DC vs. Vampires: World War Z #1 – Matthew Rosenberg, Writer; Otto Schmidt, Artist
Ray – 8/10
Ray: A post-apocalyptic war comic, DC vs. Vampires ended a year-long run initially co-written by James Tynion VI, and now his cowriter and artist pick up the baton for a world under vampire occupation. But not everyone who started the series made it to the end – including Dick Grayson, who was revealed to be the king of the vampires only to meet an untimely end. He’s been replaced in the high castle by his lover Barbara Gordon, who is a less sadistic and brutal but maybe even more dangerous vampire queen. As she rules over the majority of the world, Green Arrow, Black Canary and John Constantine try to carve out a limited resistance that can sue for peace – with mixed results. Because Damian Wayne is still around and undead, playing both sides of the fence and sabotaging the Vampire empire the way only a vampire could – and he’s quickly escalating his war.
The art here is gorgeous, combining big sci-fi action with some seriously creepy horror scenes – particularly in an opening segment that finds John Stewart and Kyle Rayner returning to Earth after almost a year away, having been lured away by a vampirized Hal, only to be set upon by the vampire army. Damian’s characterization here is menacing, if a bit confusing at points – he’ll sabotage the vampires, rescue humans – and then let his army feed on them in their place. He seems pretty far gone – and he’s one of the good guys. This issue is at its best when it’s focusing on the struggles of living under hostile occupation, as it starts to tear the remaining heroes apart. But before this issue is over, we’re hit with another rough reminder that anyone can die – as the entire world’s power structure is thrown into chaos and we’re likely headed for a total civil war in the coming issues.
To find reviews of all the DC issues, visit DC This Week.
GeekDad received this comic for review purposes.
