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Halloween Day by Day: "Vampironica" (Archie Comics)

 


Who here remembers when Archie Comics brought the world teenage humour, and silly adventures... and flesh eating zombies and blood drinking vampires?

I do!  I used to read the classic Archie digests when I was growing up.  They were fun, silly and entertaining.  My favorite story line involved Jughead Jones getting a new pin for his hat that made him irresistable to women.

But, as most things do, Society started to change, and the medium had to change as well.  The stories got a bit more mature, and dealt with more realistic problems... culminating in the Archie of one series being shot and dying while defending an openly gay friend.  This was a turning point in the franchise.  From that shocking moment, the company branched out into another genre- one you really would never have expected from the wholesome comic company- HORROR!

When Veronica is bitten by a centuries-old vampire, her thirst for blood threatens to turn Riverdale into a haven for the undead.  Will she put and end to the vampire threat or give in to her blood lust?

This story blends three great series into one: Archie comics, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Vampirella.  It does so with skill, wit, and respect for the genre.  It still has the classic feel of the characters, while bringing a serious tone to them.  It walks a delicious balance of straight faced seriousness, and tongue in cheek wit- which I loved.

The interior artwork is amazing.  It's stylish, and atmospheric,using reds, blues, and blacks to marvelous affect.  The panel arrangements also created a wonderful flow and pace to the story as well.  Just check out a sample below:

If you used to be a fan of Archie Comics- but grew out of their whimsical adventures- well, now may be a great time to get back into the fandom with their horror comics.  I'm giving "Vampironica" an undying "Good"!

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