Do Or Die: Discussing `Red Sonja/Hell Sonja’ With Writer Jordan Clark

It’s been nearly 50 years since Red Sonja first burst onto the pages of Kull and the Barbarians #2. Since then, an entire Sonjaverse has been created. On December 14, 2022, two characters will star in their own Dynamite series, Red Sonja/Hell Sonja, written by Jordan Clark. In an exclusive interview with Comicon.com, Clark discusses getting to the core of both women and whether he’ll use this crossover as an opportunity to introduce even more Sonja to the world.

Tom Smithyman: Red Sonja and Hell Sonja together in the same book. I guess I don’t have to ask why you wanted to write this one, right?

Jordan Clark: It’s a really fun concept, and I’m super excited to see these characters play off of each other. They’ve interacted in the past, but it was in a larger group context. The real question is how they’ll coexist when it’s just the two of them?

Smithyman: The two Sonjas are fighting an evil power from Hell. How much time do they end up fighting each other?

Clark: Things are moving fast! Granted, they both like a fight so don’t be surprised if they get into it, but the threat they face also doesn’t leave too much time for in fighting. It’s pretty do or die!

Smithyman: You are obviously well acquainted with the Sonjaverse, having written Samurai Sonja. What does this story add to the mythos?

Clark: We wanted to try and do something a little different. Something horror based that can drill down to the core of both characters. What could possibly scare characters who have literally been to Hell and back? We’re also pulling a bit from all over Red Sonja’s history, so don’t be surprised if a few easter eggs pop up…

Smithyman: Why do you think the comics world needs more than one version of Red Sonja?

Clark: When a character like Sonja has been around for 50 years, it can be hard to find new and compelling challenges. Having new versions not only allow creators and readers a fun `what if?’ but also can set the stage to bring in new points of view and ideas into an already established world. I think the Sonjaverse has been a lot of fun so far and I’d love to see it continue to grow.

Smithyman: No spoilers, but are these the only two Sonjas we’re going to see in this series?

Clark: There’s a pretty good chance we’ll be seeing some other Sonjas. Some we’ve met before and possibly some new ones as well.

Smithyman: Miriana Puglia is drawing the interiors for these issues. Have you had a chance to look at the pages?

Clark: I’ve had the absolute pleasure of working with Miriana for the last few issues of Samurai Sonja, and I wanted to see if we could build on that work but also present a different and more otherworldly feel. So far, I’d say what Miriana is doing is next level on this one. Couldn’t be more excited for people to see her amazing work.

Smithyman: I was covering New York Comic Con for the site, but I missed the chance to talk to you then. Did you have a good con?

Clark: I did. Was mostly walking around saying hi to old friends and meeting folks. I hadn’t been since 2019, and it was as packed as ever. Happy to see so much love and excitement for comics in one place.

Smithyman: Dynamite has established that there’s a lot of Sonjas out there. Which is your favorite?

Clark: Oof, this is tough! Do you think the Sonjas are listening? Red is the classic and hard to beat. Hell Sonja is just badass (so is Blue). Lacrosse Sonja, I mean how can you top her? But *whispers* Samurai is my favorite. I know I’m biased, but I love the character and hope she continues on with more adventures.

Smithyman: Your secret is safe with us! Best of luck with the new series.