“Vampirella #5” Review – One Batty Family

The Run Down

At the end of the last issue, it was almost hard to tell where things would go. Vampi had forgotten she had a child, Matty seemingly walked into the sunset, and why’d it all end on a beach? Well, join Shawn and me as we review this awesome start to the next chapter!

Writer: Christopher Priest
Artist: Davis Goetten
Colorist: Giovanni Caputo
Letters: Willie Schubert

The Writing

Shawn: Is there anyone who can move a plot forward in satisfying ways, quite the way that Priest does? I really loved Priest’s use of Genesis as a mechanism for storytelling in this issue. The Messiah Complex arc starts with an absolute bang as Priest continues to build Vampirella into a richer character than he has already made her. Priest does a great job of scripting the story in a way that even when there’s a lack of narration, so much is still being revealed through the art. Priest gives Goetten the run of the show in several of these pages while keeping the story moving forward. I loved the callback to issue one that Priest worked in as well.

Each issue of Vampirella feels like it’s pulling a little more of the curtain back while hooking you in for more. Priest’s narrative allows the story to function as a sort of carnival barker, beckoning you to come in and see what’s new. Each issue of Vampirella provides a new chance to see Vampirella in a new light and explore more of her already complex personality and life.

Eda: When it comes to Priest and Vampirella, I’m always left astounded and wanting more. What he keeps continuing to do with the character and her family is simply awesome. He somehow always manages to keep readers on their toes while weaving in deep messaging and symbolism. Here, he’s having a lot to say about not just family, but religion as well, while bringing in even more questions and plot twists.

Throughout this issue, Priest manages to give us several great character moments that heavily drive the plot forward. Over these last few issues, it’s safe to say that Draculina has become one of my favorite characters. This particular issue manages to add a whole new layer to her character as she’s coming to terms with both her past and present. Something I can relate to all too well, as I’m sure others can as well. That being said, the overall family thread is continuing to drive the plot amazingly well still, this many issues into the current volume.

The Art

Shawn: Davis Goetten and Giovanni Caputo come firing on all cylinders out of the gate in this issue. This creative team spends time bouncing ideas off of each other because there are moments in this issue where, narratively, there’s a lot happening even though there’s not a lot being said. That’s a testament to this team and the work of Davis Goetten in crafting an image that conveys exactly what you are supposed to know to keep the story moving forward. Goetten continues to provide some stellar linework when it comes to Vampirella’s looks, and this issue is no exception.

Giovanni Caputo really does a tremendous job capturing the vibe of each section of this story through beautiful coloring. Whether it’s a shady strip of a city or a bright portal, Caputo really grabs your attention with the colors in the panel. The tone of the colors always seems perfect for the narrative, with the soft, cool blues telling as powerful a story as the bright yellows. Willie Schubert really lights it up with lettering, not only crafting some incredible VFX, but also doing remarkable work in word bubble positioning. In addition to just layout-related lettering work, Schubert makes it easy to keep up with the story as you navigate through the issue.

Eda: I don’t know what it was about Davis Goetten and Giovanni Caputo on this issue, but their combined artwork here truly made me go “wow”. First things first, that title page spread is an absolute all-timer that gives me total Deadpool vibes. Goetten’s effort truly shines through, creating both gorgeous settings and set pieces for a grounded, supernatural world. To cap it all off, his work with lighting continues to be absolutely astounding, truly making the environments feel real and tangible.

As for the colors, it’s like Caputo knows how to read Goetten’s mind. The colors here really work to sell each page and that this world exists. While Goetten creates these three-dimensional spaces, Caputo sells them with deep blues, bright yellows, and moody grays. Together, they continue to create panels that belong in museums.

Final Thoughts

Shawn: Priest continues to set a new standard with each issue of Vampirella as we march towards #700. The symbolism mixed with further revelations about Vampirella’s life just works. The trust from the team hops off the pages as you can feel the confidence the visual and written teams have with each other.

Eda: With every issue, this current volume keeps getting better and better. Priest manages to capture relatability with the mixture of symbolism in the perfect way. All the while, Goetten and Caputo ooze beauty onto each page, altogether creating a thriving and breathing world. This volume of “Vampirella” continues to be one for the history books.

Shawn’s Grade:9.5/10
Eda’s Grade: 9.5/10
Overall Grade: 9.5/10

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Comments

What are your thoughts on the current run of “Vampirella”? Let’s discuss in the comments below!