The sequel series to Alan Moore‘s Dracula one-shot continues in this penultimate issue, but is it worth your time and money?  Read on to find out.

The official description from Dynamite:

Vampirella and Dracula have battled through the ages, drawn to each other like kindred souls yet tearing each other to pieces in a clash of stubborn wills, white hot hatreds and deepest, darkest desires. They’ve spilled blood, drank even more, and left a wake of destruction behind them to span the ages. Now, caught between a past unremembered and a present that seems to shift by the day, these time-tossed titans of the Vampire breed find themselves unable to resist their animal attraction any longer. And as timelines fold and realities crumble before the climax of their union, an old story comes to a painful close… while a new, bloody saga is born!

This comic has a heavy weight on its shoulders.  Not only is it trying to sequel a story written by the legendary comic scribe, Alan Moore, but it’s also trying to balance a somewhat complicated narrative.  Thankfully though, for the most part this latest issue succeeds more than it fails.

Joe Harris does a solid  job writing this script here, as he offers fans a mostly clear story with some decent dialogue.  The only gripe I have with his work in this latest issue comes from a few moments where the character interaction feels a bit off and yields scenes that ultimately fail to resonate.  Overall though the story successfully balances itself and makes for a good read.

Whatever shortcoming may exist with the dialogue, thank goodness for Ivan Rodriguez and his immaculate art.  Both the characters and the world are lavished with details that just make the story pop.  The expert panel design on display here gives life to this narrative in a way that almost excuses any missteps the script might take.

Overall this is a good comic book with a serviceable plot that’s complemented by great art.  It may not be an entirely worthy follow up to the original story but it’s still a fun and engaging sequel that comes recommended.

3.5/5