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Chuck Moore on the issue

Take a sprinkle of vintage Hollywood, mix in the old west and saute it with vampires and a side order of evolution then let it sit for just a bit and you have the American Vampire series from DC Vertigo. Four words can sum up my take on this one... I love this series!

I have long been a person who enjoys horror. Now, when I use the word horror I like to be clear that I'm not actually talking Saw or Hostel... that kind of action I can take or leave. For me, I like to be totally creeped out. To get that cold chill that only comes from a good psychologically challenging horror story. You know that moment when you're watching a film or reading a book that actually makes you get up and check the locks on the doors? That's my kind of horror.

Okay, American Vampire may not be there yet, but it shows promise and it's a solid read.

Sure the series has the star power with Stephen King writing for roughly half of each issue, but Scott Snyder is holding his own against the King quite nicely. In fact, looking back on issue #1, his old Hollywood story was stronger than King's western tale coming out of the gate for me. That said, I'm pleased to say that this dynamic flipped for me in issue #2. Here, I felt King actually had the stronger half as Snyder's story got down to the more traditional transformation of the lead character. Issue #1 was much more about old Hollywood atmosphere and King stepped up to the plate with a sense of Western history that felt real.

In this issue King plays well off the majesty of the old west and we see the first hints of what may just make American Vampire a very different vampire story. Like Walking Dead was to the world of zombies, I think American Vampire has the promise of being a series that will evolve into something magnificent.

This series plays with time and evolution and looks at what a vampire born in the heart of American spirit and drive (be it the glitz of Hollywood or the roughneck spirit of the west) might become given enough time to evolve. How would that sense of nationality and spirit change the way a vampire sees and becomes part of the world around them? It's an interesting question and one I'm looking forward to these two writers exploring throughout this series.

Where issue #1 set the stage, issue #2 heralded the emergence of two creatures of the night (or in this case, sometimes day) and sets the stage for a story that appears to be both intellectually interesting and a good romp through the world of creepy horror. It's clear to me these two tales will soon merge and you had better believe I will be there to take my fair bite of each issue.

Take a Look Inside

It's been nearly 20 years since notorious outlaw Skinner Sweet was buried on boot hill. But when a group of grave-robbing collectors of Western memorabilia uncover his final resting place, they find much, much more than they bargained for. And: Pearl Jones was attacked and left for dead by a cabal of powerful Hollywood vampires. Now, a mysterious stranger comes calling and Pearl gets a second chance at life - and at revenge.

Rated MR

Pages: 40
PRICE: $3.99
IN STORES: April 21, 2010