A year ago, nearly to the day, DC vs. Vampires launched its first issue. Batman and Green Arrow graced the cover, and at the time, we likely thought they’d both be alive by the end, but alas, many have died or been turned into vampires. Out today is the DC vs. Vampires #10 in a twelve-issue series. Bat-family characters grace the cover of this issue, which is fitting as Gotham is the head vampire’s headquarters, and it’s a significant location in today’s issue.
DC vs. Vampires #10 opens with a ragtag crew heading to Gotham in a boat. Surrounding them is what appears to be a bloody sea, but likely it’s just the lighting. Leading them is Damian, who was turned halfway through the series, but he won’t let his father die in vain. The last issue in this subplot was limited, but it gets the most attention here. There are some excellent twists and turns, significant characters die — comically, Black Adam bites it just as he gets a significant movie — and it has an epic conclusion. This series honors Batman in a big way.
Meanwhile, writers James Tynion IV and Matthew Rosenberg check in on Supergirl, who was last seen drowning. Without powers, the remaining heroes in her crew are hoping she can get some sun rays to power up and turn the tide. This subplot is given just two pages, but it’s enough to progress things nicely. There’s a heartfelt moment shared, as well as a clever use of powers to keep Supergirl alive.
A scene with Harley Quinn doesn’t quite work as she escapes a vampire by tricking them into thinking she’s still in bed. The main point of this scene seems to be to have her fight and run around naked with word balloons covering her naughty bits. The scene isn’t funny, and while it’s only two pages, it doesn’t even make that much sense.
The bloody looking sea is quite ominous.
Credit: DC Comics
The other subplot involves Green Arrow, who has allowed himself to be captured at a human prison camp. He’s trying to talk sense into Hawkman, and the fun in this subplot lies in Green Arrow’s confidence. The dude only shoots arrows, and yet he walks around like he’s Superman. It’s a fun action-hero element to the book. This scene doesn’t progress as much as the others and has a so-so Swamp Thing urination joke. That said, Green Arrow rules in this series.
Art by Otto Schmidt continues to be well crafted with a style that suits a dystopian nightmare future. Red misty backgrounds of fences in the Green Arrow scene or the dark gloom hanging over a towering Gotham all add to the nightmarish horror landscape. The art style is rougher with facial expressions, which in his style can get away with cartoony looks. Given the adult nature of the story, some of the acting can be way too over the top, but for the most part, it works.
DC vs. Vampires #10 will win you over with its conclusion and Batman-friendly message. This issue does a better job with subplots than the last issue, and everything progresses nicely.
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