"Blood & Roses" Part Two
Writer: John Smith
Artists: Javier Pina(p), Jimmy Palmiotti(i), Avalon Studios(c)
Publisher: Harris
Genius! Utter genius! Last issue, Vampirella intended to visit a funeral for a friend, but instead ended up kidnapped. This issue explains the motive behind the madness.
With this motive, John Smith finds a new wrinkle in the vampire genre. To be honest, I felt such novelties had been drained, but Vampirella's original predicament is specific to her nature.
Mr. Smith does not forget about the science behind her supernatural pretense. Vampirella is an alien. She comes from the planet Drakulon. She can walk freely in daylight. She is not and never has been undead. Rather she is an eternal blood-drinker who has been for a long time. Vampire describes some of her traits. The term does not literally define her. Mr. Smith draws upon the alien when considering the consequences of the villain's heinous actions. The ramifications of Vamp's physiology burst in a quite satisfying way.
Though awash with a strong plot, the story never drifts far from the star. This story is about Vampirella. Her drug-induced guilt seems powerful enough to cripple her, and the points driven home by nightmarish imagery based on past issues seems to belie her heroism, but in the end, nothing smashes down this immortal hero's spirit, and it is these scenes that distinguish Vampirella from sadly the typical female hero.
Vampirella exhibits nothing but intelligence. While this issue's chapter does batter her belief in herself, she regains her confidence. Her strength and guile work in tandem to make her a formidible nemesis to evil. This is really all I ask for in a hero, and Vampirella often exceeds these requirements.
Many fans, writers and artists portray female heroes in but one way: scantily clad and filled with busomy goodness. Vampirella while showing ample amounts of skin also sports a finely-honed musculature fitting her heroic role. While beautiful, she often looks dangerous. We can thank the current art team of Javier Pina and Jimmy Palmitotti for a respect for anatomy that instead of defying gravity lends gravity to the story.
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