Comics
Review: ‘B.P.R.D.: Vampire’ #4
“BPRD: Vampire” has completely won me over with its 4th issue. I was not all that intrigued initially since I’m currently more into its “Hell on Earth” event and the “Abe Sapien” title. However, Gabriel Bá and Fábio Moon have developed this into a thrilling story as the action is taken up another notch this week. I’m looking forward to the conclusion in the coming 5th issue of this eerie story arc.
STORY BY: Mike Mignola, Gabriel Bá, and Fábio Moon
ART BY: Gabriel Bá and Fábio Moon
PUBLISHER: Dark Horse Comics
RELEASE DATE: June 26
The previous issue showed Anderson’s transformation into something darker and more powerful than the B.P.R.D. Agent ever thought possible as he battled his undead quarry Wilhelm. This book begins with a flashback that helps explain Anderson’s present powers, after this event the momentum of the book takes off as a group of witches seek to destroy him. This is the most exciting book in the arc as action finally takes precedence, but the artwork steals the show.
Bá and Moon have taken this book to new heights. When the series began I wasn’t a fan of the artistic style and overly interested in Anderson’s tale. Issue after issue I found myself being more drawn into the plot and becoming more wowed by the illustrating as the story has slowly become far more dark twisted and evil than how it began. We have seen Anderson grow into a new character and as he made this transformation Gabriel Bá and Fábio Moon were able to adapt the art to mimic the overall mood change of the book. I was unfamiliar with this pair, but they have really done a great job creating this chapter in Mike Mignola’s universe.
There are a several panels that have such profound imagery. Fires blaze throughout the woods as Anderson’s arachnid shadowy form battles creatures of the witches. In previous issues there have been some colour and monsters, but nothing on the scale of this book. All the images look disturbing as the art itself has taken on a sinister look. Dave Stewart does an incredible job with the colour pallet as the darkness and light are in constant battle throughout the panels.
I’m incredibly impressed by how far this book has come from its first issue to now. Gabriel Bá and Fábio Moon have showcased their abilities as both writers and artists. This book finishes with a decent cliff hanger so it will be interesting to see how the final installment plays out.
4.5/5 Skulls
Reviewed by – GreenBasterd
The supernatural world of Korean folk horror movie Exhuma grows larger with the arrival of prequel spinoff webtoon Maengjong this weekend, Variety reports today.
Naver Webtoon debuts Maengjong on May 30.
The series hails from Haemuri (Olgami) and will trace the high school origins of how shaman duo Hwarim and Bonggil, played by Kim Go-eun and Lee Do-hyun in the 2024 film, came together to face occultish threats.
The story is set to begin when “Hwarim, who has been concealing her identity following a childhood encounter with a snake spirit called Jin, crosses paths with Bonggil at their school.”
Variety notes that Exhuma director Jang Jae-hyun participated in the project’s early concept stage.
“We are presenting ‘Maengjong,’ a new series capturing the appeal of the horror-occult genre, ahead of the full summer season,” said Lee Jeong-geun, Naver Webtoon’s Korea webtoon content leader. “With the high school story of Hwarim and Bonggil, who left a strong impression in the film ‘Exhuma,’ enhanced by Haemuri’s characteristic tense direction, we expect it will be a welcome work for genre fans.”
“It is meaningful that the spin-off story of ‘Exhuma,’ loved by many audiences, expands by meeting the new grammar of webtoon,” said Lee Hyeon-jeong, managing director of the film business division at Showbox, which distributed the film. “We hope it will be a fresh experience for both film fans and webtoon readers.”
Exhuma was a breakout hit in 2024, becoming the first Korean occult film to surpass 10 million ticket buyers and the country’s highest-grossing film of the year. I wrote in my review that “the intricately woven Exhuma delivers one of the year’s biggest surprises in horror so far.”
The bond between Hwarim and Bonggil was one of the film’s highlights, making this prequel webtoon a must for fans.
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