VAMPIRELLA: DEAD FLOWERS #1, from Dynamite Comics on 10/4/23, takes a trip back in history for an early Vampirella adventure when the Drakulonian is summoned to a will reading after the death of an old enemy.
The Details
- Written by: Sara Frazetta, Bob Freeman
- Art by: Alberto Locatelli
- Colors by: The Brewing Factory
- Letters by: Tom Napolitano
- Cover art by: Lucio Parrillo (cover A)
- Comic Rating: Teen+
- Cover price: $3.99
- Release date: October 4, 2023
Is VAMPIRELLA: DEAD FLOWERS #1 Good?
Dynamite brings readers a new Vampirella series just in time for the Halloween season by guest writers Sara Frazetta and Bob Freeman. Set in the groovy year of 1969, with a super neat cameo by the legendary Frank Frazetta, this toothsome tale gets back to Vampirella’s monster-fighting roots to get you in the spooky spirit.
Frazetta and Freeman’s script centers on Vampirella receiving an invitation to a will reading following the death of her old nemesis, Fechin. Vampirella receives an unexpected show of generosity, but Fechin’s estate holds more than wealth as Vampirella soon encounters revenants, werewolves, and more.
If you’re wondering whether or not this tale has anything to do with what’s happening in the other Vampirella series, it doesn’t. VAMPIRELLA: DEAD FLOWERS #1 begins a standalone tale from a point in the past, so the events that unfold may get referenced in future issues, but the arc could serve equally well as an out-of-continuity adventure.
What’s great about VAMPIRELLA: DEAD FLOWERS #1? The heart of the story is a spooky mystery surrounding Fechin’s estate and the assortment of supernatural beings that have now become Vampirella’s problem. Getting back to traditional monsters feels like a breath of fresh air after a long run of Christopher Priest’s esoteric, cosmic, wackiness, and the mystery is certainly intriguing. As a bonus, Frank Frazetta’s cameo is an unexpected treat.
What’s not so great about VAMPIRELLA: DEAD FLOWERS #1? The story begins with a flashback to a point when Fechin is still alive, and an incident happens that appears to be related to Vampirella’s mystery, but it’s not clear what happened, who was involved, and why. The opening flashback is clearly connected, but the connection is muddled and a bit confusing.
How’s the art? The central mystery has a classic ghost story vibe, and Alberto Locatelli’s storybook art style fits to give the script the appearance of a dark fairy tale. Admittedly, storybook-style art lessens, the creep factor, but it still works well enough here.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at the covers, or Click Here to jump right to the story description with some spoilers.
What’s VAMPIRELLA: DEAD FLOWERS #1 About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
We begin with a flashback to a few years ago. Lord Fechin is a bitter old man who isn’t long for this world. On a stormy night, Fechin throws open the windows to revel in the power of the storm. However, he sees a young girl, Evie running across the grounds as she’s chased by a man whose face we can’t see.
Cut to 1969. Vampirella is nearly done with her sitting session with famed painter Frank Frazetta when she receives a summons. Lord Fechin is dead, and she’s named in his will. Vampirella agrees to attend the reading, where she’s shocked to learn Fechin left almost all of his estate to Vampirella. Vampirella suspects the gift is a trap, but she agrees to stick around after meeting the likable groundskeeper, Randall, and his daughter Evie.
We conclude the issue with an unwelcome visit from Mama, a supernatural battle, and a moonlit change.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at preview images of the internal pages, or Click Here to jump right to the score.
Final Thoughts
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VAMPIRELLA: DEAD FLOWERS #1 begins a classic monster tale when Vampirella receives a spooky house in the will of one of her hated enemies. The central mystery is intriguing, and the storybook art gives the comic a dark fairytale quality that’s enjoyable.
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