Review: American Vampire

American Vampire Book 1

By Scott Snyder, Stephen King and Rafael Albuquerque

In this return to the true vampire stories, as promised by King in the introduction, you won’t find any glistering vampires. No beautiful and charming blood suckers here. Only the true monsters they’re supposed to be. And that’s precisely what you’re in for when reading American Vampire.

The (ongoing) series started in 2010 at Vertigo. Plotted by it’s creator Scott Snyder but, for the first 5 issues, co-written by none less than Stephen King. This would be his first time actually writing a comic book script. And he did an amazing job. The series would go on to win an Eisner for best new series.

The first 5 issues collected in this beautiful hardcover book are all divided in two parts: one showing Skinner Sweet’s origin and the other detailing Pearl’s. Written by King and Snyder, respectively. Pearl is a young aspiring actor in the early days of Hollywood, looking for he shot at stardom. Skinner Sweet on the other hand is a vicious and thieving thug on his way to his hanging. Both stories are equally well written and have the same style. That there are different writers for both stories is barely noticeable.

The story Snyder and King tell is truly interesting and different. A new type of vampire is born in Skinner Sweet, the American Vampire. This new species is different from the original Euro-vamps in almost every sense. The only commonalities are their equal lust for blood and their fangs. This new breed of vampire is no longer affected by the sun but rather by the moon. An interesting twist on the classic, and so often told, vampire story.

Equally good is the art by Rafael Albuquerque. His newly found style works great for this type of horror story. All character’s faces look very distinct and he does some amazing action sequences. But most importantly: he does (literally) killer vampires. The truly gruesome kind with big fangs, an open jaw and spider-like claws.

Although I fully enjoyed reading American Vampire I also had a small problem with it. I found the Skinner Sweet story a little difficult to follow. I had a hard time remembering who’s who and I believe the main reason for this is the switching between Pearl and Skinner’s story. I understand why they did it his way and it’s done very elegantly by having similar key moments happening in the same issue for both characters (e.g. their awakening as a vampire in chapter 2). Giving you the impression that they aren’t all that different, Pearl and Skinner. But I think it ended up somewhat hurting the story.

But none the less it’s a great read. Whether you’re into vampire or not (or just not the dreamy ones), I believe this is one that can appeal to everyone. I’m also looking forward to the next volume since the series makes some pretty big leaps in time. The next story arc takes places in the 1930’s and the third one during WW II. Which all seems really interesting. Snyder is rapidly becoming one of my favorite current writers. What he’s doing with Swamp Thing and Batman is very interesting and has me exited every month.

I rate it: 4/5
Story: 4/5
Art: 4/5
Print: Hardcover, 200p, 5/5

1 March Permalink

Review: Batman: Year One

Batman: Year One

By: Frank Millers and David Mazzucchelli

Back in the 1987, when Miller was still a genius and had just finished the highly acclaimed “The Dark Knight Returns” story, he wrote this prequel. And honestly, I like this one better. But I’ll get into that later.

Year One tells the story, at the title suggests, of Bruce Wayne first years as Batman. But just as much, or maybe even more so, it’s the first year that Gordon spends at the Gotham City PD. Batman isn’t even in this all that much. So if you’re looking for lots of Bat-action you’re in the wrong place. What you do get is the story of Gordon struggling with the corruption in the police department and his wife’s pregnancy. Mean while Bruce is returning to Gotham after spending 12 years outside the city and discovers that his city is overrun by crime and depression. As both struggle against their inner demons they fight for the good that’s left of Gotham.

The story is told beautifully through picture and text. We get compelling and insightful views of what’s going on in our two hero’s heads through narration and the gorgeous Mazzucchelli art to set the mood. And the mood is dark and gritty like the art.

Batman: Year One is short and simple but that’s far from a bad thing. Miller delivers a satisfying and complete story that’ll have you on the edge of your seat the entire time. And that’s exactly why I prefer this one over “The Dark Knight” and I believe this is probably Miller’s best work to date. Instead of a messy, convoluted story that tries to deconstruct a hero you get a clear and crisp book that elegantly builds two.

It’s the perfect introduction to Batman and Gordon, the two beacons of hope in a city of darkness.

Oh, and there’s a animated movie adaptation that’s very good. Check that out as well!

I rate it: 4/5
Story: 4/5
Art: 5/5 
Print: TPB, 144p, 3/5

 

20 February Permalink

Comics suggestions for tomorrow?

My pull list for jan 25th is really short. Any tips? 

24 January Permalink