REVIEW: Bite into the New ‘Vampirella #1′
Kate Leth and Eman Casallos usher a new direction of one of the most iconic comic book femme fatales, VAMPIRELLA, in Vampirella #1. The word “NEW” in the sense that the new creative team sets up an interesting plot concerning the lead protagonist’s relocation to Hollywood, California. Some forces want to take her and her […]
Kate Leth and Eman Casallos usher a new direction of one of the most iconic comic book femme fatales, VAMPIRELLA, in Vampirella #1.
The word “NEW” in the sense that the new creative team sets up an interesting plot concerning the lead protagonist’s relocation to Hollywood, California. Some forces want to take her and her party out permanently. Who are these denizens? Why are they so obsessed of eliminating her? And, who is exactly the brains behind these unfortunate events? Writer Kate Leth already plants some intriguing red herrings while the mystery slowly wraps whenever Vampirella tries to pick up clues in Hollywood. Leth’s scripts are very accessible but not cheesy to the extent of trying to connect with potentially new readers around.
Eman Casallos does a good job of balancing the original aesthetics and the modernistic look of the lady vampire. He successfully produces a very sensible attire for the character that is chic and casual at the same time. Even her classic vampy figure retains prior the formal investigative moments. Casallos grows very confident in plotting out the sequential paneling from start to finish. Hopefully, he maintains that kind of consistency. And, look out for a Trese-like character in this issue!
The story actually lags in plot development because it takes a lot of pages on action sequences, plus some steamy moments of Vampirella and her werewolf lover. Some of Casallos’ art with long angular perspective are a bit jarring to view, especially the faces.
Vampirella #1 serves a nice jumping point for new readers and experienced comic book enthusiasts. It offers new story, new creative team, and Vampy’s new outfit. Perhaps as the story progresses, sophistication in storytelling would emerge on how the plot revolves. But Eman Casallos’ art is generally the strongest point here.
