VAMPYRATES! #1 (BOOM! STUDIOS)
Empress Nira of the Night Isles has always stayed one step ahead.
When a failed coup forces the Empress to change gears, she winds up escaping on the ship of Captain Akeyo.
Not one to back down from a challenge, Nira must fight her way back to the top. The sun won’t set on this voyage without spilling some blood along the way.
VAMPYRATES! #1 by Fred Van Lente, Luca Pizzari, Adam Guzowski & Jodie Troutman (BOOM! Studios) launches a wild new adventure of fantasy.
Let’s hop on board and see what this is all about.
VAMPYRATES! #1 by Fred Van Lente, Luca Pizzari, Adam Guzowski & Jodie Troutman (BOOM! Studios)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
This is a very imaginative take blending to vastly different genres. The prologue puts over Akeyo as a ruthless force used to facing Vampirium threats. It’s fast action with a thunderous finish. This leads to a large time jump and Nira’s entrance into the story. The Isle of Vampirium is one filled with uncertainty as their hierarchy moves about. Nira comes across as a confident and cold player to the larger game. Once she is caught breaking the arranged marriage with a human, her vampire family quickly turns.
Readers watch as Nira rises to the occasion with swords in hand. This leads to a fast paced bout of action. Panels move quick as the numbers game catches up to Nira. This results in a shocking finish to her fight. The pain soaring in her clouds some judgement. This forces an awkward closing for this chapter. Her reckless spirit is forever changed when a choice is forced. It sets the stage for another expected round of mayhem looming at bay.
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As for the art, it fully locks in on the frantic action of pirate raids to open. Panels lean into the fantasy nature of events with much bravado. It helps establish Akeyo as a major player in the story. Once things shift to land, the art slows down to let Nira’s beginnings sink in. The two page spread of Sepulchre carries many familiar vampire themes as Baslia Winter holds court. Pages reflect the gothic tones with more mature themes to let Nira’s start take over with impact.
Her time with Davin comes across stonefaced with Davin only showing any sign of caring. Their lovers quarrel becomes the spark to the powder keg waiting in her return to the capital. Readers watch as the fighting is brutal and unapologetic. It is not without importance as a full page shot showcases a mortal wound. This allows for some gravity to weigh the scenes down to connect with the audience. This leads to a wide view of Nira’s future in the closing pages. Each have a certain look as the voyage is about to begin.
FINAL GRADE: 8
Backstabbing, Blood & bravado, oh my! Nira’s saga begins on a crafty note with many blended themes. The writing speeds up the pace to deliver on action but takes a bit to connect the lead to the audience. The art dabbles with classic imagery while forging in a new, volatile look. A steady read that has many miles to still trek.
Let me know your thoughts on VAMPYRATES! #1 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
