Vampyrates! #1 – Are There No Objections?

Enter a world ruled by Vampires. In this world, Empress Nira rules the Night Isles. Yet for the Empress, swashbuckling is more exciting than ruling. With peace in the balance, the Sanguine Church of Last Communion has decided that, over her objections, the Empress must now take a husband. What will befall the Empress?

This review is brought to you by Nerd Initiative’s Shawn!

Creative Team

Writer: Fred Van Lente
Artist: Luca Pizzari
Color Artist: Adam Guzowski
Letterer: Jodie Troutman
Cover Artist: Luca Pizzari

Writing

Fred Van Lente came to the table with such a unique idea. I was really impressed by the world-building in this first issue of Vampyrates. Before the book even hit its climax, Van Lente had me feeling just how rich and wondrous the Night Isles were. Not only does Vampyrates feel like a unique combination of vampires and pirates, it does so in a narratively satisfying way. It’s not hard to get people to sign on to a story that is part vampires part pirate adventures but to keep them coming back you will need a great story and that is what Van Lente delivers right out of the gate.

The Night Isles feel like something plucked from the mind of a long-time Dungeons and Dragons Dungeon Master. Every color, every detail, every split in every piece of wood in the town feels planned out and meaningful. The Empress as a character works so well. Van Lente uses a coup to bring a sense of uniqueness and adventure to the often-used role of reluctant ruler that the Empress finds herself in. I loved what Van Lente built towards in the next issue and can’t wait to see where it goes.

Art

Luca Pizzari and Adam Guzowski combine to put out a really great first issue. Part of what helps the world of the Night Isles feel so developed and lived in is not just the narrative but the art. Pizzari utilizes a variety of line shapes and details to bring the world to life. Whether the panel depicts a distance ship in harbor or a close up of a character’s face, the attention to detail and setting is present and visible.

Guzowski really captures the vibe and feel of the Night Isles so well. From the blood red water to the Empress’ dress, Guzowski leans heavily on the red in this issue, alluding to the vampire theme. Despite the usage of red, it’s never overbearing and only takes your attention away when it is supposed to be what you are drawn to in the panel. Jodie Troutman does an excellent job with the lettering and SFX. Her lettering really helps you feel the emotion and personality of the Empress through the rollercoaster that is this issue.

Final Thoughts

You couldn’t really ask for more from a premier issue of a comic. A world is beautifully laid out through both art and narrative. The characters are compelling. The art is beautiful and haunting. The story is a unique combination of pirates and vampires. I can’t wait to see where it goes from here.

Overall Grade: 10 / 10

How did you like the debut of Vampyrates? Let me know in the comments