VAMPIRELLA STRIKES #10, from Dynamite Comics on February 22, 2023, kicks off a new arc with a story about a killer stalking the lower classes of Sepulcher City.
The Details
- Written by: Thomas Sniegoski
- Art by: Jonathan Lau
- Colors by: Omi Remalante, Jr.
- Letters by: Jeff Eckleberry
- Cover art by: Lucio Parrillo (cover A)
- Comic Rating: Teen+
- Cover price: $3.99
- Release date: February 22, 2023
Is It Good?
If there’s one aspect of this series that continues to impress, it’s Thomas Sniegoski’s ability to turn the series from one genre into another at the drop of a hat without an ounce of lost quality. First, Vampirella fights through a world-ending apocalypse against Nyx, then she uncovers a Sepulcher City conspiracy to harvest demon energy, and then she overcomes the most wicked incarnation of an old foe, the Blood Red Queen of Hearts. Now, VAMPIRELLA STRIKES #10 is just the latest example of that mastery as Vampirella’s role as Sepulcher City peacekeeper leads her into a serial killer investigation that turns very personal.
Sniegoski’s script gets readers on board in the best way possible by fashioning an emotional bridge between Vampirella and the victims of the faceless (for now) killer. The victims are humanized and treated as people just trying to eke out a meager existence in any way they can. You understand the victims, and you empathize with their lot in life, and it’s that empathy that activates hurt and outrage over their death. Vampirella, therefore, is well motivated to find the killer and see justice done.
Who is the killer? Unknown, but we know the killer targets the people of a specific sub-division of Sepulcher City, and the deaths are very messy. Sniegoski has the makings of a great murder mystery/police procedural, and we’re looking forward to finding out where it leads.
Equal to Sniegoski’s writing is Jonathan Lau’s moody, atmospheric art. Pitch-black shadows put the readers on edge with the promise of something dangerous lurking in every corner, and Remalante Jr’s coloring is excellent. Again, Sniegoski’s script has the makings of a great detective noir story, but it’s the art team’s execution of mood and shadow that elicits a detective noir aesthetic.
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What’s It About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
Check out our VAMPIRELLA STRIKES #9 review to find out how Vampirella survived her latest encounter with the Bloody Queen of Hearts.
We begin with an introduction to Dante, a “juice box” who trades a drink of his blood for cash from vampires. He’s the Sepulcher City equivalent of a sex worker. As the night wears on, we see Dante servicing one of his first and favorite clients, Eunice. Dante’s relationship with Eunice is transactional but respectful and even kind.
Through flashbacks, we learn about an early encounter with a client gone wrong when Dante was saved by the legendary Vampirella. Sepulcher City’s savior doesn’t use “juice boxes,” but the two strike up a friendship out of a mutual need for companionship.
We conclude the issue with reports of a killer, date night, and a bad end.
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Final Thoughts
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VAMPIRELLA STRIKES #10 kicks off a new arc with an emotionally powerful murder mystery that forces Vampirella to assume the role of peacekeeper and avenger. The victim’s story will have you hooked from the beginning, making Vampirella’s job all the more personal.
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