VAMPIRELLA #666, by Dynamite Comics on 2/14/24, begins the Beyond storyline as Vampirella begins to suspect her calm life on Earth isn’t what it seems when she’s plagued by strange dreams.
The Details
- Written by: Christopher Priest
- Art by: Ergün Gündüz
- Colors by: Ergün Gündüz
- Letters by: Willie Schubert
- Cover art by: Lucio Parrillo (cover A)
- Comic Rating: Teen
- Cover price: $4.99
- Release date: February 14, 2024
Is VAMPIRELLA #666 Good?
In the aftermath of the Interstellar storyline, Vampirella made peace with her mother Lilith, navigating the complexities of their existence on Earth. She thwarted Dracula’s attempts to manifest through her husband Matthew and assumed a semblance of a normal life as Miss Normandy, an elementary school teacher. However, strange dreams and a blonde version of herself are haunting her subconscious, setting the stage for the Beyond storyline.
In VAMPIRELLA #666, Vampirella finds herself trapped in dream loops, questioning the authenticity of her newfound reality on Earth. A mysterious blonde version of herself and a boy named Shane add layers of complexity to her predicament. Desperate for answers, she reaches out to her mother and husband, only to discover unsettling changes in their lives.
Meanwhile, a familiar character, Stan, senses the gravity of Vampirella’s dreams and embarks on a mission to warn others. The synopsis sets the stage for a perplexing journey through alternate realities and the consequences of tangled timelines.
What We Liked About Vampirella #666: One aspect that captivates us is the intriguing mystery surrounding Vampirella’s altered reality. The narrative suggests a potential opportunity to unravel the convoluted timelines Priest has woven over the past years. The appearance of the vampire psychoanalyst brings relief as he finally acknowledges Vampirella’s extraterrestrial nature, marking a positive development. Furthermore, a compelling character introduced at the end leaves us anticipating dark turns in Vampirella’s future. The issue, despite its complexities, ends on a strong and promising cliffhanger.
What We Didn’t Like About Vampirella #666: Christopher Priest’s trademark convoluted storytelling is both a strength and a weakness. While the mystery is intriguing, the initial confusion and the rocky start may alienate readers unfamiliar with the intricate backstory. The amount of backstory to sift through can be overwhelming, making it a challenging jumping-on point for new readers. Priest’s storytelling style, laden with confusing side conversations, adds to the complexity, requiring readers to navigate through layers of wacky and wild narratives.
How’s the art?: Ergün Gündüz’s artistic style, though not traditional comic book art, shows improvement. Gündüz’s unique illustration style, previously criticized for stiffness, now exhibits more fluidity. The figure work displays increased motion and energy, overcoming the static nature of illustrator art. However, digital artifacts remain noticeable, particularly in wisps of smoke and dripping water, creating an airbrushed quality that doesn’t seamlessly blend with the character line work. Despite these imperfections, the art is a significant improvement and contributes to the overall appeal.
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Final Thoughts
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VAMPIRELLA #666 is an intriguing issue with both positive and negative aspects. The mysteries introduced in the Beyond storyline promise a potential resolution to the convoluted timelines established by Priest. The improved artwork by Uron Ergün Gündüz, showcasing dynamic figure work, adds to the issue’s overall appeal. However, Priest’s penchant for convoluted storytelling may deter new readers, requiring a deep dive into the intricate backstory. Despite its challenges, the issue concludes with a strong cliffhanger, leaving us eager to see where the narrative leads.
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