Strain #8

As fugitives on the run, time is running out for Dr. Goodweather, Dr. Martinez & Mr. Setrakian and even less time for New Yorkers. When the trio searches Doc Goodweather’s colleague’s home for any clues about a possible association with Eldtritch Palmer, a citizen realizes the sun’s true potential (with a rear view mirror) when dealing with vampires.

The Team

Adapted & scripted by David Lapham (Stray Bullets, Silverfish, Dan The Unharmable Vol. 1) from the novel of the same name written by Guillermo Del Toro (director of Pan’s Labyrinth & Hellboy 1 & 2) & Chuck Hogan (The Fall). Illustrated by Mike Huddleston (Mnemovore, The Coffin, Deep Sleeper) & coloured by Dan Jackson. Cover by E.M. Gist. Published by Dark Horse Comics.

The Pros

The story seems to shift gears as the protagonists of the story are caught in a game of cat & mouse & vampires, running from the authorities & the nasty vamps, but still retains it’s bloody & gory bits (& bites) deeply rooted in the horror genre & vampire mythos. The vampire “master” is revealed (there’s always a master) and will send chills up & down your spine. There’s some drama added, as Dr. Goodweather has a heart to heart with his ex-wife that seems a little out of place, you have a potential vampire epidemic on your hands and you want to talk to your ex about how you’re the reason for their break up. Now’s not the time dude!

Illustrator Mike Huddleston has done some fine work with all the previous issues, but like fine wine, his artwork gets better with age (not that that he’s an old man, but you get what I mean). There’s a particular panel that showcases a bunch of vamps ready for action that’s a simply a horror fan’s wet dream. I’d love to get a poster of just that panel, frame it and send it to any Twilight fan with a note that says “This is what vampires are supposed to look like!”

The Cons

Not a chance!

The Outcome

The tension for this series is stacked high, especially with the final page. If you missed the first 7 issues, vol. 1 for the first trade is coming out Nov. 27, I strongly recommend it.