As a sign of my age, I have to admit that I remember picking up J. M. DeMatteis’ original stories of I, Vampire. It ran as a series of short stories in the old “House of Mystery” title in the seventies. Marvel Comics had the excellent “Tomb of Dracula” by Marv Wolfman and Gene Colan. DeMatteis came up with a new vampire series that featured original characters. Although it did not live up to the Wolfman/Colan classic, “I, Vampire” was a good series in its own right. I had my doubts as to how good the new series would be. They were laid to rest when I read a creator owned book by the same author (Joshua Fialkov).
Fialkov is rapidly climbing my list of favorite current comic book writers. He kept the same basic idea for the basis of the series. Andrew, a vampire, opposes the other vampires. He wants to live in peace with the humans. His lover, Mary also becomes a vampire but she embraces the dark side of the curse. Over the ages she has taken the name Mary, Queen of Blood. The two have been locked in a love/hate relationship. Mary wants to take over the world. Andrew goes after her forces and tries to destroy them.
In this first story line, the battle makes its way to Gotham City. Guess who becomes involved? Of the DC superheroes, Batman is one of the better fits for this series. The mood and atmosphere seems perfect for Batman. As the story ends, an even bigger threat emerges…
The combination of excellent characterization and story telling by Fialkov and the moody art of Sorrentino make for a very interesting book.
Highly recommended for fans of vampires, or just well told stories.
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