Do fans need yet another one-shot to add to their growing collection?  Read on to find out.

The official description from Dynamite:

Vampirella continues to thrash her way through vampire pop culture, as she visits a sultry, trashy Southern town where the vampires are out of the closet and a synthetic blood substitute is getting a test-run. In fact, it tastes better than the real thing. It could spell the end of the vampirism’s murder and misery for good, and a chance for Vampi and Criswell to settle down. If nothing goes horribly wrong.

From start to finish the creative team delivers an uproarious jaunt that successfully plays with ideas from True Blood.  What we get is a parody book that touches upon themes that are near and dear to followers of two franchises.

The script by Mark Rahner wastes absolutely no time poking fun at the concepts on display as it slowly builds toward a somewhat earned emotional crescendo.  Vampirella has always been a rather complex character, despite her appearances, and when an author takes advantage of that the results are usually quite compelling but that really didn’t happen here.  Add to that the fact that there were several moments where attempts at jokes felt flat and you’re left with a good but not great adventure.

The art by Cezar Razek is simply exceptional as he handily illustrates this southern town that’s infested with supernatural elements.  From the faces to the bodily forms, his pencil strokes extenuate the right reactions through some expertly realized panels.  There were moments where details looked to be a bit held back but truth be told these instances were few and far between.

Following the main feature we have an additional tale, “Vampirella Lust for Life.” This rather brief but engaging read is written expertly by Ty Templeton and drawn by the legendary Bruce Timm.  Both bring their talents to bare as the story unfolds with a strong and heavy hand that yields a must read.

Vampirella: NuBlood #1 is a fun package that is by no means necessary, but it still earns a recommendation.

3.5/5