Rapid Reviews: AMERICAN VAMPIRE – SECOND CYCLE #10, AQUAMAN #44
AMERICAN VAMPIRE – SECOND CYCLE #10
Writer: Scott Snyder
Artist: Rafael Albuquerque
Colors: Dave McCaig
Letters: Steve Wands
Publisher: DC Comics
I’ve always been intrigued by the creative team behind American Vampire. Scott Snyder and Rafael Albuquerque are two phenomenal creators that have kept American Vampire chugging along through American history.
What I Liked
I read the first two issues but haven’t kept up with the story until issue 10. There was a lot to catch up on, but the story from front to end was easy enough to maneuver.
The action takes place on two fronts – on Earth and in orbit with the Moon as background. The shots above Earth allowed colorist Dave McCaig to go from the brightness of the Moon to dark shadows and emptiness. Instead of typical empty backgrounds, the nighttime atmosphere is the layout.
Artist Rafael Albuquerque’s artwork is very feral, especially when the vampires are slashing and spraying blood all about. I give a thumbs up to the opening page panel sequence. It starts with a close shot of the moon, and each panel backs the reader farther away, until blood starts to fill the panel.
What I Didn’t Like
The theme of the issue seemed to be “betrayal.” Felicia betrays Pearl, but then gets a change of mind after Pearl pleads her case. Then Bixby betrays Poole and Skinner. One swerve is fine, but two is overkill. It comes across that it’s done for shock value than story purposes.
I was curious what this “gold” is that Skinner kept referring to. His IV got cut, so he kept sweating that he would change into something else. It would have been helpful to have more explanation of what that something would be.
AQUAMAN #44
Writer: Cullen Bunn
Layouts: Alec Morgan
Finishes: Art Thibert & Jesus Merino
Colorist: Guy Major
Letterer: Tom Napolitano
Publisher: DC Comics
Aquaman seeks out Mera for reconciliation. We’ve learned they had a falling out when Arthur chose to aid a mysterious city over fortifying Atlantis. However, Mera’s sister, Siren, has taken Mera’s place.
What I Liked
Even with multiple artists (Alec Morgan, Art Thibert, and Jesus Merino) contributing to the issue, the final product comes out nicely. They have a subtle line style that works with the quieter comic. This issue is 95% dialogue, which needs a gentler touch.
Speaking of the art, Siren comes across as crazy, and that is apparent in her eyes. She is both creepy and crazed.
Cullen Bunn takes the time to explain why Aquaman is on the run from Atlantis. A group of sorcerers split from Atlantis and created an alternate version to live on called Thule. Thule disappeared for years, but is now back. But it’s presence is threatening to overtake Atlantis.
What I Didn’t Like
Aquaman comes across so unsure of himself. His speech pattern is not confident, and there are a lot of pauses throughout. I know Arthur is trying to plea to Mera/Siren, but he shouldn’t be so passive.
Siren as Mera is so full of hatred that she sounds nothing like her sister. Since Arthur knows Mera so well, one would think this would be a red flag to him. Why would Mera go from being Aquaman’s second-in-command to wanting to hunt him down as a fugitive?
The question can also be raised of using deception and sex together.
Timdogg
#ComicBookChronicles @CBChron founder. Editor-in-Chief of @thekliqnation. Comic book reviewer, podcaster #RABBLERABBLE
