Beauty And Brawn Are Back In Conan/Red Sonja

by Vince Brusio

There’s a run on chain mail! Water flasks are out of stock! Sword scabbards are on back order! And why? Because the carrier pigeon that flew in the window had a note tied to its claw telling us that no quarter will be given should people cross the path of Conan/Red Sonja (NOV140010) from Dark Horse Comics and Dynamite Entertainment. The black-haired barbarian and the redheaded she-devil will clash metal again, and this time in a four-issue mini-series that hits stores January 2015. The headline? Writer Jim Zub tells us in this PREVIEWSworld Exclusive interview that readers will see both characters in a story that is nothing short of epic.

Conan/Red Sonja #1 (NOV140010) is in comic shops January 14th.

Download a prevue of Conan/Red Sonja here .

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PREVIEWSworld: How did this crossover project get underway?

Jim Zub: Gail Simone contacted me late last year to ask if I’d be interested in working with her on this legendary team-up and I quickly jumped at the chance. My love of sword & sorcery runs deep, and getting the chance to write a new story with these two seminal fantasy characters was too good an opportunity to pass up.

On top of that, having Dan Panosian drawing the interiors and Dave Stewart on colors is an art team for the ages.

PREVIEWSworld: What was the catalyst for making Conan/Red Sonja (NOV140010)? Did the project come together quickly, or has it been on the back burner for some time?

Jim Zub: I came into the project relatively late but, from what I know, Dark Horse and Dynamite had been discussing the possibilities for some time and the stars were finally in alignment to make it all happen.

PREVIEWSworld: Is this story self-contained, or does it intersect with any of the character’s previous histories or continuity?

Jim Zub: You don’t need a deep understanding of the lore and history of either character to enjoy this mini-series, but it does reference and work within the histories established in the current Conan and Red Sonja series being published by Dark Horse and Dynamite. Gail and I wanted to create something that stands on its own, but doesn’t contradict any of the established history and character material.

PREVIEWSworld: Without spoiling anything, what can you tell us about Conan/Red Sonja (NOV140010) that the fans would appreciate?

Jim Zub: When we were discussing which “era” to set the story in, Gail brilliantly suggested that we move the story through three different points in the characters’ lives. That way we could show their evolution over time, give the series a greater sense of grandeur, and we wouldn’t have to choose between the iconic versions of these incredible characters. Young and old, we see Conan and Red Sonja growing and changing and then coming together at key points to adventure together. It’s epic.

PREVIEWSworld: Can you tell us a little about the creator interaction that went on behind the scenes when this project was in production?

Jim Zub:  It’s a bit like a creative tennis match. Both Gail and I put together a wish list of elements we wanted to see in the series and then, back and forth, we forged it into a concrete story outline for approval. Gail really wanted to make sure that this crossover lived up to the epic nature of both characters and her excitement for this project pushes me to deliver the best I can for each scene.

We script the series in a “tennis match” format as well, sending 5-6 script pages at a time back and forth, moving the story forward but also making suggestions and refinements along the way. It’s been a real challenge, but one I think is bringing the best qualities from both of our writing styles into the mix.

PREVIEWSworld:  If fans want to reach out to you on social media, where should they go to connect?

Jim Zub:  The easiest is probably Twitter, where I’m quite active: @jimzub. My blog is at www.jimzub.com and it’s regularly updated with interviews and previews as well as tutorials about writing comics and working in the business.