Vampirella #3 Review

Should this be purchased? Read on to find out.

The official description from Dynamite:

After escaping the Witches Hammer–the Vatican’s elite monster-killing squad, lead by Father Nicodemus–Vampirella’s new-found ally, the Nosferatu known as Drago, reveals that the only way to lift the curse placed on her by Ethan Shroud that is slowly making her a living vessel for Umbra, Our Lady of Shadows and Bride of the Apocalypse, is for her to drink the blood of certain rare species of vampire. The first stop on their monster world tour is Thailand, where Vampirella must hunt down and kill a horrific creature known as the Krasue–which appears only at night as the head of a beautiful woman–attached to nothing but a heart, a pair of lungs and a mass of entrails!

Hope springs eternal as this creative team continues to prove their prowess in a franchise that, even among fanboys and fangirls, seems looked down upon. Due to an overly sexualized symbol this comic is always fighting the burden of itself, and the magic exists therein, as the people behind this iteration make her relevant and dash away preconceived expectations.

If there was any doubt that Nancy A. Collins was a prime candidate to write our dark heroine, then this issue should put those lingering nuisances to rest. Right from the first page to the final line of narration, the author demonstrates a level of candor and control that’s second to none. Through dialogue and exposition she shows a different breed of vampire and a steady descent into darkness for our scarlet clad avenger. In short: this is a high caliber yarn that a lasting supernatural icon deserves.

Beyond the written word Vampirella is graced with some lavishly detailed illustrations handed in by Patrick Berkenkotter. The talent knows exactly how far to push the panels before they’re washed in too much detail, while employing a cinematic eye that leads to a wholly striking display. Add in the colors by Jorge Sutil and the entire body of work ebbs and flows with a purpose that exudes the ferocity of our cursed protagonist.

Vampirella #3 is exactly the type of comic book I love to review for Unleash The Fanboy. It’s smart, to the point and offers just enough darkness to make the threat against our primary considerable. In short: this is one outing that absolutely deserves your attention as it comes highly recommended.