Review: Vampirella Halloween One-Shot
It’s that time of the year, when all nightmare monsters from the undead, demons and everything in between come out to play. Perfect then for one of comicdom’s longest-serving creatures of the night.
This one-shot sees a couple of Vampi stories, both with different styles, attempt to show how versatile the character can be. In reality, it only serves to show how Dynamite are unsure on how to progress her; is she an action character or is she a campy cartoon character? Can she be both?
The first story is written by Scott Lobdell who delivers a story that is basically as wooden as a stake through the heart. The denizens of the demonic realm are going to use Halloween in yet another bid to take over the world. Only one person can stop them; Vampirella. Along the way, Lobdell uses smoke and mirrors to try to give the story more weight, including the fact that if you have two attractive females in the book, they obviously must want to kiss each other!
The art is provided by Rapha Lobosco who certainly has the ability to draw the female form well in the splash panels, especially Vampi and the demon goddess. Where the art does go a tad wonky are the panels in between as Lobosco tends to lose some details. Sure, the monsters are OK, but the rest of the characters are supposed to be scared. Throw in the fact that Vampi gets her outwear ripped to reveal her modest one piece outfit from a couple of series ago. Now, I don’t mind the outfit, but there is disconnect when it comes to the idea; if the utilitarian outfit was underneath the tight head to toe garb, how come there was no bulges on show, giving that there are turn-ups and a high collar in play? Inconsistency of art is one thing, thankfully we have the consistent Tyler Esposito on letters in both stories.
For the second story, Lobdell is joined by Blake Northcott as they attempt to bring the funny to proceedings. Reading the story, I found it odd that in the same month we had Mojo deliver a meta message aimed at fans, that Lobdell and Northcott do the same basically calling out those who dare to talk about Vampi’s outfits. Of course it’s not long until she is back in the familiar one-piece as she goes out to scare the neighbourhood kids. I guess the story is harmless enough, especially when you also have the cartoon styling of Anthony Marques with inks by Marc Deering. Think Ty Templton, Mike Parobeck or Dev Madan and you will have some idea of the style. At this point, I should mention the fantastic job that colourist Chris O’Halloran does on both stories, especially given how different each one actually is. Finally, the cover by Reilly Brown is gorgeous.
Earlier, I asked if Vampi could work with the different styles of story. The answer is probably, yes she can. Personally, I don’t like campi Vampi, preferring the sultry Queen of the Vampires type of story, if done correctly. Here, with the mix of stylings, I am pretty sure that at best 50% of readers are going to dislike one part or the others, where as others, like me, wish that Dynamite would get their act together enough with this classic character and gives her fans a books that is as fun as the current run of Red Sonja.
Writing -Â 2 Stars
Art – 3 Stars
Colors – 4 Stars
[yasr_overall_rating size=”large”]
Writing by; Scott Lobdell & Blake Northcott
Art by; Rapha Lobosco, Anthony Marques with Marc Deering
Colors by; Chris O’Halloran
Letters by; Tyler Esposito
Cover by; Reilly Brown
Published by; Dynamite Entertainment
Author Profile
- I am a long time comic book fan, being first introduced to Batman in the mid to late 70's. This led to a appreciation of classic artists like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo. Moving through the decades that followed, I have a working knowledge of a huge raft of characters with a fondness for old school characters like JSA and The Shadow
Currently reading a slew of Bat Books, enjoying a mini Marvel revival, and the host of The Definative Crusade and Outside the Panels whilst also appearing on No-Prize Podcast on the Undercover Capes Podcast Network
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