Damian Wayne’s actions threaten to end the tenuous truce between Oliver Queen’s band of human survivors and Barbara Gordon’s army of the undead. When a vampiric emissary winds up on his doorstep, will Green Arrow take action against the bloodthirsty Boy Wonder? Or will the Emerald Archer reignite the flames of war?
“Well, that was a heady mix of terrifying and unpleasant. Good job all around.”
DC Comics
With spooky season rapidly approaching, this week’s DC vs. Vampires: World War V #1 seeks to scratch an itch for those of us eagerly awaiting Halloween. The Matthew Rosenberg-helmed title is a jam-packed pumpkin bucket overflowing with treats for every reader to enjoy. However, instead of Reese’s Pumpkins and Skittles, we’re feasting on action-packed sequences, intriguing mystery, and wonderfully written banter. Unfortunately, this issue feels like waiting for your parents to check your candy before digging in, as Rosenberg must set the stage for the upcoming battle.
Following a blood-soaked cold open involving John Stewart and Kyle Rayner’s tragic attempt to save Earth, DC vs. Vampires: World War V #1 skips forward nine months to focus on the current conflict between Damien Wayne’s Hush-themed guerrilla army and Barbara’s vampiric aristocracy.
Here we find our undead Robin as he uncovers a shipment of humans headed straight to the vampire queen in Gotham City. Although it initially seems that Damian is helping the humans, it isn’t long before he reveals this is one hundred percent not the case. In fact, Robin uses this newfound discovery to strike the gunpowder trail that will reignite the flames of war with a message written to Barbara in holy water. The results are absolutely explosive.
Although Rosenberg’s script does an excellent setting the stage for Damian’s opening salvo, it does little to offer a reason for this attack beyond, “We don’t kneel.” Otto Schmidt’s artwork does a lot of the heavy lifting throughout these opening sequences as he expertly captures the carnage as Damian’s Hush army tears through Barbara’s forces. There are a lot of standout panels throughout DC vs. Vampires: World War V #1, some of my favorites are of Damien tearing through Barbara’s army to chase down anyone who flees. Schmidt’s artwork combined with Casolino’s colors does an excellent job of capturing the grotesque brutality of these moments.
“You don’t get to take the high ground here. You eat people.”
DC Comics
It is in the subsequent quieter moments where Rosenberg’s dialogue truly shines. Following this attack, Barbara sends a vampirized ape to issue an ultimatum to Green Arrow and the other survivors: Deal with Damian or the truce is off. It is in the interactions between these characters that Rosenberg’s dialogue shines. The writer nails the aristocratic tone of the vampirized ape and Green Arrow’s frustration with his appearance at their base. The humor Rosenberg interjects in these interactions makes these sequences a delight to read.
Additionally, Rosenberg does an excellent job of making the reader clamor for more as he sprinkles several mysteries throughout the narrative. The appearance of a new vampire hunter Batman has me intrigued as I am not sure who is beneath the cowl. The dialogue is more curious and analytical than the other major players. As a result, I’m excited to see this big reveal later in the series. Additionally, the appearance of a weathered vampire with a penchant for disappearing with a smuggled baby has me curious as to how this will all pay off. Additionally, the book’s final panel has me extremely excited to see how all of this is going to play out.
Unfortunately, DC vs. Vampires: World War V #1 suffers a bit from Rosenberg’s need to catch new readers up on this horrific status quo as well as set the stage for this new narrative as it feels a bit exposition-heavy. Thankfully, Rosenberg breaks this up with expertly crafted action sequences by Schmidt and Carolino. As a result, it’s like you’re eating other great candy as you wait for your parents to parents check your favorite treats on Halloween. It’s all great, but I’m ready for more.
Ultimately, DC vs. Vampires: World War V #1 is a jam-packed pumpkin bucket overflowing with treats for every reader to enjoy. However, instead of Reese’s Pumpkins and Skittles, we’re feasting on action-packed sequences, intriguing mystery, and wonderfully written banter. Unfortunately, this issue feels like waiting for your parents to check your candy before digging in, as Rosenberg must set the stage for the upcoming battle. Thankfully, you’re still eating great candy as you wait.
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