Dynamite Entertainment 2015
Written by Troy Brownfield
Illustrated by Kewber Baal
Coloured by Kirsty Swan
At the end of last issue it looked like Dracula had the upper hand and was going to “charm” Elizabeth into submission. Looks however are often deceiving and the Blood Queen certainly has a lot more fight left in her. The way Troy has been able to demonstrate both characters ability to manipulate the situation has been something to see. While Dracula has a longer history to him Elizabeth is a fast learner and even she recognizes when things are going bad for her and will do whatever she can to regroup.
This has been one heck of a great story these are two really strong confident characters and the way the interact with each other before starting to fight with that dialogue is delicious. Troy has the knack for creating the kind of dialogue that really packs in great characterization and throughout their sparring we really get a sense of both hatred and admiration from each of them for the other. Even bravado comes across with snarky comments that belie the real threat each possess for the other making this story even better reading.
Kewber and Kirsty do as much for their fight as does Troy. The looks on their faces run the gamut of confidence and fear, arrogance and superiority making it all that much more impactful. The interiors really are incredibly beautiful and the attention to detail on the characters and the backgrounds, page layouts they all work together to really bring this alive for the reader.
Halfway through we see the Turks break in and interrupt their fight and suddenly they both have a common enemy. Putting their own differences aside seems the logical course of action as the pair dispatch of the General’s brother and his small force. I do like seeing the sorcery of the General’s brother going up against the blood magic of Elizabeth. Of course this is the battle you want to watch I mean sure Dracula has more men to fight but they are mere mortals and the battle between magic users is the one that maintains the interest.
While i’ve never been a fan of the Turks and their archaic thinking, women should be seen not heard etc, this encounter does something rather interesting. It does unite the two against a common enemy and it gives Elizabeth a reprieve for the moment from being killed by Dracula. I think she as well as we readers come to understand that he really was toying with her and that she was in real danger of being taken out by him so her plan which in all honesty he sees right through gives her time to plot and plan and grow stronger still.
I like that this isn’t the end and there’s a strong possibility that we’ll see these two again and perhaps see who is indeed stronger. The common enemy they share isn’t going away and that threat has appeal for more story angles. Then i’d like to know if Elizabeth is mortal, will she age normally or is this case of the blood she bathes in extends her longevity.
Hopefully Dynamite will allow this creative team to work it’s own magic time and again until the story is finally complete and a series of mini-series will tell the tale of the Blood Queen and Dracula’s tempestuous relationship.