Vampirella: The Second Coming #2

November 7, 2009

Vampirella: The Second Comics #3 (Harris Comics)
By Phil Hester, Al Rio & Ryan Stegman

As hordes of the undead begin attacking Washington D.C., the acolytes of Vampirella are both recruiting and protecting the surviving humans, but they realize it’s only a stopgap measure. The only one who can stop the darkness is the real Vampirella, but she’s dead. Unless… This issue pretty much brings us to the point that we’ve been waiting for since this miniseries launched, and while the result is expected, the journey to that point is a pretty solid one. There’s lots of action, and Al Rio does a very good job with the ravenous mobs of the undead. As far as relaunches go, this one is working out pretty well.
Rating: 4/5

Vampirella: Second Coming #1

September 12, 2009
Vampirella: The Second Coming #1 (Harris Comics)
By Phil Hester, Daniel Sampere & Arthur Suydam

It’s been a while since Vampirella has been seen, and for many people she has become an urban legend, an internet meme — something that has cult following, but that nobody seems to believe really exists. A social worker named Kelly has found herself pursuing the legend, even while her husband’s subterranean job is bringing him into contact with something truly evil. I’m a bit on the fence with this book. Daniel Sampere‘s art is good, and Kelly is an interesting viewpoint character. The last page is where the real question comes in. A lot of people have been upset over what it seems to mean, but I’ve got a feeling that it’s kind of a red herring. There’s definitely something going on, but I don’t think it’s necessarily what everyone is assuming. Regardless, this first issue is interesting enough that I’ll continue to put down my $1.99 to see if I’m right or wrong. There’s definite potential here, and this could be a revamp that finds a way to do something new without throwing out what works. If, that is, it’s done right.
Rating: 8/10