So there are a lot of awesome Red Sonja covers out there- and while I'm a little surprised that in 2019 we STILL have the chainmail bikini trope I read things like well, women are writing it now, so it's okay. Does it matter that Sonja is still rocking the chainmail? Let me know which are your favorites!
This is such a diverse bunch of covers -- Big Red Trucking though is my fave (and okay the last one too!)
ReplyDeleteAren't they? I love all these. :) But yeah the Red Trucking might be my fave too...
DeleteLove these, they're all so different. I'd say that even though women are writing these days, it's most likely men behind the scenes that are directing them to put Sonja in a chainmail bikini. Just me being cynical😁
ReplyDeleteI think you're right. :) Although the following comment had me wondering- did they really try to do away with the skimpy look? That would be interesting!
DeleteThe comic doesn’t sell without the bikini, no matter who the writer is. It’s that simple. Dynamite has tried to ditch it more than once but toppling sales have brought the scalemail back. Besides, it’s an iconic outfit no matter how impractical ... and this is fantasy land, so I can buy that Sonja never gets cut because she’s just that damn good.
ReplyDeleteYou're probably right. And it IS iconic, in a sense. I like the covers where they stick with the chainmail but expand on it a bit, to at least make it somewhat more realistic. :)
DeleteAnd that's interesting about Dynamite.
The Legenderry Red Sonja cover is my favorite! Though I have to agree with Tammy Sparks. The chainmail bikini seems a little much. I'd much rather see her in some badass armor/actual functional clothes for battle even though it's set in a fantasy world, but that's just my take on it :)
ReplyDeleteOne of my faves! It has a nice classy look. :)
DeleteShe wouldn't be the same without her chainmail bikini...but I sure wouldn't want to face anything that has sharp teeth or claws without some long sleeves and leather pants on! :D
ReplyDeleteTrue. We'd be like... wut? Where's Sonja lolol?
DeleteI don't know this character at all, but she sure looks badass, even in her ridiculous outfit. I love the series Princeless, in which one character makes "girl armor" and her first potential customer is all, "Why would I only protect my boobs and butt? Why doesn't it cover all of me?!?"
ReplyDeleteIt's funny, I've never read any of her books or very few of comics, but she is kind of a sword and sorcery icon.
DeleteLove the last one. LOL I also had to laugh at the Betty and Veronica one. :D Talk about a variety of covers. So interesting!
ReplyDeleteI know! And I love that Funko cover.
DeleteOMG - some of these, in fact so many, are awesome. I love the trucker babe and also the close up shot - the ninth one I think.
ReplyDeleteLynn :D
Wow! Those graphics!
ReplyDeleteLove the covers and how different they are. I don't mind the chain mail bikini except for the one in the snow. That just looks uncomfortable!
ReplyDeleteThe chainmail bikini question is definitely a good one...I feel like even if women write it, marketers still know what sells, haha. But who's to say! I really love so many of these, I love all the different styles they've gone with!
ReplyDeleteThose Red Sonja covers are wild! I love the one in the snow. She kind of that GoT Wilding vibe going on, lol.
ReplyDeleteWow that is a GOOD question! And I have mixed thoughts. Like- if it's cause Sonja likes rocking the chainmail, I guess you do you, girl? (And obviously I mean narratively, and/or the author wants to send that particular message.) But if it's some dude saying "well Janet we need to keep the bikini because MONEY, screw your thoughts" then obviously NO that is terrible. And from a strictly practical and personal perspective, that HAS to be uncomfortable, and... digs into flesh and such, so I'll be taking a hard pass hah.
ReplyDeleteAs for the actual covers, I am way too in love with the last one bwhaha. I also love the truck one, and the Legendary one! They're fabulous!
Fun post Greg! I love seeing all of the different covers! I like the one where she's gripping the sword with both gloved hands, her hair is all in her face, and her eyes look intense!
ReplyDeleteLindy@ A Bookish Escape
pretty, but omg she has to wear that in snow! You crazy woman, put some clothes on
ReplyDeleteMy favorite cover is the one in the field! (and it might have something to do with the fact that they kept her signature chainmail but its not a bikini and she looks super bad-ass) I also really like the Steampunk and Trucker covers <3
ReplyDeleteI think I like the Big Red Trucking cover best.
ReplyDeleteI love the artwork on so many of these! Although that chainmail bikini is very confusing because what exactly is it protecting? Especially in the snow lol.
ReplyDeleteOf course I HAD to read this post Greg!!!! It's my logo or she looks like my logo! I love the trucker Sonja and the street punk one! Oh and let's not forget the funko pop!!!!!!!
ReplyDelete