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Review: ‘American Vampire: Second Cycle’ #1

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After a long hiatus, “American Vampire: Second Cycle” #1 returns stronger and bloodier than ever. The artwork bristles with raw energy and the sharp writing hits its mark every time. This installment of “Second Cycle” is a great recap for newcomers and serves as a fantastic reminder why “American Vampire” is easily one of the best horror comics out there.

WRITTEN B: Scott Snyder
ART BY: Rafael Albuquerque
PUBLISHER: Vertigo Comics
PRICE: $3.99
RELEASE: March 19, 2014

The times keep changing for Skinner Sweet and Pearl Jones, especially now that they are in the ‘60s. Though they are connected by blood, Pearl and Skinner have bitterly parted ways, hoping to never see each other again. Skinner belongs to the open road as a terror bandit but Pearl struggles to find herself a new life. She has just lost Henry and prefers to keep to herself. But, something ancient and more terrifying than Skinner is hunting after these two vampires. The Gray Trader is coming and there is nothing they can do to stop him.

Writer Scott Snyder splits the narrative into two short stories. We get a chance to see what has happened to Pearl and Skinner since their last confrontation. Because these vampires can survive the sunlight, they are able move to forward with the times. Skinner is more violent now that technology and transportation has modernized itself. In his introduction, we see Skinner riding in his motorcycle and holding an Uzi in his hand.

What’s interesting with Snyder’s writing is how he is able to present Pearl as a fighter and be motherly at the same time. In the opening pages, Pearl comes to the rescue of a screaming little girl. At first, you think Pearl is pointing her gun at a group of perverts. But then, Snyder twists the suspenseful shootout and surprises the readers with a shocking revelation.

Readers will not be able to look away from Rafael Albuquerque’s gritty and vibrant artwork. My favorite of his illustrations is the splash page of Pearl’s introduction. Albuquerque puts in tons of detail to the worn-out and tattered clothing Pearl is wearing. It’s the perfect pose of a gunfighter as Pearl holds the shotgun steady with one hand.

Albuquerque has done something new and different to the character design to Skinner. When the “American Vampire” series first started, I always thought Skinner was a slimmer and tall version of rockstar Kurt Cobain. Now, Albuquerque illustrates the muscles in Skinner’s arms and chest, especially since he is only wearing a sleeveless and unbuttoned jacket. Skinner has also let his hair grow long and the new digs suit him well.

An excellent read, “American Vampire: Second Cycle” #1 delivers tons of bloody thrills that horror fans have been craving for. I am very happy “American Vampire” is back and cannot wait for the next issue to get here.

4.5/5 Skulls

Review by Jorge Solis

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‘The Wicked Trinity’ – Preview New Archie Comics One-Shot Inspired by ‘The Craft’ [Exclusive]

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From Sabrina’s Magical World, Bloody Disgusting has learned this afternoon that Archie Comics will be releasing brand new one-shot comic The Wicked Trinity this coming June.

You’ll be able to meet The Wicked Trinity in the 32-page comic on June 12, 2024.

In The Wicked Trinity, “Sabrina’s magical nemesis Amber Nightstone and her sidekicks, Jade Kazane and Sapphire Gill, are intent on becoming the most powerful witches in the world. Isolated from so many around them, the three have formed a coven based on their individual needs for vengeance and true freedom.

“But when there is some dissent among the ranks, their small coven is threatened to be obliterated from within.”

The Wicked Trinity features a script by Sam Maggs, art by Lisa Sterle, colors by Ellie Wright, letters by Jack Morelli, main cover by Lisa Sterle, and variant cover by Soo Lee.

Archie Comics Senior Director of Editorial Jamie L. Rotante tells Bloody Disgusting, “When Editor-In-Chief Mike Pellerito came up with the idea of the Wicked Trinity—Amber Nightstone, Jade Kazane, and Sapphire Gill—I was immediately intrigued. I even had the good fortune to work on the script for Jade and Sapphire’s first appearance in last year’s SABRINA ANNUAL SPECTACULAR comic for younger readers. What I especially loved about these magical teens is that they could seamlessly transcend from classic-Archie stories into more mature, even horror stories. I was eager to start developing their world with a modern sensibility, taking cues from the great work of Kelly Thompson and Veronica Fish on our SABRINA THE TEENAGE WITCH series, and Sarah Kuhn and Carola Borelli on our recent DARKLING one-shot. Inspired by series like Charmed and films like The Craft, I knew there was so much potential to build up this coven in a story that beautifully blends magical fantasy with horror.”

Writer Sam Maggs previews, “Real witches writing real witches—that’s how we do things over at Archie Comics! I was named after a famous witch—Samantha from Bewitched—and so I grew up absolutely obsessed with everything witchcraft, devouring every book series I could about teen witches. That makes WICKED TRINITY a dream project for me. The power and energy of teen girls is absolutely unmatched (just look at the engine behind fandom culture) and being able to harness that metaphorically for a story like this is such a delight. Everything I write focuses on the power of female friendship, and this story is no exception. And what’s better than a morally grey female character? I struggle to think of anything. Cat familiars, maybe? Also, I’m totally a practicing witch now. So maybe if you read this, you’ll find yourself imbued with magical powers, too.*

Artist Lisa Sterle adds, “I can’t wait for people to be re-introduced to The Wicked Trinity! Witches, fashion, and Archie Comics; this is truly a magical trifecta and I’m so happy to have the opportunity to put my own personal stamp on this. I love to create stories in which girls find their own power, both from within themselves and through their friendships and coven. If you’re a fan of my Modern Witch tarot, you’ll find this comic just as magical.”

Exclusively check out the two covers for The Wicked Trinity one-shot comic below!

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