Vampyrates #3 – Absolution Finds You

Vampyrates! plunges into a high-fantasy world locked in a thousand-year eclipse where bloodthirsty aristocrats rule the sea. The story opens Empress Nira of the Night Isles facing a forced, politically motivated wedding to consolidate power across the Vampirium. Longing for freedom with her human lover, Davin, her life is upended when a bloody coup led by her traitorous cousin shatters the ceremony. Forced into exile, Nira escapes the massacre by disguising herself and stowing away aboard the VMS Abyss, a vessel captained by the notorious human pirate Captain Akeyo. Nira is forced to conceal her royal vampire identity while navigating the harsh realities of life as a low-ranking crew member. As she works to gain Akeyo’s trust and master the art of swashbuckling combat, she begins plotting a brutal path back to the top of the pirate hierarchy to reclaim her stolen throne.

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

I really love what Fred Van Lente is doing with this story. Every single issue, Nira becomes a more and more complex character. Van Lente introduced so many cool new wrinkles into the story in this issue. I love the day lens. It’s a nice piece of history used to further this story in an interesting way. More so than the previous issues, Vampyrates #3 really ratchets up the action. Not only do we learn more about Nira, but we learn more about the motivations of Captain Akeyo and the crew.

One of the things I’m enjoying about this series it Nira is either becoming more comfortable on the sea or has been hiding exactly how much she knows about life on the sea in previous issues. The great part about the way Van Lente writes this story is that you aren’t sure which it is or if maybe it’s a little of both. Vampyrates #3 leaves me wanting more.

Art

Luca Pizzari and Adam Guzowski continue to wonderfully capture the feel of this book. Pizzari uses rugged and at times rough lines to not only draw you into this desolate and dreary world, but to show the impact a life of piracy has on those involved. The action scenes within this issue were beautifully drawn with Pizzari making it feel like you were part of the action.

Adam Guzowski perfectly captures the balance between light and shade in this issue. This ragtag band of misfits is all unique, and the visual cues through palettes and shading from Guzowski make it really easy to identify characters. Jodie Troutman does a really wonderful job ensuring you’re able to track all of the action well while not obscuring the art.

Final Thoughts

Vampyrates #3 is another great entry into what is quickly becoming one of my favorite swashbuckling tales. There’s intrigue, gorgeous art, and new adventures every issue.

Overall Grade: 9.5/10

What did you think this issue? Let me know in the comments