Red Thorn #7 – Comic Review & Breakdown
Genre
Urban Fantasy, Supernatural Mystery, Dark Fantasy
Main Characters
- Isla
Mackintosh – A young woman with the unique ability to bring her
drawings to life, deeply connected to ancient Scottish mythology.
- Thorn
– A Celtic demigod of chaos and rebellion, newly awakened and tied to
Isla's powers.
- Tarek
– Isla’s confidante and potential romantic interest, who becomes entangled
in her journey.
- Belisama
– A mysterious figure from the Otherworld, representing ancient power
structures opposing Thorn.
- Sasha
– A punk rock singer featured in this issue, central to the flashback
narrative of 1991 Glasgow.
Writer
David Baillie – Known for blending Scottish folklore
with gritty modern storytelling, Baillie brings a distinct voice to the Vertigo
title, enriching the narrative with real-world cultural layers and mystical
intrigue.
Artist
Steve Pugh (Guest Artist for Issue #7) – Famed for
his work on Animal Man, Pugh delivers emotionally charged visuals in
this issue. His gritty and expressive style matches the raw tone of 1991
Glasgow, giving the interlude a compelling sense of place and depth.
Editor Details
- Shelly
Bond (Executive Editor) – A veteran at Vertigo, Bond has guided many
genre-defying titles, including Fables and iZombie.
- Amedeo
Turturro (Associate Editor) – Works closely on the Red Thorn
series, ensuring narrative consistency and artistic coherence.
Publisher and Brand
DC Comics – Vertigo Imprint
Known for mature, layered storytelling, Vertigo delivers another
mythology-infused epic with Red Thorn, tailored for adult readers drawn
to dark fantasy and cultural mysticism.
Release Year
2016
Brief Plot Summary
Issue #7 of Red Thorn steps away from the main
storyline to explore a vital piece of the past. Set in Glasgow in 1991, the
interlude titled “Hairspray Queen” dives into the local underground
music scene, centered around the enigmatic punk singer Sasha. Through her, we
glimpse earlier manifestations of the forces that will later shape Isla and
Thorn's destiny. As the city pulses with rebellion and arcane energy, hints of
the supernatural bleed through the everyday—connecting the dots between myth,
art, and raw human emotion.
Notable Arcs or Storylines
- “Glasgow
Kiss” (Issues #1–6) – The opening arc introduces Isla, her connection
to Thorn, and sets the groundwork for a mythological upheaval.
- “Hairspray
Queen” (Issue #7) – This flashback acts as a thematic breather,
enriching the lore and foreshadowing conflicts to come.
- “The
Otherland” (Post-Issue #7) – Subsequent issues build on the tensions
and revelations from both present-day and past narratives.
Fan Theories or Interpretations
- Sasha’s
Role in the Mythos – Some fans speculate Sasha may have been an
earlier “vessel” for mythological forces, much like Isla. Her fiery nature
and close proximity to supernatural happenings suggest she may have
awakened something long before Isla did.
- Isla's
Powers as Reincarnation – The theory that Isla is not just a gifted
mortal but a reincarnation of a divine being or druid has gained traction,
especially with flashbacks like this offering cryptic parallels.
- Glasgow
as a Living Entity – A growing theory suggests the city itself may
function as a magical conduit or sentient observer, influencing events
across timelines.
Review Summary
Red Thorn #7 is a beautifully illustrated and emotionally resonant departure from the primary arc. Steve Pugh's artwork injects the flashback with a visceral texture that captures the grime and glamour of early ‘90s Glasgow. David Baillie’s writing remains sharp, layering the storyline with character-driven emotion while deepening the mythological stakes. This standalone chapter enriches the broader narrative while standing strong as a punk-fueled tale of longing, rage, and untapped power. A must-read for fans invested in the lore and emotional core of Red Thorn.
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
