Writer Eliot Rahal (“Hot Lunch Special,” “Midnight Vista”), artist Emily Pearson (“The Wilds,” ”Snap Flash Hustle”), colorists Fred C. Stresing and Macy Khan, and letterer Crank! have come together at Oni Press to bleed the American 20th century dry in their new five-issue mini-series, “The Vain.”
“‘The Vain’ is essentially The Lost Boys meets Bonnie and Clyde. Buffy meets ‘The Fade Out,'” said Rahal. “A five-issue miniseries that spans nearly a century of American history in which we discover that our undead anti-heroes might be able to style themselves for the decades, but they can’t keep up with the times. It’s a story about wild eternal youth, reckless rebellion and endless love. I’m really excited at how absolutely beautiful this series is. Emily Pearson, the artist/co-creator, has done delicate character work on top of such stunning backgrounds. Our colorist, Fred Stresing, and our color assistant, Macy Khan, have created a romantic palette. One that enriches every single page. And the airtightness of Crank! on letters has been excellent.”
The series uses its cast of immortal vampires to take a longform look at American history, beginning in 1940s Chicago and moving to a different, impactful moment in American history each issue. Issue #1 follows an FBI investigation into the robbery of a blood bank where all the money is left untouched, yet the building is stripped of plasma. This of course, is the handiwork of a gang of vampire robbers, the Vain.
“Eliot gave me real, genuine characters to work with, while also maintaining our over-the-top sexy angsty vampire theme,” said Pearson. “‘The Vain’ shows how the world and people change as history changes, and I think Eliot and I managed to craft a story that moves through time with the reader.”
“The Vain” #1 will release this October. For a five-page preview, head over to The Beat.
