VENGEANCE OF VAMPIRELLA #25, from Dynamite Comics on December 29th, 2021, ends the current run with a daring prison escape attempt to free Vampirella before the Danse Macabre can resurrect Mr. Sebastian.
The Details
- Written By: Thomas Sniegoski
- Art By: Kewber Baal
- Colors By: Omi Remalante Jr.
- Letters By: Troy Peteri
- Cover Art By: Lucio Parrillo (cover A)
- Cover Price: $3.99
- Release Date: December 29, 2021
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Was It Good?
VENGEANCE OF VAMPIRELLA #25 does one thing extremely well. The issue, in addition to being the finale of the series, establishes a brand new status quo for the demon-ravaged future. Change is good. Change is appreciated. And, there’s lots of change going on here for both the setting/situation and some of the characters.
If you’re caught up on the series so far, you know the Danse Macabre has established itself as a new world power in the aftermath of Nyx’s reign. An oppressive, fascist world power. We praised Sniegoski for finding a new twist to keep the series going with a fresh conflict that focused on the consequences of Nyx’s defeat, pulling Vampirella out of her seclusion. Here, the finale after the finale maybe doesn’t feel quite as epic as the last battle with Nyx, but it’s satisfying enough for dealing with the uncertainty of life on Earth, and it lays the groundwork for the next series (Vampirella Strikes!)
That said, the minor down point of the issue, really the last couple of issues, is the quickness of it all. Establishing a “prison city”, building up a paramilitary force under Mr. Sebastian’s authority, and imprisoning supernatural beings all takes time, money, resources, and cooperation on a large scale. It all comes about too neatly and quickly under Vampirella’s nose, so it feels like a rushed plot point that tries to get readers to the end as fast as possible. This is one of the few circumstances where it would have served the story to add one or two more issues to lay the foundation of the setup.
Regarding the art, there’s not a single complaint to be had. The highlight of the issue involves a plot twist with Jeannine (read through to the next section if you want more details) that makes her an even more badass character, and the visuals completely sell the change. The colors pop, the action is intense, and we get to see one of the best looking explosions in comics in recent memory. The entire art team should be proud of this run.
What’s It About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
If you don’t know or can’t remember what Sepulcher City is all about, first read our VENGEANCE OF VAMPIRELLA #24 review.
We begin with a series of scenes showing Vampirella’s allies moving to free her and Jeannine from Sepulcher City. A demon disguised as a maintenance worker slips in to deliver a special “package” to Jeannine while she awaits execution. The supernatural energy machine draining life from its captors has all but drained Mordecai Pendragon, but the ectoplasmic entity known as The Passion manages to escape its bond with Pendragon to help Vampirella.
Meanwhile, Vampirella is trapped in a mental construct with Ga Ga while her body is prepared for the ritual to transfer the resurrection power that brought her back to life to Mr. Sebatian’s body. When the ritual begins, the undercover demon sets off a bomb that throws the facility into chaos.
Jeannine escapes her cell but is gunned down by guards just before The Passion finds her. Vampirella awakes from Ga Ga’s control and fights to hold onto the resurrection power before it kills her. Elsewhere, the explosion opens the opportunity to free several of Vampirella’s friends and allies.
We conclude the issue with a new status quo for Jeannine’s body, a new status quo for the city, and a new mission for Vampirella.
Final Thoughts
VENGEANCE OF VAMPIRELLA #25 is a satisfying conclusion to the Vengeance series that ties up all the loose ends and establishes a new status quo for the titular character and a shakeup for the city and all supporting characters. The minor quibble is with how quickly the conflict came together, giving the impression the last arc was rushed albeit clever. The art is great, and in all, this is a fine conclusion to an excellent run.
Score: 8.5/10
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