She Has Nothing To Prove: Talking ‘Savage Red Sonja’ With Writer Dan Panosian
by Tom Smithyman
As Dynamite continues to celebrate Red Sonja’s 50th anniversary, it is recruiting more talent to help tale her story. Enter Dan Panosian, who is writing Savage Red Sonja, due out November 1, 2023. In an interview with Comicon.com, Panosian discusses the approach he’s taking to the character and why she’s still so popular after half a century.
Tom Smithyman: What does it mean to you to be able to write Red Sonja’s during her 50th anniversary?
Dan Panosian: For me, it’s pretty special. The work of Robert E. Howard and, in particular, his creations that were adapted into the comic book medium, had and still have a very big impact on me as both a fan and a professional. Red Sonja is a unique heroine and she brings an exciting dynamic to anything she’s a part of.
Smithyman: You have said you’re going to concentrate this series on sword and sorcery. Do you think this is a new direction for the character, or are you really going back to the future?
Panosian: A new direction? I’m not sure I would describe it as new. But what I want to accomplish with this series is a blending of the two in a memorable fashion. I think most good stories involve a bit of mystery or a puzzle. Combining elements of those two genres into one tale that also focuses on Red Sonja’s deep-seeded feelings about being a warrior hopefully make for some very entertaining comics!
Smithyman: Why do you think the character has been so popular for so long? It has to be more than the way she dresses, right?
Panosian: 100%! What sets Red Sonja apart from other “tough” heroines is that, for whatever reason, her attitude and approach to life and its problems seem very genuine. There’s no false artifice to her. You immediately believe she means what she says and has the abilities and mindset to carry out her wishes. She has nothing to prove.
Smithyman: You’re known as an artist but have been writing more and more the past few years. Why make the switch, and which do you like better?
Panosian: It’s always been my desire to tell stories within the comic book medium whether I’m writing or drawing them. Determining which I enjoy more isn’t a very easy task! To me they’re very similar. I’m always trying to make someone stay on a page or remember a scene. It takes a little work but it’s worth it if you can keep a reader’s attention and maybe put a smile on their face.
Smithyman: You handpicked artist Alessio Petillo and colorist Francesco Segala for this series. Why them? What do they bring to the series that complements your script?
Panosian: Alessio’s work “appears” effortless. He manages to infuse a lot of energy into his work with very few lines. That takes loads of talent and thoughtfulness. Then you have Francesco, a color artist who can seemingly bounce from art style to art style with relative ease! He brings a lot of drama into his work. He’s an integral part of the storytelling. When I wrote this series, I wrote it with both of them in mind.
Smithyman: You’ve asked your Facebook followers to give you their no-holds-barred feedback about this Savage Red Sonja. Why take that extra step to engage with your fans?
Panosian: The fans are why I’m in this business – and I’m a fan too. I really want them to feel like they’re a part of this series. It’s their book as much as it’s mine.
Smithyman: In that same vein, what is the best and the worst fan criticism you’ve received about your work?
Panosian: The best criticism is when a fan points out something very specific that touched them about the writing or the art. You can’t help but feel proud when that happens.
I suppose the worst criticism comes when they don’t feel they connect to the work. If there’s something about it they can’t relate to or enjoy. You can’t please everyone, but some art and stories have a universal appeal. So it’s my hope that even if Red Sonja isn’t your favorite character, you can read this series and enjoy the story – and maybe become a fan.
Smithyman: Based on the cover you drew for the first issue, I think you’re going to draw in some new readers. Good luck with the series.
