B.P.R.D.: Vampire #1 (of 5)

by Sean Tonelli on March 27, 2013

BPRD Vampire
BPRD is heading toward something big this year, in fact, Dark Horse editor-in-chief Scott Allie has even hinted that all roads are leading to ‘The End.’ While we fan-boys can only speculate as to what that means in terms of storylines, we can still all sit back and enjoy a weekly release for the next couple of months with Mignola’s team firing on all cylinders.
 
This week we are treated to the first part of BPRD: Vampire, which takes place during the 1948 era of the BPRD mythology. Agent Anders has been having terrifying visions and he’s turning into a major negative Nancy. Fed up with being angry, Anders decides he’s going to kill him some Vampires, and when it comes to Vampire storylines do you really need more? Yes and no.
 
With Mignola splitting the writing duties with Bá and Moon, you can’t help but notice this issue feels a little thin. Granted this is the first of five parts, it just would have been nice to get a little more. That being said, the pieces are definitely in place for a great series. The hard part is recommending this book to newcomers, those unfamiliar with the BPRD universe might find little reason to care, yet those in the know can just rest on the laurels of the creative team. Waiting for the trade might be the best option to get a friend into spin of things, but for die-hards, it’s a decent start.
 
While the story is sparse, the Bá and Moon, serving as the creative team, have defiantly given the art a bit more substance than the story. The opening vampire feast in a desolate, snow-filled forest creates some beautiful imagery, especially given Dave Stewarts excellent colour palette. There’s just something about blood on snow that will always make me smile.
 
BPRD: Vampires (#1 of 5) is a little thin to make it a must have for newcomers. But those who’d follow Mignola and team down any dark alley know that slow and steady always wins the race. Hopefully next week’s Abe Sapien solo series can light a little fire while we brace for ‘The End.’
 
BPRD: Vampire (#1 of 5)
Story: Mike Mignola, Gabriel Bá and Fábio Moon
Art: Gabriel Bá and Fábio Moon
Colours: Dave Stewart
Letters: Clem Robins
Cover: Fábio Moon
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics

Our Score:

7/10

A Look Inside