 More Than A Crush TP, $19.99

Superman #23 (Cover A Dan Mora), $4.99

Superman #23 (Cover B Nathan Szerdy Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Superman #23 (Cover C Dan Panosian Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Superman #23 (Cover D Guillem March Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Superman #23 (Cover E Kaare Andrews Hush Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Superman #23 (Cover F Dave Johnson Card Stock Variant), AR

Titans (2023) Volume 2 The Dark-Winged Queen TP, $19.99

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Dynamite Entertainment from Diamond Distributors for February 26, 2025

DYNAMITE

Darkwing Duck Volume 2 #1 (Cover A Tad Stones), $4.99

Darkwing Duck Volume 2 #1 (Cover B Mark Bagley), $4.99

Darkwing Duck Volume 2 #1 (Cover C Ted Brandt & Ro Stein), $4.99

Darkwing Duck Volume 2 #1 (Cover D Nicoletta Baldari), $4.99

Darkwing Duck Volume 2 #1 (Cover E Ciro Cangialosi), $4.99

Darkwing Duck Volume 2 #1 (Cover F Tad Stones Foil Variant), AR

Darkwing Duck Volume 2 #1 (Cover G Tad Stones Foil Virgin Variant), AR

Darkwing Duck Volume 2 #1 (Cover H Blank Authentix Variant), AR

Darkwing Duck Volume 2 #1 (Cover J Tad Stones Virgin Variant), AR

Darkwing Duck Volume 2 #1 (Cover K Mark Bagley Foil Variant), AR

Darkwing Duck Volume 2 #1 (Cover L Ted Brandt & Ro Stein Foil Variant), AR

Darkwing Duck Volume 2 #1 (Cover M Ciro Cangialosi Line Art Variant), AR

Darkwing Duck Volume 2 #1 (Cover N Mark Bagley Foil Virgin Variant), AR

Darkwing Duck Volume 2 #1 (Cover O Ted Brandt & Ro Stein Foil Virgin Variant), AR

Darkwing Duck Volume 2 #1 (Cover P Ciro Cangialosi Line Art Virgin Variant), AR

Darkwing Duck Volume 2 #1 (Cover Q Ciro Cangialosi Virgin Variant), AR

Darkwing Duck Volume 2 #1 (Cover R Nicoletta Baldari Virgin Variant), AR

Darkwing Duck Volume 2 #1 (Cover S Ted Brandt & Ro Stein Virgin Variant), AR

Darkwing Duck Volume 2 #1 (Cover T Mark Bagley Virgin Variant), AR

Darkwing Duck Volume 2 #1 (Cover U Tad Stones Signed Variant), AR

Darkwing Duck Volume 2 #1 (Cover V Purple Blank Authentix Variant), AR

Darkwing Duck Volume 2 #1 (Cover W Nicoletta Baldari Foil Virgin Variant), AR

Darkwing Duck Volume 2 #1 (Cover X Ciro Cangialosi Foil Virgin Variant), AR

Darkwing Duck Volume 2 #1 (Cover Y Mark Bagley Line Art Variant), AR

Darkwing Duck Volume 2 #1 (Cover Z Mark Bagley Line Art Virgin Variant), AR

DuckTales #3 (Cover A Ivan Bigarella), $4.99

DuckTales #3 (Cover B Francesco Tomaselli), $4.99

DuckTales #3 (Cover C Carlo Lauro), $4.99

DuckTales #3 (Cover D Alan Quah), $4.99

DuckTales #3 (Cover E Tommaso Ronda), $4.99

DuckTales #3 (Cover F Ivan Bigarella Foil Variant), AR

DuckTales #3 (Cover G Ivan Bigarella Foil Virgin Variant), AR

DuckTales #3 (Cover J Francesco Tomaselli Foil Variant), AR

DuckTales #3 (Cover K Francesco Tomaselli Foil Virgin Variant), AR

DuckTales #3 (Cover L Tommaso Ronda Virgin Variant), AR

DuckTales #3 (Cover M Alan Quah Virgin Variant), AR

DuckTales #3 (Cover N Carlo Lauro Virgin Variant), AR

DuckTales #3 (Cover O Francesco Tomaselli Virgin Variant), AR

DuckTales #3 (Cover P Ivan Bigarella Sepia Tone Variant), AR

DuckTales #3 (Cover Q Alan Quah Foil Variant), AR

DuckTales #3 (Cover R Alan Quah Black & White Variant), AR

DuckTales #3 (Cover S Carlo Lauro Foil Variant), AR

DuckTales #3 (Cover T Carlo Lauro Virgin Foil Variant), AR

DuckTales #3 (Cover U Alan Quah Virgin Foil Variant), AR

Herculoids #1 (Cover A Francesco Mattina), $4.99

Herculoids #1 (Cover B Joseph Michael Linsner), $4.99

Herculoids #1 (Cover C Bjorn Barends), $4.99

Herculoids #1 (Cover D Felipe Massafera), $4.99

Herculoids #1 (Cover E Mike Mignola), $4.99

Herculoids #1 (Cover F Mike Mignola Foil Variant), AR

Herculoids #1 (Cover G Francesco Mattina Foil Virgin Variant), AR

Herculoids #1 (Cover H Blank Authentix Variant), AR

Herculoids #1 (Cover J Francesco Mattina Virgin Variant), AR

Herculoids #1 (Cover K Craig Rousseau Development Art Variant), AR

Herculoids #1 (Cover L Craig Rousseau Pastel Art Variant), AR

Herculoids #1 (Cover M Joseph Michael Linsner Foil Variant), AR

Herculoids #1 (Cover N Bjorn Barends Foil Variant), AR

Herculoids #1 (Cover O Felipe Massafera Foil Variant), AR

Herculoids #1 (Cover P Joseph Michael Linsner Foil Virgin Variant), AR

Herculoids #1 (Cover Q Bjorn Barends Foil Virgin Variant), AR

Herculoids #1 (Cover R Felipe Massafera Foil Virgin Variant), AR

Herculoids #1 (Cover S Joseph Michael Linsner Line Art Variant), AR

Herculoids #1 (Cover T Craig Rousseau Development Art Virgin Variant), AR

Herculoids #1 (Cover U Craig Rousseau Pastel Art Virgin Variant), AR

Herculoids #1 (Cover V Mike Mignola Virgin Variant), AR

Herculoids #1 (Cover W Felipe Massafera Virgin Variant), AR

Herculoids #1 (Cover X Joseph Michael Linsner Line Art Virgin Variant), AR

Herculoids #1 (Cover Y Bjorn Barends Virgin Variant), AR

Herculoids #1 (Cover Z Joseph Michael Linsner Virgin Variant), AR

Herculoids #1 (Cover ZA Rob Liefeld), AR

Herculoids #1 (Cover ZB Blue Blank Authentix Variant), AR

Herculoids #1 (Cover ZC Rob Liefeld Foil Trade Dress Variant), AR

Herculoids #1 (Cover ZD Rob Liefeld Foil Virgin Variant), AR

Herculoids #1 (Cover ZE Mike Mignola Line Art Variant), AR

Herculoids #1 (Cover ZF Mike Mignola Foil Variant), AR

Herculoids #1 (Cover ZG Mike Mignola Foil Virgin Variant), AR

Herculoids #1 (Cover ZH Mike Mignola Line Art Virgin Variant), AR

Herculoids #1 (Cover ZI Rob Liefeld Virgin Variant), AR

Powerpuff Girls #8 (Cover A Paulina Ganucheau), $4.99

Powerpuff Girls #8 (Cover B Alessandro Ranaldi), $4.99

Powerpuff Girls #8 (Cover C Cat Staggs), $4.99

Powerpuff Girls #8 (Cover D Pasquale Qualano), $4.99

Powerpuff Girls #8 (Cover E Ken Haeser), AR

Powerpuff Girls #8 (Cover F Ken Haeser Virgin Variant), AR

Powerpuff Girls #8 (Cover G Pasquale Qualano Virgin Variant), AR

Powerpuff Girls #8 (Cover H Cat Staggs Virgin Variant), AR

Powerpuff Girls #8 (Cover I Alessandro Ranaldi Virgin Variant), AR

Powerpuff Girls #8 (Cover J Paulina Ganucheau Virgin Variant), AR

Space Ghost #10 (Cover A Francesco Mattina), $4.99

Space Ghost #10 (Cover B Jae Lee & June Chung), $4.99

Space Ghost #10 (Cover C Bjorn Barends), $4.99

Space Ghost #10 (Cover D Anthony Marques), $4.99

Space Ghost #10 (Cover F Anthony Marques Virgin Variant), AR

Space Ghost #10 (Cover G Bjorn Barends Virgin Variant), AR

Space Ghost #10 (Cover H Jae Lee Line Art Variant), AR

Space Ghost #10 (Cover I Anthony Marques Line Art Variant), AR

Space Ghost #10 (Cover J Jae Lee Line Art Virgin Variant), AR

Space Ghost #10 (Cover K Anthony Marques Line Art Virgin Variant), AR

Space Ghost #10 (Cover L Jae Lee & June Chung Virgin Variant), AR

Space Ghost #10 (Cover M Francesco Mattina Virgin Variant), AR

Space Ghost #10 (Cover N Bjorn Barends Black & White Variant), AR

Space Ghost #10 (Cover O Francesco Mattina Black & White Variant), AR

Terminator #5 (Cover A Declan Shalvey), $4.99

Terminator #5 (Cover B Edwin Galmon), $4.99

Terminator #5 (Cover C Cat Staggs), $4.99

Terminator #5 (Cover D David Cousens), $4.99

Terminator #5 (Cover E Declan Shalvey Foil Variant), AR

Terminator #5 (Cover F Declan Shalvey Foil Virgin Variant), AR

Terminator #5 (Cover H Cat Staggs Foil Variant), AR

Terminator #5 (Cover I Declan Shalvey Line Art Variant), AR

Terminator #5 (Cover J Cat Staggs Foil Virgin Variant), AR

Terminator #5 (Cover K Declan Shalvey Line Art Virgin Variant), AR

Terminator #5 (Cover L David Cousens Virgin Variant), AR

Terminator #5 (Cover M Cat Staggs Virgin Variant), AR

Terminator #5 (Cover N Edwin Galmon Virgin Variant), AR

Terminator #5 (Cover O Declan Shalvey Virgin Variant), AR

Terminator #5 (Cover P Alex Ross Burning Earth Icon Variant), AR

Terminator #5 (Cover Q Alex Ross Burning Earth Icon Trade Dress Foil Variant), AR

Terminator #5 (Cover R Alex Ross Burning Earth Icon Virgin Foil Variant), AR

Terminator #5 (Cover S Alex Ross Burning Earth Icon Virgin Variant), AR

ThunderCats #13 (Cover A Lucio Parrillo), $4.99

ThunderCats #13 (Cover B Declan Shalvey), $4.99

ThunderCats #13 (Cover C Jae Lee & June Chung), $4.99

ThunderCats #13 (Cover D Felipe Massafera), $4.99

ThunderCats #13 (Cover E Manix), $4.99

ThunderCats #13 (Cover F Action Figure Variant), $4.99

ThunderCats #13 (Cover G Lucio Parrillo Foil Variant), AR

ThunderCats #13 (Cover H Lucio Parrillo Foil Virgin Variant), AR

ThunderCats #13 (Cover I Manix Foil Variant), AR

ThunderCats #13 (Cover J Manix Foil Virgin Variant), AR

ThunderCats #13 (Cover M Action Figure Virgin Variant), AR

ThunderCats #13 (Cover N Jae Lee & June Chung Foil Variant), AR

ThunderCats #13 (Cover O Declan Shalvey Line Art Variant), AR

ThunderCats #13 (Cover P Jae Lee & June Chung Foil Virgin Variant), AR

ThunderCats #13 (Cover Q Manix Virgin Variant), AR

ThunderCats #13 (Cover R Felipe Massafera Virgin Variant), AR

ThunderCats #13 (Cover S Declan Shalvey Line Art Virgin Variant), AR

ThunderCats #13 (Cover T Jae Lee & June Chung Virgin Variant), AR

ThunderCats #13 (Cover U Declan Shalvey Virgin Variant), AR

ThunderCats #13 (Cover V Mark Spears), AR

ThunderCats #13 (Cover W Mark Spears Red Background Variant), AR

ThunderCats #13 (Cover X Mark Spears Foil Variant), AR

ThunderCats #13 (Cover Y Mark Spears Foil Virgin Variant), AR

ThunderCats #13 (Cover Z Mark Spears Green Background Variant), AR

ThunderCats #13 (Cover ZA Mark Spears Red Background Foil Variant), AR

ThunderCats #13 (Cover ZB Mark Spears Green Background Foil Variant), AR

ThunderCats #13 (Cover ZC Felipe Massafera Foil Variant), AR

ThunderCats #13 (Cover ZD Mark Spears Virgin Variant), AR

ThunderCats #13 (Cover ZE Felipe Massafera Virgin Variant), AR

Transformers 40th Anniversary Deluxe Premium Trading Cards Box Packs, AR

Transformers 40th Anniversary Deluxe Premium Trading Cards Case (12 Count), AR

Vampirella #675 (Cover A Jenny Frison), $4.99

Vampirella #675 (Cover B Lucio Parrillo), $4.99

Vampirella #675 (Cover C Joseph Michael Linsner), $4.99

Vampirella #675 (Cover D Elias Chatzoudis), $4.99

Vampirella #675 (Cover E Rachel Hollon Cosplay Variant), $4.99

Vampirella #675 (Cover G Lucio Parrillo Mature Black Bag Variant), AR

Vampirella #675 (Cover H Rachel Hollon Cosplay Variant), AR

Vampirella #675 (Cover I Lucio Parrillo Ultraviolet Virgin Variant), AR

Vampirella #675 (Cover J Joseph Michael Linsner Line Art Variant), AR

Vampirella #675 (Cover K Lucio Parrillo Tinted Variant), AR

Vampirella #675 (Cover L Joseph Michael Linsner Line Art Virgin Variant), AR

Vampirella #675 (Cover M Elias Chatzoudis Virgin Variant), AR

Vampirella #675 (Cover N Joseph Michael Linsner Virgin Variant), AR

Vampirella #675 (Cover O Lucio Parrillo Virgin Variant), AR

Vampirella #675 (Cover P Lucio Parrillo Ultraviolet Variant), AR

Vampirella #675 (Cover Q 7 Elias Chatzoudis Black & White Virgin Variant), AR

Zootopia #2 (Cover H Trish Forstner Metal Premium Variant), AR

OCT240216 TRANSFORMERS 40TH ANN DLX PREMIUM TRADING CARDS BOX PACK (C: $99.99

OCT240217 TRANSFORMERS 40TH ANN DLX PREMIUM TRADING CARDS CASE (12CT) $1199.88

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