VAN HELSING: BONDED BY BLOOD, by Zenescope Entertainment on 2/14/24, forces Liesel Van Helsing to team up with her bloodthirsty half-sister Charlotte to uncover the Westenra company’s dark secrets.
The Details
- Written by: Pat Shand
- Art by: Hakan Aydin
- Colors by: Grostieta
- Letters by: Taylor Esposito
- Cover art by: Igor Vitorino (cover A)
- Comic Rating: Teen
- Cover price: $5.99
- Release date: February 14, 2024
Is VAN HELSING: BONDED BY BLOOD Good?
Our journey starts as a continuation of the ongoing Van Helsing arc. In the previous issue, titled “Van Helsing: The Syndicate,” Julie Jekyll faced a dire situation. The infection in her bloodstream turned her into a ticking time bomb. Despite Van Helsing’s best efforts, there was no cure. Julie, facing her mortality, decided to embark on a solo quest for a cure. Meanwhile, Liesel Van Helsing stumbled upon a cargo ship owned by the Westenra Corporation. Here, she encountered a bioengineered vampire hybrid girl with formidable powers. The Westenra security intervened, snatching the girl away. As “Bonded by Blood” begins, Liesel infiltrates the corporation to uncover the mysteries within.
Liesel Van Helsing, in her quest, infiltrates the Westenra Corporation. Her disguise doesn’t last, triggering alarms and unleashing vampire hybrids and genetic beasts upon her. Discovering that Charlotte, her half-sister and Dracula’s daughter, is captured, Liesel reluctantly teams up with her. The partnership is rife with tension, as Charlotte embraces a lethal approach, conflicting with Lisa’s no-killing-humans policy. Together, they navigate the corporation’s dangers, leading them to a lab with mutated vampire demons. The story takes a dark turn when Charlotte kills a girl, revealing she was a clone, one of many. The duo faces the challenge of surviving the mutated clones, setting the stage for further exploration.
What We Liked About Van Helsing: Bonded by Blood: The dynamic and contentious relationship between Charlotte and Liesel adds a layer of drama to an already intense narrative. Pat Shand masterfully maintains tension, drawing from their complex history. Charlotte’s potential shift from blindly following Dracula’s bidding adds intrigue to the unfolding story. The toxic partnership promises a captivating and uneasy alliance, especially as they confront monsters and adversaries within the corporation.
What We Didn’t Like About Van Helsing: Bonded by Blood: Unfortunately, the issue provides minimal progress on locating Julie Jekyll or understanding the enigmatic little girl’s significance. The lack of information on the girl’s powers and purpose leaves us wanting more. The comic feels somewhat like a transitional episode, primarily manufacturing a reason for Charlotte and Liesel to join forces. While their partnership develops, the issue lacks substantial plot progression.
Art Quality: Hakan Aydin’s art shows improvement, addressing past criticisms of doll-like faces. Expressiveness is enhanced, although there’s room for further development. Aydin captures emotional nuances better, steering away from a repetitive, mannequin-like expression. Despite improvements, there’s still work needed, especially in diversifying expressions to heighten emotional impact. The visuals, however, contribute effectively to the overall atmosphere of the narrative.
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Final Thoughts
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VAN HELSING: BONDED BY BLOOD emerges as an excellent issue, blending monster hunting with a sci-fi twist. The partnership between Charlotte and Liesel brings an added layer of drama, with potential for compelling character growth. Charlotte’s departure from her father’s shadow introduces a fresh dynamic. The art, while generally commendable, showcases improvement in facial expressions.
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