VAMPIRELLA: MINDWARP #4, from Dynamite Comics on December 14th, 2022, continues the time-trippy adventure as Vampirella confronts a train full of monster hunters and battles surgically altered monstrosities in the snowy mountains.
The Details
- Written by: Jeff Parker
- Art by: Benjamin Dewey
- Colors by: Dearbhla Kelly
- Letters by: Jeff Eckleberry
- Cover art by: Joseph Michael Linsner (cover A)
- Cover price: $3.99
- Release date: December 14, 2022
Is It Good?
VAMPIRELLA: MINDWARP #4 is a lighthearted entry into the groovy trip on the Wayback Machine when Vampirella’s earliest days on Earth were just one big party. Filled with amusing plot developments and decent art, this issue is a pleasant way to pass the time.
The strength of Jeff parker’s script is the groovy, “Peace and Love”, mellow vibe of the story. The only thing this issue takes seriously is its relentless focus on being relaxed. Vampirella gets the monster hunters to relax and have a good time. Adam Van Helsing gets Ren to relax and have a good time. And even the Baronness wants everyone to relax and have a good time. It’s all chill and groovy, man.
Conversely, “Peace & Love” (P&L) only goes so far for a compelling story when that tone permeates every scene in the comic. When the train travelers are dancing their cares away, P&L makes sense. When Vampirella and her friends are battling stitched-together monstrosities outside the Baroness’s mountaintop chateau, a P&L vibe doesn’t quite fit. Nothing feels urgent, none of the characters (except for Ren) act scared, angry, or determined. The entire book has one tone – mellow – which completely deflates any excitement or energy.
Dewey’s art is fine and fit for purpose in this type of story. That’s a diplomatic way of saying Dewey’s sedate, low-energy art style fits the sedate, low-energy script. The line work is clean, and Kelly’s colors are excellent, so it looks pleasant enough.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at the covers, or Click Here to jump right to the story description with some spoilers.
What’s It About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
Check out our VAMPIRELLA: MINDWARP #3 review to find out how Vampirella wound up on a train surrounded by monster hunters.
We begin with Vampirella and friends dancing the night away with a party of monster hunters on a train headed for the frigid North. Adam explains how Vampirella got the hunters on her side (off-panel) to Ren, who uses his leisure time to make important notes in his journal. The Baroness is alerted to Vampirella’s approach and makes plans using the monsters hidden in the castle.
Later, Vampirella and her friends arrive at the chateau to confront the Baroness. The Baroness waves them away from a high balcony as her army of hybrid monsters attacks Vampirella on the grounds below. The team fends off the monsters, and Vampirella flies up to the balcony to confront the Baroness.
We conclude the issue with a twist reveal about the Baroness’s evil intentions and an abrupt change in attitude for Vampirella.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at preview images of the internal pages, or Click Here to jump right to the score.
Final Thoughts
(Click this link 👇 to order this comic)
VAMPIRELLA: MINDWARP #4 keeps the energy, action, and urgency permanently set to “Mellow” as Vampirella’s party moves from a party train to a mountaintop chateau to stop the Baroness’s evil plan. The pacing is good, and the dialog is solid, but the low stakes, mellow energy, and lack of urgency keep the reading experience “mildly pleasant.”
Related Information
Is Vampirella queer?
Yes, Vampirella is queer and has been known to carry on sexual relationships with both men and women.
We hope you found this article interesting. Come back for more reviews, previews, and opinions on comics, and don’t forget to follow us on social media:
If you’re interested in this creator’s works, remember to let your Local Comic Shop know to find more of their work for you. They would appreciate the call, and so would we.
Click here to find your Local Comic Shop: www.ComicShopLocator.com
As an Amazon Associate, we earn revenue from qualifying purchases to help fund this site. Links to Blu-Rays, DVDs, Books, Movies, and more contained in this article are affiliate links. Please consider purchasing if you find something interesting, and thank you for your support.