Steve Niles Takes ‘Red Sonja’ To The ‘Empire Of The Damned’ This April

by Erik Amaya

Red Sonja is damned this April.

Dynamite announced Thursday the upcoming Red Sonja: Empire of the Damned from writer Steve Niles and artist Alessandro Amoruso, a new tale following Sonja’s adventure after awaking in jail after a night of “drunken revelry.” While in lock-up, she hears of a dead city hidden in a valley where the streets are covered in the bones of opposing forces forever locked in conflict thanks to a warlock’s curse. The warlock is also dead (presumably), but legend tells he left behind an enormous treasure or the means to find his loot in the so-called “Empire of the Damned.” Sonja soon agrees to ride out with Morgo, the person who not only claims the legend is real, but has a map to the fabled city. Of course, the two must escape from jail first.

“Red Sonja is such a classic character,” Niles said in a statement. “She was ahead of her time, an incredible warrior, pretty much unkillable and always ready to fight. When I was approached about writing her, I made sure it was okay to bring in some violence and great monsters for her to fight.” As it happens, Empire of the Damned will be the first time he charts one of her adventures.

The first issue will be supported by covers from Joshua Middleton, Joseph Michael Linsner, Philip Tan, cosplayer Rachel Hollon, and a signature color bleed/negative space peice from John Tyler Christopher.