VAMPIRELLA #1 Review


Does this warrioress deserve a come back? Read on to find out.

The official description from Dynamite:

Celebrating Vampirella’s 45th anniversary! In FEAST OF SHADOWS, the first in the six-part OUR LADY OF SHADOWS story arc. Vampirella is sent by the Vatican to investigate the kidnapping of a little girl by Ethan Shroud and the Chaos cultists, only to become the centerpiece of a ritual invoking Lady Umbra, the sister-bride of Chaos, that leaves her marked as a living sacrifice to the dark goddess who rules the shadows. VAMPIRELLA is back and returns to her horror roots with Bram Stoker Award-winning author Nancy A. Collins (Swamp Thing, Sunglasses After Dark, Jason vs. Leatherface) and Patrick Berkenkotter (Red Sonja, Avengers/Invaders).

Vampirella V2 1_CBI’m not going to lie when I cracked open this comic I couldn’t help but compare it to another recent rebirth and renaissance for another scantily clad heroine. Much to the pleasure of many fanboys and fangirls I’m happy to report that what we have here is a compelling beginning to an interesting new era. Spring-boarding off of the last volume’s conclusion we get what can be described as a more serious spin even as we deal with elements that long term followers are absolutely familiar with.

Nancy A. Collins is perfectly suited to pen this supernatural yarn. She effortlessly takes over the writing responsibilities for Vampirella, while maintaining the core traits that have allowed her to withstand the test of time. But more important to these festivities is the fact that this new narrative carries a fresh flavor. And thanks in part to a dastardly plot twist the comic gets a cliffhanger finish that’s bound to excite. I’m not usually surprised by events in any #1 but this one caught me off guard.

The illustrations by Patrick Berkenkotter are honestly more compelling than I expected them to be. I was lightly familiar with the talent’s prior works but I was surprised how quickly he took to the world of our dark avenger. He captured the animalistic nature of our protagonist while maintaining the elements that help her to dance the line between man and monster. Add in the dynamic colors by Jorge Sutil and this is without a doubt something that deserves your attention this Wednesday.

Vampirella #1 is a return to form with just enough of a change to sell this character to both seasoned and new audience members. Highly recommended.

OUR RATING
9
  • + The arc gets a promising start!
  • + The Vatican vs. a cult... 'nuff said.
  • + Vampirella returns with artistic style!
  • + Nancy A. Collins nails the right narrative.

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