I Reads You Review: American Vampire #1

AMERICAN VAMPIRE #1

DC COMICS/VERTIGO
WRITERS: Scott Snyder and Stephen King
ARTIST: Rafael Albuquerque
COLORS: Dave McCaig
LETTERS: Steve Wands
COVERS: Rafael Albuquerque and Jim Lee (variant)
40pp, Color, $3.99

American Vampire is an ongoing comic book series that debuted this past Spring from the DC Comics’ imprint, Vertigo. The series is created and written by Scott Snyder with famed horror novelist Stephen King contributing stories for the series’ first five issues. According to Snyder, American Vampire’s central question is basically what if vampires secretly evolved over time like all other creatures (as stated in the “On the Ledge” column Snyder wrote that appeared in May 2010 Vertigo comic books).

American Vampire #1 has two stories. The first, entitled “Big Break” is written by Snyder and focuses on Pearl Jones, a smalltime actress struggling in the silent film industry of 1920s Hollywood. The second story is “Bad Blood,” and is written by Stephen King. It focuses on the series other lead, Skinner Sweet, a 1880s outlaw, sociopath, and all-around hellraiser. Both have a date with the vampire that will change their lives, as well as giving birth to the first truly American vampire.

Even with the pedigree of King, I didn’t expect much of the first issue. Why? Vampire overload, I guess. However, I was delightfully surprised? How much was I surprised? I am surprised enough to want to become a regular reader of this series. Actually, King’s story is OK, but Snyder’s part is very good.

Snyder’s breezy dialogue quickly comes together to make every character either likeable or engaging. Artist Rafael Albuquerque has an evocative drawing style that looks like a blending of Mike Mignola and Kevin Nowlan. Everything Albuquerque draws establishes the setting in a way that creates a time and a place without being overdone or over-art directed.

At this point, I’d prefer to see an entire issue devoted to Snyder and Albuquerque’s part of the story rather than King and Albuquerque’s, but, in a way, American Vampire is giving us two good things for the price of one. American Vampire isn’t groundbreaking, but it is well-executed enough to appear fresh. Considering how bland and unimaginative mainstream comic books are right now, appearing fresh is a feat.

B+

[This comic book also includes a four-page preview of the “Vertigo Crime” graphic novel, Area 10, by Christos N. Gage and Chris Samnee.]

I Reads You Review: Nemesis #1

NEMESIS #1

MARVEL COMICS/ICON

WRITER: Mark Millar

ARTIST: Steve McNiven

COLORS: Dave McCaig

LETTERS: Chris Eliopoulos

COVERS: Steve McNiven and Leinil Francis Yu

Nemesis is the new comic book miniseries from the team of writer Mark Millar and artist Steve McNiven. The duo produced the hugely popular Marvel event series, Civil War, and the graphic novel, Wolverine: Old Man Logan (originally serialized in Wolverine 66-72). Nemesis is a planned four-issue series that is being published under Marvel Comics’ Icon imprint.

As Millar has stated in press coverage for this comic book, Nemesis #1 introduces a Batman-like character, called “Nemesis,” who uses his skill, resources, and whatever super powers and abilities he has for evil rather than for good. What if this cool billionaire with all those planes, cars and gadgets, put on a mask and waged war on the forces of law and order, Millar asks. The story begins with Nemesis dispatching a famous police chief in Tokyo. Afterwards, Nemesis heads to Washington D.C. to engage his next opponent, Chief Blake Morrow, the Chief of Police of the nation’s capitol.

The cover of Nemesis #1 carries a large caption that reads “MAKES KICK-ASS LOOK LIKE $#IT.” I don’t know about that. Kick-Ass, Mark Millar’s previous Icon comic book which recently concluded, is some pretty deranged $#it AND very entertaining, but I am already a fan of this new comic book. I rooted for Heath Ledger’s Joker in The Dark Knight and I love a great villain, especially one who has the pigs… I mean, law enforcement quaking in their boots.

It’s a fun read. Millar paints the characters in broad strokes, and in police Chief Blake Morrow, Millar has created a Clint Eastwood-Dirty Harry type who deserves to be taken down a peg or two or ten. Steve McNiven’s art is acceptable, though it makes me wonder why he is so acclaimed. Dave McCaig’s coloring is horrid. Still, I really like this comic book and can’t wait for the next issue.

B+