"Blood & Roses" Part 1
Writer: John Smith
Artists: Javier Pina(p), Jimmy Palmiotti(i), Avalon Studios(c)
Publisher: Harris
John Smith should be shackled to the offices of Harris comic books. Gone are the “warwilfs” of Mystery Science Theater 3000, and may Jay Faerber undergo a thousand torments for subjecting Vampirella readers to that dismal excuse for a story. Back is the strong characterization, exquisite pacing and crackling dialogue that distinguishes Vamp from all other cachonga queen. Not that Javier Pina makes her a bountiful escapee from a brothel. No, instead, he follows the rules of comic book tradition and while making Vee a beauty never strays from the school of anatomy.
Delving and creating, Vampirella's history Mr. Smith merges continuity from previous issues to the plot of this issue. The plot can be reduced to Vee attending a funeral of a friend, but there is so much more exhibition of skill to be fond in these pages.
The infrequent used horror setting of Mexico emphasizes without a word the differences between Vee and the typical nosferatu. While any vampire can walk through the snow practically naked as Vee does in the impressive but quiet opening, a vampire cannot remain active in the sunlight; originally this was not the case, but Hollywood and popular literature quickly replaced that folklore paradigm.
As implied Vampirella wears little more than her traditional bikini outfit, but neither writer Smith or artist Pina is interested in exploitation. She upon traveling to Mexico covers up in a black coat and when attending the funeral wears a short black mini-dress: tasteful yet sexy as her friend requested. You may think that the character's style of dress is an unimportant factor, but there is no such factor when relating stories.
Vampirella's costume is an extension of her attitude. She does not care what people think of her, and given her action/adventure status, it does provide a maximum freedom of movement. Being a vampire makes her immune to the elements. The barest minimum suits her fine, and the lack of variety in her wardrobe contrasts the neo-typical portrayal of the vampire as always in style and somewhat vain. A contrast that Joss Whedon also took up.
Vampirella's outfit is provocative, but she does not try to be sexy or risqué. When she covers her outfit with the black coat, she attempts to be discreet. All she wishes to do is meet her former friend's widow.
The world of Vampirella is one that often mirrors our own. The occult exists on the outskirts of general knowledge, and the innocents she protects are unaware of her presence. However, for women there is still a more substantial threat: sexual harassment. Many of my female friends have told me horror stories about men--alleged men--pawing them and cat-calling, making lewd suggestions and exhibiting as much class as the average Blind Date contestant. I think I'll show these friends how Vee deals with such embarrassments to gender. Mr. Smith perceptively brings the war between the sexes to the pages of Vampirella and balances out the justice she metes. These louts do not deserve to die, nor should they be ignored. Vee deals with them in a characteristic, take no prisoners way that will leave a grin on your face. How ironic that the most scantily clad super-hero in comic books also happens to be the most liberated.
What did you think of this book?
Have your say at the Line of Fire Forum!