Retro Review: The Tomb of Dracula #1

STORY

Well its October and I haven’t done a retro review in a while so I thought why not dig up and old favorite and review the very first issue of The Tomb of Dracula from way back in `972.

This book has been one of my all time favorite books, especially when Marv Wolfman takes charge of the book but Conway gets it off to a really good start, setting things in motion nicely.

The book will soon have an ensemble cast to face off against Dracula but this book introduces both the titular character and one of his primary antagonists in Dracula’s direct descendant, Frank Drake. Drake sets things in motion when he inherits the supposedly empty Castle Dracula at the behest of his friend Clifton. Another key character in this book is Jeanie, Frank;s girlfriend who used to be Clifton’s lady love. Already this sets up an interesting dynamic to the party before the adventure even gets into any vampire action. We learn the ambitions and motivations of both Clifton and Frank, which clearly define any faults and virtues they might have. Jeanie’s character at this stage is rather simple and she is really her more of plot dynamic and setting future conflict in motion by the end of the book.

The Transylvanian’s are what you would expect, some fearful, some optimistic at the thought of someone turning the old castle into a tourist attraction but the wisest would prefer not to stir up old ghosts. As well they should because when Dracula is roused from death his reign of terror immediately begins. Conway sets the town for the count’s mien and Wolfman will run with this in later issues but you already get that feeling of aristocracy and ego as well as the brooding menace he will always exhibit.

The basic plot is pretty simple but it’s all about getting things in motion and setting up the story to come but Conway did so without dumbing down the characters. Even some of the briefest characters depicted give one an insight into the world being built or have some impact on the story being told or the story to come.

ART

Gene Colon is a master of mood and dread, knowing the best places to use spotting blacks to the greatest effect. He is consistently excellent in his storytelling and page flow, easily able to depict mundane scenes as well as action or horror. Nothing Gene draws is ever tedious or boring. However, this first issue has yet to hit the levels of greatness the comic will achieve because he has yet to refine his take on Dracula himself. While this first pass at the count is not bad at all, in subsequent issues Gene would create a look for the vampire that was truly iconic with a look somewhat inspired by Legosi’s count but going to extremes in a way no movie could ever capture, a thing that could only work while rendered in pen and ink. This first issue was really Frank Drake’s story but Dracula would soon become the star of the show and the art would depict that.

FINAL THOUGHTS

An excellent beginning to what would become a classic series, all of the primary elements are in place and the comic would only go up from here.

SCORE: 4 out of 5

THE TOMB OF DRACULA #1
Writer:Â Gerry Conway
Art:Â Gene Colan