DC vs. Vampires: World War V continues to be one of the best ensemble epic miniseries going in comics. Writer Matthew Rosenberg is great at juggling multiple plots with characters dying off, pulling twists, and generally not sucking (see what I did there?). Now, with DC vs. Vampires: World War V #4 out this week, the story has new reveals, and the bad guys may have an edge!
DC vs. Vampires: World War V #4 is one of those issues that gets a few more plates spinning, but not a lot actually happens. There’s melodrama between characters, though, and that’s why a lot of us are reading this alternate reality in DC Comics.
This miniseries has brought in a lot more gods and spirits, as is seen with Mister Miracle and a few surprises. The cover clearly shows Spectre, too, and John Constantine is involved as well. If you like that corner of the universe, you’ll find a few reveals here.
Who is this new Batman?!
Credit: DC Comics
One of the more compelling aspects you may not have seen coming is Damian’s father figures popping up. Alfred is now a Green Lantern, and a figure wearing Batman’s suit also serves as a father figure for Damian. The dynamic is interesting, although the scenes with these three characters tend to be overstuffed with dialogue, slowing down the issue.
Meanwhile, Rosenberg sets up the villains for a new target. I can’t say I’m surprised by a once thought-dead vampire coming back, but it’s compelling to see the evil vampires possibly getting what they want, thanks to a new McGuffin.
In fact, if you like lengthier comic reads, you’ll love this, but for me, the heavy dialogue ended up making the read feel sluggish. That’s aided by the fact that there isn’t any one big action set piece. There’s a rather pointless Green Lantern vs. Batman fight for a page, but this is an issue of characters brooding, talking, and talking some more.
DC vs. Vampires: World War V #4 takes a few steps back as characters and the reader get new information. The issue lacks action and tends to have overly verbose dialogue scenes, making it a slow read, mostly setup for the next issue.
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