If you haven't heard the news yet, American Vampire is still awesome. After Stephen King's contributions to the beginning chapter in the series, many fans/critics worried how Scott Snyder would handle the story on his own. I can assure you, those worries can be safely put to rest.
Volume 2 collects two story arcs, 'Devil in the Sand', issues 6-9 and 'The Way Out', issues 10 & 11. It also continues the top-notch hardcover collection of what is one of Vertigo's instant classics. The story is definitely worth re-reading and sharing with friends, and these books are built to endure, not just last. The dust-jacket is unusually thick, and the same can be said about the fan-preferred glossy pages.
'Devil in the Sand' takes place 11 years after the first chapter ended. Snyder takes the series to even darker territory, and he also reigns in the action for some old western cop-drama. It manages to be about the main characters Pearl & Skinner, while focusing more on Chief McCogan's story as well. 'Devil in the Sand' concludes in a tragic yet totally awesome way.
In 'The Way Out', a few over-arching concerns catch up with Pearl and Henry such as Pearl's old friend, Hattie and Henry's continued aging. It's probably the most personal chapter in American Vampire so far, as it gives a raw and fresh perspective on love between an immortal vampire and a mortal human.
I love Rafael Albuqueregue's artwork. He shows an almost uncanny command for the building blocks of the comic medium. It's like he just pulls mastered techniques out of his ugh.. thinking cap. 'Devil in the Sand's look has a grittier feel to it, mostly due to beautifully done ink-washing and effective shadowing.
I'd like to point out that guest talent Mateus Santolouco, pencils issues 10 & 11. He does a pretty bang-up job of working with the established design and style for the artwork. Much like Albuquereque, I think Santolouco owes a lot to comic series from the 80's like Grimjack or Swamp Thing.
American Vampire is not a re-vamp(haha.. get it?) of the vampire genre. If anything it's taking the genre back to many of its roots. Skinner has claws and fangs; he's not going to get glitter on your wood stake. (Did I mention it's not for kids?) The series works within vampire lore, and also as a western. The story itself spans across decades of American history. To say it's well written is an understatement. Scott Snyder is a booming talent in the comic industry right now, and this is definitely his first masterpiece. I really can't say much more about Albuquereque, other than he's definitely a name I'm going to follow from now on.
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Top reviews from other countries
Kieran J. Mcandrew
American Vampire Vol. 2
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 26, 2023Virgilio Francsico Sotillos Conesa
Otra gran obra de Vertigo
Reviewed in Spain on January 20, 2022
Aniruddh
OUT WITH THE OLD. IN WITH THE NEW.
Reviewed in India on September 23, 2016