Red Sonja #1 (Marvel Comics, 1977)
Red Sonja #1 (January 1977), published by Marvel Comics, is titled, "The Blood of the Unicorn." Red Sonja rescues a unicorn from a crazed mob led by a wizard who tries to steal its horn and eternal life-giving powers. Afterward, Sonja and the unicorn become friends and journey through the wild together, but the wizard will not be satisfied until they are both dead.
Red Sonja #1 Story Summary
In the wooded forests of Argos, Red Sonja starts her day by putting down her injured horse. Afterward, she continues on her journey and encounters a mob trying to kill a unicorn led by a tattooed man named Andar of Bezfarda. Andar believes that the unicorn's horn will grant him eternal life!
Sonja, who is one with nature, watches, disgusted, and takes action after the mob breaks off the horn and celebrates. She dives into the crowd and starts killing, then mounts the hornless unicorn and rides away.
The two companions ride together for days and form a bond. The wounded unicorn slowly begins to regrow its horn.
Meanwhile, Andar seethes that the power of the unicorn is his and his alone. He wants to kill Sonja and the wounded unicorn so that nobody else can steal his gift of eternal life. He brews a potion made from the horn and drinks it. Andar's spies discover the location of Sonja and the unicorn.
While on their journey, the unicorn fully regrows its broken horn and returns to full strength. However, the pair is attacked by a group of soldiers led by Andar, who overwhelm Red Sonja and knock her to the ground. As the immortal Andar prepares to run her through with his sword, the unicorn charges him and impales Andar on its horn, killing him instantly.
Afterward, Sonja and the unicorn continue their journey. As they approach the Argossean border, they embrace and part ways. The unicorn travels on its way, while Red Sonja continues her adventure alone.
Red Sonja #1 Creative Team
- Writers: Roy Thomas and Clara Noto
- Plot: Ed Summer
- Artist: Frank Thorne
More Comics You Might Like
Red Sonja #1 FAQ
Q. Is Red Sonja #1 the first appearance of Red Sonja in a Marvel comic book?
A. No. Red Sonja first appeared in Marvel Comics' Conan the Barbarian #23. She also headlined the Marvel Feature Presents Red Sonja series for several issues before getting her own Marvel Comics series in 1977.
Q. Does the unicorn in Red Sonja #1 grant eternal life?
A. Supposedly, the unicorn's horn grants eternal life. After brewing a potion from it, Andar should be immortal, but the unicorn kills him after it regrows its horn.
Q. What happens to the unicorn in Red Sonja #1?
A. Red Sonja and the unicorn part ways at the end of Red Sonja #1 and continue on their own journeys.
Q. Is Red Sonja #1 a good comic book?
A. Yes. The team of Roy Thomas and Frank Thorne creates a powerful, action-packed, and moving comic book. Red Sonja is one with nature and will not tolerate thugs who try to destroy it for personal gain.
Red Sonja #1 Marvel comic 1977, Marvel Red Sonja issue 1, first Red Sonja solo series comic, Bronze Age Red Sonja #1 collectible, classic Marvel sword and sorcery debut, 1977 Red Sonja first issue, Frank Thorne Red Sonja art, Roy Thomas Red Sonja era, iconic chainmail warrior first solo title, Marvel fantasy key issue, vintage Red Sonja #1 collector comic, Hyborian Age warrior heroine series launch, Bronze Age fantasy first issue collectible, essential Red Sonja reading, Marvel barbarian comics era, Red Sonja fan must-have issue, classic warrior heroine debut series, Marvel non-superhero key collectible, foundational Red Sonja solo run, high-demand Bronze Age Marvel comic, sword and sorcery investment comic, Red Sonja #1 collector favorite, comicbook.beer Red Sonja collection, major Marvel fantasy launch issue, historic Red Sonja first series comic.
