Should you be interested in this tale centering around an old flame of everyone’s favorite scarlet clad vampire?  Read on to find out.

The official description from Dynamite:

Vampirella’s traveled to Mississippi to help an old flame solve the mystery of a dead woman… who happens to have died thirty-seven times before. Can she hack through the racist demons, evade corrupt lawmen, and solve this strange southern mystery… or will the man she used to love lose his soul?

For a new mini-series the creative team has certainly dealt quite a few narrative blows that easily make this one enticing jaunt that’s sure to attract both new and devoted followers.  From the first page to the final panel I was riveted, especially when it came to the more tender aspects of our wounded heroine.

It’s never easy dealing with an ex-lover, and Nate Cosby seems to really want to hit that fact right on the head as he pens a script that reveals some shared history and an ultimate connection that cannot be ignored.  Vampirella has done a lot of things in her violent life, some bad, a lot good but it’s rare when we get to explore one of her old dalliances in a time where she felt okay to let such emotions run rampant.  And to the author’s credit he delivers something that doesn’t feel cheap or slow moving, but instead offers a natural progression that’s simply inviting.

José Luís handles the art, and as strong as the text is it’s the visual side of this affair that really shines.  Tender pencil strokes offer concrete designs that show the depth behind the implementation of this environment and the burgeoning rogues gallery.  I was especially floored by the care that was taken in regard to a usually exploaited icon that’s no stranger to talents making use of her obvious assets.  Sure there are some eye candy moments but nothing that cheapens the whole of the adventure.

Vampirella: Southern Gothic #2 is a potent continuation that’s creating quite a stir as it offers a worthwhile read on its own merits.  Recommended.

4/5