A good Elseworlds type story takes the familiar and spins it in an unfamiliar way. It catches you off guard and results in a story that keeps you on your toes. The basics might be there as far as characters and settings but the details are often different or those familiar characters are placed up against impossible odds. DC vs. Vampires #2 continues this spin on that with a story that has the superheroes, and villains, of the DC Universe facing a possible war with the vampire nation.
The debut issue set things up nicely with Andrew Bennett on the run and looking for allies. The détente between vampires and humans is over with new vampire leadership looking to shake things up. In the lead up to the war, the vampire nation has been eliminating obstacles or bringing others to their sides. That mission includes numerous villains as well as at least one here. The only person who knows what’s going on is Batman who was left a message from Bennett. What is the Dark Knight to do?
Batman begins his mission to fight back and starts with his own family. In a brilliant sequence we see Batman not only break the news as to what’s going on but also how far his planning goes to see who he can trust. We also get to see how paranoid he is as well.
Writers James Tynion IV and Matthew Rosenberg continue to do a solid job of not just building things up for the upcoming war but delivering a methodical step by step to that. We not only get to see through the Bat-family as to what the vampire’s likely steps will be but also through the vampire’s actions who they take out. So far, the death toll is increasing and why and how is rather interesting and entertaining in a twisted way.
Otto Schmidt’s art continues to impress and entertain. The issue has some shocking moments but it’s the quieter ones that stand out. Batman surrounded by his team is truly impressive in the tense moments it delivers. You’re waiting for someone to turn out to be a vampire and the way everyone stands and reacts helps add to that tension. But even through that, there’s moments of levity that breaks the tension with some humor. Tom Napolitano’s lettering stands out as well as it gives more personality to some of the darker elements of the story.
DC vs. Vampires #2 is another solid issue for a series that has been a great read. Considering the creative team, it’s not surprising as to it being good. But, there’s a level of freshness about it that stands out. It has twists and reveals that aren’t expected and keep readers on their toes. A solid series that delivers with each issue so far, this is one that mixes superhero action with some real paranoia.
Story: James Tynion IV, Matthew Rosenberg Art: Otto Schmidt
Color: Otto Schmidt Letterer: Tom Napolitano
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25 Recommendation: Buy
DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Purchase: comiXology – Amazon – Kindle – Zeus Comics – TFAW
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Source: Graphic Policy
