Vengeance of Vampirella releases the dogs of war

Vengeance of Vampirella #8
Writer: Tom Sniegoski
Artist:  Michael Sta. Maria
Cover: Lucio Parillo
FC  |  32 pages  |  Horror  |  $3.99  |   Teen+ 

I have to confess: I don’t know Vampirella. Sure, I’ve heard of the character, and I know what she looks like. But that’s it. Even though I’m a comic book geek, I’ve never read a Vampirella comic. So I’m really glad that I’m finally getting to know her through Dynamite Entertainment‘s Vengeance of Vampirella #8.

Reading this as my first Vampirella comic book, however, is like jumping in at the deep end of the pool. This issue features a lot — and I mean a lot — of characters. So many things happen in Vengeance of Vampirella #8 that it was quite dizzying at first.

But it’s a fascinating world, particularly if you like horror like I do. I soon found myself just immersing myself in this unfamiliar environment. Enjoying how it was weaving together different elements from pop culture, literature, myth, and religion. I still don’t really know Vampirella, but I definitely want to find out more about her and her world. Spoilers ahead.

Beauty in chaos

The Big Bad in the Vengeance of Vampirella series is Nyx, the rebellious daughter of Chaos. It’s kind of ironic, because why would her Chaos Lord dads expect their daughter to be obedient?

Anyway, Nyx is incredibly powerful, as you might expect, and she commands an army of dark servants. Opposing her is an organization called the Danse Macabre, which Nyx has practically wiped out. Now the resurrected Vampirella — whom of course I didn’t even know died — and the augmented Pendragon/Passion are searching one of the many Danse Macabre safe houses.

The two are looking for something — anything — that might help them win the war against Nyx.

And then Vampirella gets to play with a cute puppy. And by “cute puppy” I mean a Hound of Pandemonium who wants to devour her because Vampirella is “not on the list”. We learn that this Hound of Pandemonium is guarding the Danse Macabre’s ultimate weapon: Abaddon.

Meanwhile, one of Nyx’s generals is plotting to betray her. This general is now strange bedfellows with another powerful group that seems to have its own agenda.

One of them says: “Wonder what a Chaos Bitch tastes like?”

And another answers: “Probably chicken. Everything seems to taste like chicken. Weird.”

But the best moment in this issue is one of the most badass reveals I’ve seen in a comic book.

Vengeance of Vampirella won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but I’m hooked. I can’t wait to explore more of this strange new world.

(Editor’s note: This review is based on an advanced review copy provided by Diamond Entertainment. Vengeance of Vampirella #8 will come out on July 1.)