We Meet Only In the Shadows

Expected Publication:  August 6th, 2013
Dark Shadows / Vampirella Vol. 1
Written by: Marc Andreyko, Illustrations:  Patrick Berkenkotter & Jose Malaga
Dynamite Entertainment
ISBN-13:  9781606903957

Two legendary vampires meet for the first time in this epic crossover!  Investigating a series of disappearances and murders puts Barnabas Collins and Vampirella on a collision course with each other! Can these two very different vampire heroes set aside their mutual distrust and team up to bring down the notorious and brutal "Big Apple Butcher," or will their bloodthirsty natures destroy them before they can solve the crimes? And who - or what - is pulling the strings of the "Butcher"? The answer is an evil older than Barnabas and Vampi combined! All this, plus appearances by Quentin Collins and Pantha! Critically acclaimed writer Marc Andreyko (along with artists Patrick Berkenkotter and Jose Malaga) brings them all together in an adventure that can only be described as a bloody, and we mean very bloody, good time!

Review

 

     This was a crossover between the 'Dark Shadows' (1970s) T.V. soap opera fandom and that of famous comic hero Vampirella.  In this story, the heroes combine forces to investigate a rash of murders and disappearances that have a distinctly supernatural touch to them.  Barnabas Collins gets involved because a woman who is descended from one of his victims is killed.  He has sworn to atone by protecting his victim's families, so he must solve her murder.  Vampirella is involved because it's on her home turf.  They fight for dominance and her fun nature clashes with his serious, old-fashioned one.  They also have help from his cousin Quentin Collins and her fellow supernatural friend, Pantha.  The murderers are both historical figures, which was a nice touch in a comic series arc about vampires playing detective.  But the best thing about this series was it's sense of humor.  It was consistently amusing, fast paced and kept me interested from beginning to end with no boredom at all.  It was splashy, gory and colorful in the best way.  The artwork was right alongside the written story, every step of the way. It never detracted from it or felt wrong/misplaced in any way.  The perfect amount of camp was involved, especially when you consider that the main characters are a highly sexualized (practically nude) female vampire, and another vampire from a really cheesy, old soap opera.  Yes, it was fairly predictable and left the door open for further crossovers.  But in this instance, that was perfectly alright with me.  I highly enjoyed it and it's definitely a clever read for comic lovers who want a bit of wit in their speech bubbles! :)  But I will caution that there is copious amounts of blood, violence, nudity, and other adult content.  So be forewarned if you're thinking of reading this one and that bother you.  Overall, recommended to fans of good comics, whether they're familiar with the original fandoms that are rebooted, or not.

 

VERDICT:  5/5  Stars

 

**I received an Advanced Reading E-book Copy from the publisher, via Netgalley. No money or favors were exchanged for this review. This book's expected publication date is August 6th, 2013.**

It's Not A Lucky Star

Published: September 29th, 2011
The Name of the Star
By: Maureen Johnson
Putnam Juvenile
ISBN-13: 9780399256608


The day Louisiana teenager Rory Deveaux arrives in London marks a memorable occasion. For Rory, it's the start of a new life at a London boarding school. But for many, this will be remembered as the day a series of brutal murders broke out across the city, gruesome crimes mimicking the horrific Jack the Ripper events of more than a century ago.
Soon "Rippermania" takes hold of modern-day London, and the police are left with few leads and no witnesses. Except one. Rory spotted the man police believe to be the prime suspect. But she is the only one who saw him. Even her roommate, who was walking with her at the time, didn't notice the mysterious man. So why can only Rory see him? And more urgently, why has Rory become his next target? In this edge-of-your-seat thriller, full of suspense, humor, and romance, Rory will learn the truth about the secret ghost police of London and discover her own shocking abilities.

Review

   Aurora 'Rory' Deveaux is headed into uncertainty, preparing to spend her Senior year of High School at a London boarding school while her parents are on sabbatical in Bristol.  Rory is from Louisiana and feels like a fish out of water at times, but for the most part settles in quite nicely.  She gets along well with her roommate Jazza and has a potential romance brewing with Jerome, a boy who is sending clear signals of interest.  But there is something happening outside the school that is beginning to seep in - the murders of Jack the Ripper from the 1800s are being recreated in modern day London.  Jerome becomes slightly obsessed and one night after sneaking out, on her way back in Rory sees a man no one else notices, even when he stands right in front of them.  The next morning another body is found on the school campus and Rory goes to the police as a witness.  From there things go really strange.  Rory becomes involved with a unit of undercover, paranormally bent, slightly too young cops who reveal that young people who have had near death experiences can sometimes develop the ability to see spirits.  Turns out Rory is one of these people.   Guess she should have taken almost choking in the dining hall more seriously, huh?  The Ripper becomes more of an encumbrance as he makes it crystal clear that he wants Rory's attention and will stop at nothing to get it.  Will she and her friends make it out alive?  So this book kind of threw me off at first, as I didn't know what to really expect of Maureen Johnson.  But then I began to get really into the story.  Rory is a truly engaging and likeable character and Jazza is truly sweet, like the immortal Jane Bennet of Pride and Prejudice, excepting her immensely obvious dislike of her former roommate and headgirl, Charlotte (who is a total prig).  The mystery is intriguing and there is just enough realism in with the paranormal to keep it completely balanced.  The cliffhanger is killing me and I desperately want the next book!  I recommend this for readers who enjoy a blend of genres, such as paranormal, historical, adventure, romance and contemporary fiction.  Plus the boarding school element is pretty damn awesome! :)

VERDICT: 4.5/5  Stars

*No money or favors were exchanged for this review. This book is now available in stores and online.*