VAMPIRELLA: DEAD FLOWERS #2, from Dynamite Comics on 11/1/23, deepens the supernatural mystery of a curse surrounding a father and daughter at Rookhaven Hall.
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: November 1, 2023
Is VAMPIRELLA: DEAD FLOWERS #2 Good?
VAMPIRELLA: DEAD FLOWERS #2 gets off to a bumpy start, but once the narrative gets into the action with Vampirella against a vicious werewolf, the issue takes on an entertaining life of its own. With more clarity surrounding who’s who and what’s what, Sara Frazetta and Bob Freeman’s supernatural tale reads like a peak version of Dark Shadows.
When last we left Vampirella and Hattie, the young Evie ran off into the night after she was attacked by a wraith in the form of her mother. Evie’s father gave chase but neglected to notice the time of night and phase of the moon, becoming a werewolf. Now, Vampirella fights against the hairy beast, imploring him to get control before they both get hurt. Meanwhile, Frances Moore strikes an otherworldy deal that will give her power and the man she loves.
When we say Dark Shadows, we mean Dark Shadows at the height of its monstrous, soap operatic glory. You have everything in this comic from devils to witches to werewolves to warlocks to curses, and plenty of drama to match it all. In many ways, this comic is shaping up to match the themes and style of the original version of Vampirella from Warren Magazine.
What’s great about VAMPIRELLA: DEAD FLOWERS #2? Monster lovers will love this comic for the sheer number of twists and turns involved in an estate soap opera that gets spooky. At the risk of sounding redundant, Dark Shadows fans will love this comic.
What’s not so great about VAMPIRELLA: DEAD FLOWERS #2? The opening prologue is confusing. Frazetta and Freeman turn up the flowery narration to make Frances Moore’s scene dramatic, but it comes off as blustery and overwritten. Truly, we couldn’t easily tell who Frances was talking to or what was happening until page three.
How’s the art? Locatelli’s mildly cartoonish art gives the story a storybook feel, which matches the tone of the story, and The Brewing Factory’s watercolor application creates a Gothic atmosphere.
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 #2 About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
Check out our VAMPIRELLA: DEAD FLOWERS #1 review to find out how Vampirella and Hattie wound up in the middle of a Gothic nightmare.
We begin with Frances Moore conjuring visions in a crystal ball. The narration suggests/implies Frances is after the man she loves and that she’s helped a disembodied voice in a bargain to get what she wants. Vampirella’s presence disrupts the bargain, and Frances offers her body in return for a new bargain to eliminate Vampirella.
Elsewhere, Vampirella fights Randall the werewolf but pulls her punches so as not to kill or seriously harm him. Vampirella holds Randall off long enough until the sun rises and his curse subsides. Later, Randall reveals the full story of how he became a werewolf through a wicked curse.
We conclude the issue with a devil’s bargain, “Hell hath no fury,” and a witch’s challenge.
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 #2 gets off to a bumpy start but picks up steam and turns into a fantastic monster mash with drama to spare. Frazetta and Freeman’s story harkens back to the early days of Warren Magazine, and the Gothic storybook art has an unexpected appeal.
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