Zenescope Entertainment 2014
Written by Pat Shand
Illustrated by Roberta Ingranata
Coloured by Slamet Mujiono
When a vampire with delusions of grandeur begins posting pictures of his kills on social media, Robyn teams up with Liesel Van Helsing to take him down. However, the vamp ambushes the duo, getting the upper-hand. Meanwhile, Marian and Sam are delving into strange magic in order to get Marian back to being the uber-witch she once was... but at what cost?
Who knew an Emo Vampire with such lofty goals, yeah posting pictures of his kill on social media trying to be a modern day Warhol, would be so fun? He’s kind of very gender fluid in his appearance and I kind of like that it makes him more I dunno surreal and weird. Less menacing and more creepy which totally works here. That he’s managed to gather quite a crowd for his latest endeavour, yes the killing of Robyn and Liesel, should come as no surprise. They have after each garnered their fair number of enemies.
I think one of the things about this issue that really caught my attention and impressed me was the narration from the Emo Vamp to Robyn while watching what was happening with Marian and Sam. There was something so synchronous about the two playing out at the same time that you really pay attention.
When the main event starts I appreciate how each of the girls support system is able to see what’s happening and know that they need to become involved. The real question is how are the girls going to stay alive until help arrives. Really however do they need help? I mean we’re talking about Robyn queen of improvisation and luck. What we see as the melee unfolds is nothing short of remarkable.
The moment that Roberta puts Robyn and her team together in one panel you see something extraordinary. Sure Hades and Liesel aren’t regulars but they are her allies and it’s like this supernatural team of avengers are here and ready to do some damage. Oh and now that Sam has gone from helper to being a member of the big leagues well yeah there’s even more story potential than ever before.
There really is something special about this series and what Pat’s doing with it. We know Robyn has issues and we’ve seen her trying to work them the best she can but for whatever reason she finds herself surrounded by those who care about her, willing to fight and possibly die with her and all the while we’re getting some hellaciously good dialogue. I mean c’mon the moment Hades quotes the villains from Scooby Doo calling the show a classic you know this is good stuff. It’s relatable to people that no matter what you’ve been through you can rise above it and find those who share your goals and desires and form something of family together. Dysfunctional and all but family nonetheless.
The ever looming threat of the Cabal is never from what’s happening either. Though the turn of events of this issue mean another nice focus on them is coming. Though Pat please let Peter and Brendan have a thing with each other I mean that would be kind of awesome. At least before the proverbial you know what is thrown at the fan.
I like that the bigger picture is never strayed from even through all the side events that they go through. There’s a nice cohesive consistency here that many other series lack and that’s what makes this Zenescope’s strongest book!