We have passed the halfway point of “Vampire,” and so far, the book has been nothing but spectacular – what would issue three bring to the table? Stakings, betrayals, and some gorgeous art, to name but a few.
Written by Mike Mignola, Gabriel Bá and Fábio Moon
Illustrated by Fábio Moon and Gabriel BáA nobleman vampire’s life is spared after a horrific bargain made with the evil goddess Hecate, and now the bloodthirsty Simon Anders will put that deadly deal to rest.
David: This week brings the third issue of Gabriel Bá and Fábio Moon’s “B.P.R.D. Vampire,” and some big things happen and certain things are revealed. And you know, good comics happen. So Brian, what did you think of this third issue, after the first issue had a completely different feel than anything Mignolaverse book ever and the second had an interesting Indiana Jones vibe and now…this…this is different than both of those. This is the most interesting issue yet, in some ways, and I’m curious to see your thoughts.
Brian: Well, two things really jumped out at me. First of all, this is by far the most consistent issue I’ve ever seen from two artists in 25 years of reading comics. The Twins are incredible, and their work on this issue is absolutely stunning from just about every conceivable angle.
The second thing that jumped out at me is that, for the first time in a long time for a B.P.R.D. story, we really don’t know much about any of these characters, so their motivations and actions are far more guarded and secretive than we’re used to reading. Even Anders is a relatively minor character, and with the sisters within him, he is an enigma.
For that reason alone, this was a great read. What did you think?
David: I loved the art – shockingly, as it’s Bá and Moon – and I was blown away by the storytelling they had throughout. The showdown between Anders and Wilhelm was beautifully done, and it was incredible to see the two of them react to what each other was saying and, in particular, how little Anders cared about what Wilhelm had to say. They’re masters of subtlety, and this was a clinic. That said, I’m curious as to what you mean when you say the most “consistent” issue? Elaborate on that if you can?
And yeah, we know a bit about Anders, but not this side. We know this is a journey of discovery, but the thing I find I find curious is does he have straight up vampire powers now? What’s the status there? Not that I’m complaining, but I found him vamping up to be one hell of a thing. I love being on this journey with him, and I love how everything feels new and fresh and exciting because everything is in fact that.
This a really, really good comic Brian. Some of the best comic booking around, I’d say.
Brian: What I meant by consistent, in terms of the art, was that if you didn’t tell me this was two artists, I’d have zero fucking clue that two guys were responsible for this. Usually you can see the seams on a work done by two artists, but there is nothing even suggesting that two people drew this comic. Yet, neither artist is aping the other, or subverting their own style for the sake of consistency. They are just so in tune with one another that the book comes out like the work of one mind.
As for whether or not Anders has vampire powers, I’m not sure. I think he has some sort of control over their abilities, but he still retains his humanity and more compass – or at least I thought he did. Now I’m not too sure.
David: Yeah, I think it’s a 50/50 situation. I think the sisters have a bit of a timeshare, and they sort of amplify him and, as you said, give him a limited control of the abilities. And I think for the most part, he retains his humanity, but there’s obviously a darkness to him that might not have been there before. Some of it could easily be called PTSD. Some of it is the fact he has two evil spirits in his body. Either way, Anders is a fascinating character as we know so little about him simply because he hardly knows himself these days, and “Vampire” has been a remarkably engaging read because of the Twins handling of this mysterious and beguiling man.
Continued belowWere there any particular stand out moments in here for you?
Brian: “I don’t care about winning, Lord Wilhelm, as long as you lose.”
That line, to me, showed just how deep and unsettling the psyche of Anders has become – it has shades of heroism, as well as signs of the vampires within him. It is a loaded line, and see it made me realize just how delicate of a writing balance was struck in this issue between showing what cards Anders is holding versus letting it all surprise us. I dug it, a lot.
What stood out to you?
David: I would say basically the whole showdown between Wilhelm and Anders, but I already touched on that. Instead, I’ll mention the scene where it’s finally revealed that Hana is actually working against Anders and that there are creepy hooded people after him. I thought that was a great scene, if only because Ba and Moon had already invested me in her as a character, and that having her actually be not really on Anders’ side was a bit of a bummer. Not only that, but her response – clearly, she didn’t like betraying Anders – was beautifully emoted by whoever was on art then.
This is just a really good book Brian. Damn. What else is on your mind about it?
Brian: Besides the fact that I was correct about Hana? Not too much!
In all honesty, we know that the Mignolaverse is getting crowded, monthly, and that all parties involved are insanely busy, but I would buy, love, and cherish this series as a more regular release. Do you think there is enough here to sustain more than 5 or 10 issues?
David: You know, it all depends on where they leave Anders at the end. Maybe his destiny is greater. Maybe he dies at the close of Vampire #5 and the Twins’ story is complete. It’s hard to tell with where the story is now, but I definitely think there is potential here. I mean, this book is nothing but potential, both theoretical and realized, isn’t it?
Brian: Agreed.
So how do we grade this?
David: The only way we can. This is marvelous. 9.5, I say.
Brian: I’m going to go with a 9, if only because I think I enjoyed last issue just a bit more. But we’re splitting hairs here – this is an excellent, excellent comic.
Final Verdict: 9.25 – For the love of all that is good in the world, buy this comic!
