I was floored by this series right from the start, but with this outing is it starting to lose its steam?  Read on to find out.

The official description from Dynamite:

The demon Balthazar knows that Vampirella and her ally, the fallen angel Janus, have been charged by Heaven to recover its missing general… and has derailed their search by casting them into the gladiatorial pits of the 10th Level! Can our raven-haired heroine survive the arena’s hellhounds and upset Hell’s schemes?

Fans – each cover has its own UPC so you and your retailers can order the special first issue cover of your choice!

When it comes to a character like Vampirella, there are already preconceptions before anyone even opens one of her books.  Most of them are true but the unique thing about this property is that if the right creative team is at the helm, what would normally be eye candy for males, can indeed generate something worthwhile.  And that fanboys and fangirls is the case with this release.

Tom Sneigoski is the man behind this violent tale of fallen angels, drug use and a dysfunctional host of characters.  What we have here is simply a dance of familiar tunes that have been established before but now things are more or less starting to come to a head. And under the gentle watch of the author this romp is continuing its path toward becoming a saga that’s worth remembering.  Whether you’ve read about the scarlet clad heroine or not, this is a perfect jump on point as the scribe makes her accessible from beginning to end.

Minus one very unnecessary splash page the art by Johnny Desjardins continues to be an impressive component of this rather epic affair.  The unique pencil work seamlessly gives birth to some very realistic renditions of otherworldly creatures and characters.  Each panel is given an attention to detail that at times might ambush the senses with information but nonetheless still offers an astoundingly sturdy vision.

Vampirella Strikes #4 is another nail in the proverbial coffin that will delight dedicated readers and curious onlookers.  Recommended.

4/5