VAN HELSING ANNUAL: BRIDE OF THE NIGHT, by Zenescope Entertainment on 2/21/24, sends Liesel Van Helsing and Charlotte Le Fanu on a globetrotting quest to destroy every secret Westenra research lab.
The Details
- Written by: Pat Shand
- Art by: Eman Casallos, Julius Abrera, Allan Otero
- Colors by: Walter Pereyra, Maxflan Araujo
- Letters by: Taylor Esposito
- Cover art by: Igor Vitorino (cover A)
- Comic Rating: Teen
- Cover price: $6.99
- Release date: February 21, 2024
Is VAN HELSING ANNUAL: BRIDE OF THE NIGHT Good?
In the previous one-shot, “Van Helsing: Bonded by Blood,” Liesel was on a quest for a mysterious little girl with vampiric powers and searching for Julie Jekyll, afflicted by a mysterious disease. Enter Charlotte Le Fanu, Dracula’s daughter, discovered in a Westenra Research Lab. Against their better judgment, Liesel and Charlotte join forces, setting the stage for the annual.
VAN HELSING ANNUAL: BRIDE OF THE NIGH picks up right where the one-shot left off. Liesel and Charlotte embark on a destructive path through Weston Raw facilities worldwide. Motivated by personal quests, they unleash chaos in New York, perform feats of trickery in Bolivia, and finally face their nemesis in Romania – Lucy Westenra, the mastermind behind their trials. A chaotic battle ensues, revealing the shocking identity of the cloned little girl.
A unique twist lies in the annual’s connection to the ongoing three-part series, “Van Helsing: Vampire Hunter.” The events in this annual serve as follow-ups to that series, providing a layered narrative. However, the curious part is that the annual is ahead of the series, creating a bit of a chronological puzzle for readers. Hold tight or proceed; the choice is yours.
What We Liked about “Van Helsing Annual: Bride of the Night”
This annual delivers on multiple fronts. The arsenal of clever vampire-killing gadgets is a highlight – from silver grenades to rapid-fire stake machine guns, it’s a vamp hunter’s dream. Liesel’s quest for the little girl concludes meaningfully, and we finally learn her name, courtesy of Lucy Westenra. Lucy’s return brings an interesting upgrade to her powers, and the epilogue sets the stage for future challenges, adding depth to the story.
What We Didn’t Like about “Van Helsing Annual: Bride of the Night”
Honestly, there’s not much to dislike here. The story, despite its size, maintains a fast-paced, energetic flow. Pat Shan’s storytelling prowess shines, offering a well-plotted, engaging narrative. The resolution feels both meaningful and emotional, delivering everything one would hope for in an annual of this magnitude.
Art Quality
Despite a team of artists handling pencils, inks, colors, and letters, the seamless collaboration is commendable. Transitions between artists are nearly indiscernible, ensuring a visually cohesive experience. Action sequences, character designs, and overall aesthetics are consistently impressive, making it challenging to identify multiple contributors. Kudos to the artistic team for a job well done.
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Final Thoughts
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VAN HELSING ANNUAL: BRIDE OF THE NIGHT emerges as a winner. The storytelling prowess of Pat Shand, combined with the visual finesse of the artistic team, delivers an engaging, energetic annual. The narrative’s pacing, character development, and meaningful resolutions contribute to a satisfying reading experience. With one door closed in Liesel Van Helsing’s life, we’re eager to see what the next one opens.
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