NIGHT CLUB (VOL. 2) #1, by Dark Horse Comics on 8/21/24, catches up with the world’s greatest teenage vampire superhero team when Sam goes it alone and falls down a dark path.
Credits:
- Writer: Mark Millar
- Artist: Juanan Ramírez
- Colorist: Fabiana Mascolo
- Letterer: Clem Robins
- Cover Artist: Juanan Ramírez, Fabiana Mascolo
- Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
- Release Date: August 21, 2024
- Comic Rating: Mature
- Cover Price: $4.99
- Page Count: 32
- Format: Single Issue
Covers:
Analysis of NIGHT CLUB (VOL. 2) #1:
First Impressions:
Sam, Sam, Sam. What’s a vampire to do when a girl he likes breaks his heart? Apparently, he falls in with the wrong crowd just when the prospect of becoming a superhero becomes a near reality. Mark Millar plays up the trials and travails of being a high-performing teenager in Night Club (Vol. 2) #1, but the slick execution and hard-hitting antics are as good as any mature story.
Plot Analysis:
Night Club (Vol. 2) #1 begins with a late-night rendezvous in a junkyard. A group of thugs are discussing what to do with two bodies they have in the back of their car – a pair of teens with a growing YouTube presence for displaying miraculous feats during vigilante crime stops, such as turning into into mist. The thugs shot down the teenagers during a drug deal, and now they have to get rid of the evidence.
Suddenly, the teenagers leap out of the trunk using a smartphone to film the proceedings. The masked teens easily take out the thugs and get them ready for the police to take away. Why? Starguard and Yellowbird, as they name themselves, are working their way through the criminal organization run by infamous gangster Rufus Tee, and every bust, even when discouraged by the police, brings them closer to their goal.
Mark Millar hits the reader with pop, flash, and plenty of bangs as (two-thirds of) the Night Club executes a precise strike on drug dealers, killers, and gangsters. In a lot of ways, Millar’s vampire team has the snappy personality and youthful energy of Spider-Man in his better runs, so you’re immediately engaged by the spirit of fun (but be warned, this issue is mature for violence and foul language).
Later, Danny, aka Starguard, and Amy, aka Yellowbird, talk through the revenue that comes from filming their vigilante heroics, but they’re not too enamored with e-stardom to think their business model will last forever, so they sock away their money to invest in their future. Further, they lament not being able to share their spoils with the remaining third of Night Club, Sam, who left the group when Amy didn’t reciprocate his romantic feelings and instead started dating Danny.
Oh, the teenage drama. Can’t say I missed it. That said, couching that dram inside a trio of vampire vigilantes is a unique twist that revamps (no pun intended) the model into a story that holds your attention. Plus, Millar’s knack for organic dialog and relatable character interactions is top-notch.
Later, we catch up with Sam as he dominates all comers on the basketball court. Using his vampirically enhanced speed, strength, and accuracy make him the envy of all men and an object of desire for all women. Sam anticipates a visit from a basketball recruiter, but Danny pays him a visit to implore Sam to stop drawing unwanted attention. Sam is quick to dismiss Danny.
Between games and hanging out, one of Sam’s “friends” sprints away when two enforcers show up, asking for missing money. Against Danny’s previous advice, Sam intervenes with brutal force, but doing so brings him much closer to Night Club’s goals than he intended.
Overall, Mark Millar turns in a killer first issue to the Night Club’s next volume with heaps of personality, sharp action, interpersonal drama well above CW levels of quality, and a super strong cliffhanger. This is the type of storytelling that makes Milliarworld one of the best imprints in the business.
Artwork and Presentation:
One of the reasons we got turned on to Millarworld was through the mega-outstanding miniseries – last year’s Big Game. The success of that series was due in large part to the terrific art from Pepe Larraz. Larraz isn’t the artist of Night Club (Vol. 2) #1, but Juanan Ramírez is just as good, which is a high compliment from our point of view. Ramírez’s point of view, perspective on anatomy and facial acting, and meaningful action look fantastic.
Art Samples:
The Bigger Picture:
Series Continuity:
For new readers jumping on Night Club, the obvious question is, “How much do I need to know to get on board?” Surprisingly, not much. If you’re curious about how Danny, Amy, and Sam became vampires or the events that led to Sam’s split from the team, we recommended you go back to read the first volume.
However, if you don’t pick up any back issues, Mark Millar lays out the narrative well enough for you to get the gist.
Final Thoughts:
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NIGHT CLUB (VOL. 2) #1 returns to the vampire vigilante team to find typical teenage drama troubles and bad influences have created a dangerous split. Mark Millar’s knack for organic dialog, engaging personalities, and strong character moments are matched by Juanan Ramírez’s slick art and excellent character acting.
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