Some weeks it takes a full 7 days to decide just which title to choose for this column, but this was not one of them. Since it was announced that Stephen King would again be teaming with writing partner Scott Snyder to bring readers his vision of the first American vampire the title has been the subject of talk among everyone in the industry. In a way that only the legendary horror scribe can, King singlehandedly grabbed the attention of readers across the world with the promise of delivering his next truly epic original title, and his first story written specifically for the medium. And now that the title is just days away from being unleashed on the world we have the first 3 full pages of the issue, and the teaser trailer that was released tonight by King himself. Read on for all the juicy details and why you should care. (As if we needed to tell you.)

WRITTEN BY: SCOTT SNYDER and STEPHEN KING
ILLUSTRATIONS AND VARIANT COVER BY: RAFAEL ALBUQUERQUE 1:25 Variant
COVERS BY: JIM LEE

“Witness the birth of a brand new species of vampire in this new ongoing series that begins with five extra-sized issues featuring back-to-back stories by exciting new writer Scott Snyder and the master of horror himself, Stephen King! When notorious outlaw Skinner Sweet is attacked by an old enemy (who happens to be a member of the undead), the first American vampire is born… a vampire powered by the sun, stronger, fiercer, and meaner than anything that came before. Plus… Pearl Jones is a struggling young actress in 1920s Los Angeles. But when her big break brings her face-to-face with an ancient evil, her Hollywood dream quickly turns into a brutal, shocking nightmare.”

WHY YOU SHOULD CARE

Stephen King has always delivered in the form of a guiding force behind the adaptations of his novels to comics in stories such as “THE DARK TOWER”, “THE STAND”, and the recently released “N.”, but with “AMERICAN VAMPIRE” he is trying his hand at something a little bit different by creating a completely original story for comic readers.

For followers of King’s work, it is widely known that the horror icon can effortlessly weave a story about anything, even if it were murderous earthworms, and make it absolutely riveting. But when it comes to beasts such as vampires you can rest assured that there won’t be any sparkling. In fact what readers can expect as a refreshingly traditional bloodsucking experience. King and Snyder promise readers a very violent, and often times graphic depiction of the first red blooded American vampire set against the backdrop of the wild west.

The stories first 5 issues will be completely written by King himself, following the bank robbing, blood-thirsty (now quite literally) murderer Skinner Sweet who is bitten by an old rival and hence becomes America’s first vamp. After King’s arc concludes the duty of writing will be carried on the shoulders of Scott Snyder (“VOODOO HEART”) who has been eyed as one of horror’s hottest new names since his debut in 2006. Snyder has had his own success in the comic book world having written for Marvel’s “HUMAN-TORCH” and is also attached to the upcoming “IRON-MAN: NOIR” mini due to be released this April. This arc will follow Skinner in a separate story-line set in the 1920s.

Throw in pencils by none other than Rafael Albuquerque (“BLUE BEETLE”, “THOR”, “ROBIN”, “BATMAN”, “SUPERMAN”) and what you have is a recipe for what will undoubtedly prove to be one of the genres’ most sought after titles in the months to come. There is no way around it: “AMERICAN VAMPIRE” is a title readers will have to read for themselves lest they be left out of the unending conversations of their peers until the series comes to an end. Quite possibly THE title of 2010, “AMERICAN VAMPIRE” is easily your pick of the week.

Still haven’t had your thirsts quenched? You can head on over to The Daily Beast now to read the exclusive interview with King about the title, and below you can view the official teaser trailer courtesy of Dread Central.

“AMERICAN VAMPIRE” Issue #1 Drops This Wednesday From Vertigo Comics! (MSRP-#3.99)