Nancy A. Collins to resurrect VAMPIRELLA


You read that right. Looks like fans of this scarlet clad heroine did not have endure a long winter before seeing a proper continuation of the icon’s monthly series.

The official press release from Dynamite:

Vampirella 1_CADynamite is proud to announce that Nancy A. Collins, the author of Sunglasses After Dark and Vamps, will revive the iconic horror series Vampirella with a #1 issue in June. Collins will be joined by talented artist Patrick Berkenkotter (Avengers/Invaders) for the new ongoing series. Superstar illustrator Terry Dodson will provide the main cover, while a veritable who’s who of industry talent will provide variant collectible covers.

Here’s what the intrepid author had to say:

Vampirella 1_CCI’m very excited about taking over the reins on Vampirella. I’ve really been enjoying myself so far. In celebration of her 45th anniversary, I’m returning the book’s focus to its horror roots and giving Vampirella a slightly darker edge. Dynamite has been wonderful to work with, and have given me a great deal of support. It’s been some time since I last wrote for comics, and it feels great to be back!

The press release continues:

Vampirella 1_Subscription VariantAs the debut “Our Lady of Shadows” story arc begins, supernatural heroine Vampirella is sent by the Vatican to investigate the kidnapping of a little girl by the Cult of Chaos… only to become the centerpiece of a ritual invoking Lady Umbra, the sister-bride of Chaos.

Nancy A. Collins on the new arc and artist:

Vampirella’s life is turned completely upside down, and she finds herself having to team up with the strangest bedfellow imaginable in order to battle both a demonic threat and an elite Vatican hit-squad.

Vampirella 1_Textless Preview Page 1 Vampirella 1_Textless Preview Page 2 Vampirella 1_Textless Preview Page 3

I cannot sing Vampirella artist Patrick Berkenkotter’s praises loudly of often enough. His pencils are spectacular, and he’s able to make her sexy, menacing, and bad-ass all at the same time. I think the fans are going to be pleased with his work when they pick up Vampirella #1, and I hope they take me to heart as well.

Here’s what Dynamite CEO/Publisher Nick Barrucci had to say:

Vampirella 1_CDMy first exposure to Nancy’s writing was in the pages of Swamp Thing, and I’ve always remembered her run. When Gail (Simone) suggested Nancy to write one of the anniversary stories in Legends of Red Sonja, it was a great reminder of how good of a writer Nancy is. As we were prepping for Vampirella’s relaunch, and were discussing potential writers, Joe (Rybandt, Sr. Editor) commented that since we all liked Nancy’s Red Sonja story, why not approach her. The rest, as they say, is history. Patrick illustrating Nancy’s story, and Terry Dodson coming on board as the main cover artist really compliment the series as we go in to Vampirella’s 45th Anniversary. I’m confident that fans are going to love Nancy’s take on Vampirella, and be in it for the long haul. It’s that damn good.

More about the new writer:

Nancy A. Collins has spent the last twenty years writing novels, short stories, and comic books for fans of the supernatural, paranormal, and fantastical. Her prose works include Sunglasses After Dark, featuring punk vampire slayer Sonja Blue, the YA series Vamps, a collection of Weird Western tales called Dead Man’s Hand, and a collection of Southern Gothic stories entitled Knuckles & Tales. Her comic book work includes Swamp Thing, Jason vs. Leatherface, Machina Jones, and Predator: Hell Come A’Walkin.

So what do you think? Is this a Vampirella series you can get behind? Or are you just going to skip it?

Sound off with your thoughts and opinions in the comments section below!

SOURCE: Dynamite