From a well-worn path of vampire lore, Scout Comics emerges with Vlad Dracul, in a longer-than-usual first issue tale.
Writer Matteo Strukul strikes a middle ground among witchcraft, vampire legend, and just plain old horror with this title. In 1456, on Christmas Eve near Brasov in Transylvania, two travellers are having difficulty navigating the snow. Wolves!! But who should magically appear in their time of need than Vlad, out for a winter’s walk? Vlad Dracul II,the Impaler, the Son of the Dragon, was a Warlord, a Voivod, a Guardian Warrior!
A few years later, there is tension all around town. The same two travellers, their lives permanently altered by their association with Vlad, are frequently in danger. There is jealousy regarding one, who has been taken into Vlad’s romantic circle, angering Vlad’s wife. Neighbouring factions are threatening war on Vlad. Oh, there’s atmospheric drama, real and imagined, everywhere!
Andrea Mutti from Brescia Italy, draws upon legend and environment, to breathe damp and pallid air into the surroundings. Somewhat reminiscent of the work of the late Gene Colan on Dracula, this book has sooty mist, murder, and mayhem in spades. Or is it in pitchforks? No matter. Great characters, dramatic lighting, and overall a pall is cast over the resentful and malevolent alike.
Scout Comics, Vlad Dracul #1, $6.99 for 60 pages of content. Available July 22. Mature.
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