From debut in Conan the Barbarian #23 (1973), Red Sonja was a sex icon, depicted as a gorgeous sword wielding barbarian woman. After years of comic, film and TV appearances, this ruthless female fighter has become the archetype for the brutal and beautiful barbarian woman. Yet despite her status within geek culture, Red Sonjas original costume was not what it is today. During her first appearances in Conan the Barbarian #23-24 (1973), Red Sonja was dressed far more conservatively, wearing a long-sleeved shirt of chain mail with a pair of shorts made of red silk. This costume did not last long and was replaced with a chain mail bikini. In the introduction of Red Sonja Adventures Volume 1 (Dynamite Entertainment), Roy Thomas tells the story of how he received an un-commissioned piece from artist Esteban Maroto of Red Sonja wearing a metal bikini. After various reprints of Marotos original design, the new costume proved popular and became Red Sonjas standard garb. Over the years, Sonjas battle-kini has gotten smaller and smaller until it begs the question: why is she wearing anything at all? This shockingly skimpy two-piece literally covers the bare minimum for her to be considered decent, and frankly, protects nothing. The only purpose it serves is to sell books, degrading Sonja from the status of warrior to pin-up girl.