VAMPIRELLA/DRACULA: RAGE #5, by Dynamite Comics on 2/21/24, finds Dracula and Victory finally catching up to Vampirella in Sweden where Dracula’s true intentions are revealed.
The Details
- Written by: Christopher Priest
- Art by: Christian Rosado
- Colors by: Christian Rosado
- Letters by: Taylor Esposito
- Cover art by: Lucio Parrillo (cover A)
- Comic Rating: Teen
- Cover price: $3.99
- Release date: February 21, 2024
Is VAMPIRELLA/DRACULA: RAGE #5 Good?
In the previous issue, Dracula and Victory were holed up in a Swedish hotel, where Dracula gave Victory a crash course in vampire lore. Meanwhile, Vampirella was on a mission to track down the members of the cult, the culprits behind her newborn son’s death. The narrative converges in Sweden as Dracula, Victory, and Vampirella’s paths intersect.
In VAMPIRELLA/DRACULA: RAGE #5, in Sweden, Vampirella pursues the last surviving cult member, who happens to be working undercover as a train maintenance worker. As she moves in for an attack, the cult member triggers a suicidal explosion, derailing the subway. Dracula and Victory intervene, and in the chaos, Dracula samples Vampirella’s blood, setting off a series of events that lead to his nefarious plan to take over Drakulon, an alternate reality version of the moon.
A fascinating tidbit is how Dracula’s plan ties into the larger Vampirella universe, involving alternate realities, the Mad Astronaut, and the complex connections that span across different series. For those seeking a deeper understanding, Christopher Priest’s Vampirella: Interstellar provides more context, though it might require a bit of mental gymnastics.
What we Liked about Vampire/Dracula: Rage #5
The stakes in this issue are raised significantly with Dracula’s ambitious plan to seize control of Drakulon. The narrative introduces an element of intrigue, anticipation, and curiosity, keeping readers hooked. Despite the convoluted journey, the overall storyline promises an engaging and unpredictable future.
What we Didn’t Like about Vampire/Dracula: Rage #5
On the downside, the narrative’s complexity, confusion, and the inclusion of seemingly irrelevant subplots, like the Hansel and Gretal subplot, detract from the overall reading experience. The name of the cult is a mouthful, making it a challenging element to engage with. Christopher Priest’s penchant for weaving unnecessary elements into the plot adds confusion and disrupts the flow.
Art Quality
Christian Rosado’s art, with its scratchy yet moody style, adds a unique atmosphere to the comic. The bold colors and heavy shadows contribute to the gothic and gloomy aesthetic, aligning perfectly with the horror theme. While it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, the art style complements the dark tone of the story.
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Final Thoughts
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VAMPIRELLA/DRACULA: RAGE #5 starts to tie loose threads together, unraveling Dracula’s intentions and intersecting with Vampirella. The moody and atmospheric art enhances the gothic vibe, creating an immersive experience. However, the convoluted and unnecessarily complicated narrative, coupled with distracting subplots, hinders the overall enjoyment. Despite the flaws, the issue sets the stage for an intriguing future.
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