In ETERNAL THIRST OF DRACULA (BOOK 3) #1, available from American Mythology on December 8th, 2021, Van and Kandy head back to Dracula’s island to save Romy with his ancestor’s diary. Unfortunately, the Tainted Ones may put an end to the Prince of Darkness before the deal is done.
The Details
- Written By: Mike Wolfer
- Art By: Vincenzo Carratù
- Colors By: Arthur Hesli
- Letters By: Natalie Jane
- Cover Art By: Vincenzo Carratù, Periya Pillai
- Cover Price: $3.99
- Release Date: December 8, 2021
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Was It Good?
ETERNAL THIRST OF DRACULA (BOOK 3) #1 hits the vampire-loving sweet spot for fans who love Dracula stories and also love 1970s-era horror films. Everything about this comic, from the story to the art to the unique creatures, screams peak exploitation cinema from the grindhouse era.
Nearly everything about this comic works if you’re a fan of crazy, bloody, alternate takes on the Prince of Darkness and his dark designs. Wolfer’s story captures the hip/cool vibe of the 70s in all its bell bottomed, mutton chopped glory. Carratù’s character designs, for humans and monsters alike, have a fluidity about them that gives each panel energy, even when the characters are standing still. Special praise goes to Hesli for the bright and bold color work in this issue.
The caveat to all this glowing praise is an understandable one. You’re going to feel a little lost going into the story if you haven’t read the first two books in the series. Thankfully, the creators put a “The Story So Far” page in the prologue but it doesn’t do the horror insanity any justice. In short, you don’t have to read the first two books in the series to enjoy this comic, but it helps.
What’s It About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
We begin with Van and Kandy arriving on the island with Van Helsing’s diary when they run across Mantala waking up after being attacked. They reluctantly join forces with the intention of giving Dracula the diary in return for Roxy’s release.
Meanwhile, the Tainted Ones are attacking the island on multiple fronts. The monsters swarm a nearby village where Dracula’s vampire apes are the only means of defense. In Dracula’s mansion, the Tainted Ones invade Dracula’s inner sanctum where they’ve come to kill him on behalf of the one who spawned them, the Deliverer.
When Van, Kandy, and Mantala make it into the mansion, they find Tainted Ones swarming from all directions. Rather than fight his way through to complete the exchange and free Roxy, Van cowardly decides to run away with the excuse that Dracula’s offer feels like a trick.
We conclude the issue with a deepening mystery about the identity of the Deliverer and Van’s escape leading him into the middle of a battle he wants no part of.
Final Thoughts
ETERNAL THIRST OF DRACULA (BOOK 3) #1 cherry picks everything you love about 70s-era horror flicks, right down to the fashion and settings, for a mondo cool story. The character designs are amazing (Vampire Gorillas?!?), the fashion is a perfect fit for the period, and the deepening mystery about the source of the Tainted Ones will keep you guessing until the next issue.
Score: 9/10
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