New look coming for iconic heroines at Dynamite Entertainment

EDITOR’S NOTE:  This is a bold move, taking classic characters and making them over.  Of course, the Big Two do this on a regular basis.  But this is a first for these properties. However, unlike some of the disasters I’ve seen elsewhere I expect Dynamite to do it right.  We will be showcasing these heroines in separate articles. Keep watching . . . . 

from the official press release . . . . .

October 6, 2015, Mt. Laurel, NJ: Dynamite Entertainment is proud to announce that beloved comic book heroines Red Sonja, Vampirella, and Dejah Thoris will undergo bold new directions and costume redesigns in new monthly series debuting in the first quarter of 2016.  Following narrative direction from Gail Simone, the fan-favorite author of this past summer's Swords of Sorrow crossover epic, the new titles promise unexpected storylines for its headlining characters, delivered by some of today's most innovative creators.  Red Sonja #1 will launch in January, helmed by writer Marguerite Bennett and artist Aneke.  Dejah Thoris #1 and Vampirella #1 will debut in subsequent months, written by Frank J. Barbiere and Kate Leth respectively.

Gail Simone, whose critically acclaimed work on Red Sonja for the past two years inspired the massive company-wide celebration of female characters entitled Swords of Sorrow (featuring contributions by her hand-picked team of all-female writers), has created a road map for Red Sonja, Vampirella, and Dejah Thoris that will serve as the basis for all-new series with radically different settings and situations, fresh yet true to the traditional motivations of these comic book icons.

"We're doing a monster makeover with these characters, and it's a joy to be part of this. Make no mistake, these are characters we love, badasses all; the She-Devil with a Sword, the queen of all vampire hunters, and the warlord princess. Characters do not get any better than that," says Simone. "Our mission here is to spruce up their look and remind people that these were the original female ass-kickers that inspired Xena, Buffy, and Leia Organa. They are the map others followed, and we get to bring them each a hot, new look from brilliant artist/designer Nicola Scott, as well as thrilling new mission statements for each of them."

Artist Nicola Scott (Birds of Prey, Superman) designed the new look for these iconic characters, blending classic costume elements with the functional, action-ready designs that modern and diverse audiences long to see. "It's an honor to reimagine these amazing, iconic women and be part of their ongoing legacy," Scott says.

CONCLUSION:

Regarding the accessibility of the new Red Sonja, Dejah Thoris, and Vampirella series, Gail Simone says, "You don't need to know their history, you just need to like awesome damn women doing awesome damn stuff. Come join us!"

"We're beyond thrilled to be working with a host of talent on these iconic characters, with not only new imagery, but new directions and adventures as well," says Joseph Rybandt, Senior Editor of Dynamite Entertainment.

Dynamite's Red Sonja #1 will be solicited in the upcoming November edition of Diamond Comic Distributors' Previews catalog, the premier source of merchandise for the comic book specialty market.  Comic book fans are encouraged to reserve copies of Red Sonja with their local comic book retailers.  Individual customer purchases will be available through digital platforms courtesy of Comixology, Dynamite Digital, iVerse, and Dark Horse Digital.  Fans and retailers are encouraged to follow Dynamite Entertainment's official social media channels for the latest updates regarding Dejah Thoris and Vampirella project development and release dates.