VAN HELSING: VAMPIRE HUNTER #1, by Zenescope Entertainment on 1/24/24, returns to the vampire hunter’s early years when she encounters a massive vampire conspiracy.
The Details
- Written by: Pat Shand
- Art by: Giulia Pellegrini
- Colors by: Robby Bevard
- Letters by: Taylor Esposito
- Cover art by: Igor Vitorino (cover A)
- Comic Rating: Teen
- Cover price: $3.99
- Release date: January 24, 2024
Is VAN HELSING: VAMPIRE HUNTER #1 Good?
Van Helsing: Vampire Hunter #1 from Zenescope Entertainment takes us back to the 1800s in London, a prequel where Lisa Van Helsing, shortly after her father’s demise, navigates the wilds of Europe, combating various monsters. She collaborates with other vampire hunters wielding diverse weaponry, ranging from bracelets that expel holy water to an array of gadgets with silver-tipped blades. Together, they confront vampires in various forms and fashions, dismantling cults and nests.
When a member of their group goes missing, Van Helsing decides to find him. After rooting through smaller vampire nests, they locate him in a dire state. As expected with vampires, his discovery unveils a more significant vampire conspiracy in the making, setting the stage for the subsequent issues in this three-part series.
First impressions – categorize this as a true-blue classic, meeting all expectations for a Gothic Elizabethan or Victorian-era vampire story, starring Van Helsing, Zenescope’s in-house vampire and monster hunter. The art team maintains the familiar outfit for Van Helsing, ensuring a consistent portrayal.
Now, where does this narrative fit into the current timeline or continuity of the broader Grim Fairy Tales ecosystem? As of now, it appears unconnected to ongoing storylines. This series serves as a nostalgic trip, exploring how Van Helsing dealt with vampires just before her time skip into the present day.
The narrative is a standard and enjoyable vampire hunter issue, with Van Helsing and her colleagues showcasing the expected prowess using a variety of weapons. However, it doesn’t introduce any surprising elements beyond the typical vampire hunter narrative. It lacks the unexpected twists or revelations that might elevate it.
On the positive side, the art by Giulia Pellegrini is commendable. Detailed depictions of various vampires showcase diversity in shapes and sizes, portraying them as more than a generic mass with pointy ears and fangs. The portrayal reflects the impact of a viral infection spreading through the masses in 1800s London.
On the downside, the series, while starting off well, doesn’t provide a wow factor. It adheres closely to the standard vampire hunter theme without introducing elements that might astonish or captivate the audience. Pat Shand’s execution is solid, covering all the essential aspects of a comic, including pacing and dialogue, but it lacks the unexpected or exceptional.
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Final Thoughts
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VAN HELSING: VAMPIRE HUNTER #1 if you’re a fan of Zenescope characters, especially Van Helsing, or if you enjoy monster-focused or horror-themed comics, this is a good pick. However, for those seeking groundbreaking or surprising narratives, it may fall a bit short.
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