This volume follows two stories: one written by Snyder and one written by King. Snyder's story is set in 1920's LA, we follow Pearl, a young woman ...
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Dec 26, 2011
Kemper
rated it: 
“Hello, this is Scott Snyder.”
“Scott, this is Stephen King.”
“Wow! I’m a huge fan, Mr. King. It’s an honor to talk to you.”
“Of course it is. The reason I’m calling is that I was just looking over this American Vampire story you’re working up as a comic series. This is great stuff, kid.”
“Thanks! That means a lot coming from you, Mr. King.”
“Of course it does. This is a fun idea, and I really like this Skinner Sweet character. A vicio More...
“Scott, this is Stephen King.”
“Wow! I’m a huge fan, Mr. King. It’s an honor to talk to you.”
“Of course it is. The reason I’m calling is that I was just looking over this American Vampire story you’re working up as a comic series. This is great stuff, kid.”
“Thanks! That means a lot coming from you, Mr. King.”
“Of course it does. This is a fun idea, and I really like this Skinner Sweet character. A vicio More...
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Dec 27, 2011
Dan
rated it:
American Vampire tells two tales: the origin and early days of American vampire Skinner Sweet in the dying days of the Old West, and the tragedy of aspiring actress Pearl Jones, who runs afoul of old world vampires in 1920's Los Angeles. How will their tales intersect?
Where do I start with this? I've never read Scott Snyder before but I loved his writing in this. Stephen King's was also really good, not surprising since he did write my favorite epic of all time, The Dark Tower. R More...
Where do I start with this? I've never read Scott Snyder before but I loved his writing in this. Stephen King's was also really good, not surprising since he did write my favorite epic of all time, The Dark Tower. R More...
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Apr 06, 2011
Michael
rated it:
Review from Badelynge
Remember when vampires were still scary? Perhaps you don't. I should break out my copy of Salem's Lot to remind myself that these bloodsuckers used to be more than just pale possible boyfriends in the latest teen/vamp/rom. Stephen King is one half of the writing talent on duty for this tale of mostly very bad vampires in the wild west of the late 1800s and the movie making era of the 1920s. King's introduction to the book has a lot more to say about the current state o More...
Remember when vampires were still scary? Perhaps you don't. I should break out my copy of Salem's Lot to remind myself that these bloodsuckers used to be more than just pale possible boyfriends in the latest teen/vamp/rom. Stephen King is one half of the writing talent on duty for this tale of mostly very bad vampires in the wild west of the late 1800s and the movie making era of the 1920s. King's introduction to the book has a lot more to say about the current state o More...
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Feb 02, 2012
James
rated it: 
Sweet is Alive and Thirsty!
American Vampire
I picked up this first volume for several reasons. Stephen King and Scott Snyder! King as anyone knows has written many mystery and horror novels, 50 plus. Snyder has written several takes on Lex Luthor, Batman and Superman. Before that, he wrote the American Vampire series.
This volume one is a compilation of the DC Comics series, issues 1-5.
It's a good time to be alive in the American West. Th More...
American Vampire
I picked up this first volume for several reasons. Stephen King and Scott Snyder! King as anyone knows has written many mystery and horror novels, 50 plus. Snyder has written several takes on Lex Luthor, Batman and Superman. Before that, he wrote the American Vampire series.
This volume one is a compilation of the DC Comics series, issues 1-5.
It's a good time to be alive in the American West. Th More...
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Oct 26, 2011
Sam
rated it: 
SPOILERS
Ok it’s my own fault for falling for it –I know vampires are overused in today’s culture, so much so that Amazon have a store called “Amazon Vampire”, but I still went ahead with reading this comic book, thinking that somehow Scott Snyder and Stephen King had pulled off a remarkable fresh version of the vampire story – I hoped, but I was wrong.
Snyder writes about Pearl, a wannabe actress in mid 1920s Hollywoodland working bit parts until one day she’s invited to More...
Ok it’s my own fault for falling for it –I know vampires are overused in today’s culture, so much so that Amazon have a store called “Amazon Vampire”, but I still went ahead with reading this comic book, thinking that somehow Scott Snyder and Stephen King had pulled off a remarkable fresh version of the vampire story – I hoped, but I was wrong.
Snyder writes about Pearl, a wannabe actress in mid 1920s Hollywoodland working bit parts until one day she’s invited to More...
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Nov 01, 2011
Angie
rated it:
Really Really enjoyed this graphic novel. I loved the art and the story. I wasn't sure if I would read the next volume because King isn't writing in it but I loved it so much that I will for sure read the next one! I first decided to read it because I thought it was based on Salem's Lot. Well after picking up my copy from the library I discovered it isn't. At first I was disappointed but then was pleasantly surprised. Read this book!
http://angelasanxiouslife.blogspot.com/2... More...
http://angelasanxiouslife.blogspot.com/2... More...
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Feb 03, 2012
Justin
rated it:
After thoroughly enjoying Scott Snyder's work on Detective and Batman comics, I decided to check out his creator owned book American Vampire. I was not disappointed, this book is in every way equal to Snyder's Batman work, and for an extra treat the great Stephen King lends a hand in the origin story for the main character/villain, Skinner Sweets.
The book tells two stories, the origin story of Skinner Sweets, written by King, takes place in the old west. This is a great introduction More...
The book tells two stories, the origin story of Skinner Sweets, written by King, takes place in the old west. This is a great introduction More...
Jan 21, 2012
Guillermo
rated it:
Very few people are original these days when it comes to old mythos. Rarely do I see any evolution of fantastical creatures of old lore, so it's always refreshing to see a new take on something familiar. We're in the age of the undead - be it zombies returning to pay homage to our society, or vampires representing civil movements. However, if all you're adding to a mythos is talking zombies or vampires who sparkle in the sun, then you're clearly missing the point of evolution. Rather than evolvi
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Jan 04, 2012
Adam
rated it: 
Due to the inaccurate, and often glorified, portrayal of vampires in our society, I hoped that American Vampire would finally set the record straight and put an end to the sexy, hard-bodied, daylight walking vampire with a slight sense of morality. And with Stephen King as a co-writer, I expected a blood-curdling, night-light inducing horror story with excellent visuals. Unfortunately, I was (un)dead wrong. American Vampire puts its own wacky spin on the vampire legend and will be as short lived
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Dec 04, 2011
Mohammed
rated it:
I liked this volume from the introduction where Stephen King was saying vampires shouldnt as they are today skinny teenage girls, heroic ones alà Angel, Southern gentleman who is in love etc I didnt know what to expect before that.
I bought this volume yesterday because Scott Snyder is one of my fav new superhero writers. I have avoided this comic just because the title sounded so lame. Like those campy werewolf movies of the 80s. Also i thought Stephen King was just a gimmick used to s More...
I bought this volume yesterday because Scott Snyder is one of my fav new superhero writers. I have avoided this comic just because the title sounded so lame. Like those campy werewolf movies of the 80s. Also i thought Stephen King was just a gimmick used to s More...
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Nov 12, 2011
Kelly
rated it:
I am NOT a fan of vampire books and the glut on the market kinds of makes me sick. Its n overdone theme that romanticizes creatures that take the life of another in order to live. In short, i have little love for or interest in such things. However, this treats vampirism as more of a social quality and portrays vampire culture in a very different way. The nature of vampirism changes based on the age in which they were created and the place - its a very unique take on them. Add into the mix the v
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Oct 10, 2011
Sofia
rated it:
Posted on my book blog.
"American Vampire" follows the appearance of a new breed of vampire, an "evolution" that happens when the vampires from Europe travel to America to further their wealth, and one of them accidentally turns a local criminal. This new breed is a little different - they can walk in the sun, are immune to wood, their strength wanes during the new moon... The story follows Skinner Sweet, the first American vampire, from the wild west to 1920s Los More...
"American Vampire" follows the appearance of a new breed of vampire, an "evolution" that happens when the vampires from Europe travel to America to further their wealth, and one of them accidentally turns a local criminal. This new breed is a little different - they can walk in the sun, are immune to wood, their strength wanes during the new moon... The story follows Skinner Sweet, the first American vampire, from the wild west to 1920s Los More...
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Sep 03, 2011
Wendall Paul
rated it:
This particular book caught hold of my attention simply because it was different – not specifically different as far as content, which in that regards, it certainly is – but rather due to its sitting on its side instead of facing its spine label out, as is with all books setting along a shelf. Spine label out. Give the disinterested browser something to latch his eyes onto.
So I picked it up.
“American Vampire”. That was different.
Stephen King. I knew that name.
More...
So I picked it up.
“American Vampire”. That was different.
Stephen King. I knew that name.
More...
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Sep 01, 2011
April (CSI:Librarian)
rated it:
(Originally posted @ CSI:Librarian.)
4.5 stars - Although there are some of the typical Stephen King tropes going on, American Vampire really is a breath of fresh air for a supernatural species that is becoming excessively depressing to read about. First of all, I really pleased with Skinner Sweet, who is basically some kind of bastard son of Randall Flagg, and how he remained awful and really sort of crazy with no real agenda or moral code to speak of. Second of all, I really came to More...
4.5 stars - Although there are some of the typical Stephen King tropes going on, American Vampire really is a breath of fresh air for a supernatural species that is becoming excessively depressing to read about. First of all, I really pleased with Skinner Sweet, who is basically some kind of bastard son of Randall Flagg, and how he remained awful and really sort of crazy with no real agenda or moral code to speak of. Second of all, I really came to More...
Aug 11, 2011
Jessica
rated it:
Pros: great stories, fantastic idea regarding vampire evolution, intriguing characters
Cons:
Art: rough strokes giving thick limbs and showing pencil lines, lots of motion, good shading and details
Too connected stories told by two writers, American Vampire is a great graphic novel.
Each comic (there are 4 in this collection) starts with a story by Scott Snyder involving aspiring actresses Pearl and Hattie. Things don't go as expected when Pearl's invited to a party hos More...
Cons:
Art: rough strokes giving thick limbs and showing pencil lines, lots of motion, good shading and details
Too connected stories told by two writers, American Vampire is a great graphic novel.
Each comic (there are 4 in this collection) starts with a story by Scott Snyder involving aspiring actresses Pearl and Hattie. Things don't go as expected when Pearl's invited to a party hos More...
Jul 25, 2011
Gabriel
rated it:
Two stories told alternately in a serial manner. Took me about two "chapters" to realize what was going on.
However, when I did, I was able to enjoy how the two played off of each other, even if written at different times (or at least, that was what I was led to understand from the introduction). Both stories, the one by Scott Snyder and the one by Stephen King, felt written by the same person; either a testament to the strength of the idea of the "American Vampire" More...
However, when I did, I was able to enjoy how the two played off of each other, even if written at different times (or at least, that was what I was led to understand from the introduction). Both stories, the one by Scott Snyder and the one by Stephen King, felt written by the same person; either a testament to the strength of the idea of the "American Vampire" More...
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Jul 20, 2011
Stephen King introduction. Here it is:
SUCK ON THIS
By Stephen King
Here’s what vampires shouldn’t be: pallid detectives who drink Bloody Marys and only work at night; lovelorn southern gentlemen; anorexic teenage girls; boy-toys with big dewy eyes.
What should they be?
Killers, honey. Stone killers who never get enough of that tasty Type-A. Bad boys and girls. Hunters. In other words, Midnight America. Red white and blue, accent on the red. Th More...
SUCK ON THIS
By Stephen King
Here’s what vampires shouldn’t be: pallid detectives who drink Bloody Marys and only work at night; lovelorn southern gentlemen; anorexic teenage girls; boy-toys with big dewy eyes.
What should they be?
Killers, honey. Stone killers who never get enough of that tasty Type-A. Bad boys and girls. Hunters. In other words, Midnight America. Red white and blue, accent on the red. Th More...
Jul 06, 2011
Sara
rated it:
This was a fun book to read. What a twist on the average vampire tale. I see this and a few other books as an indication of where the vampire tale is going. People are tiring of the romantic version of the vampire and they want vampires back where they belong - in nightmares. The story weaves two tales - one set in the old west and the other in the 20's as a gunslinging outlaw becomes a new breed of vampire - the American Vampire. He's ruthless and different from his European counterparts - he c
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Jun 25, 2011
Larissa
rated it:
American Vampire is not just another vampire rehash. Scott Snyder and Stephen King are co-authors in a one of a kind introduction to a compelling new addition to the modern vampire mythos. King’s narrative illustrates the creation of the first American Vampire, Skinner Sweet, an outlaw who makes enemies of an elite group of Euro-vamps. Snyder’s storyline takes place in 1925, a few decades later, in Los Angeles where would-be actress Pearl Jones’s life is turned upside down by an encounter with t
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Apr 30, 2011
Robert
rated it:
Wish to Hek Reviews: American Vampire, vol. 1
Are you sick of humorous vampire policemen? Have you had enough of romantic vampires with Southern accents? If your answer is a whole-hearted “yes”, then American Vampire is for you. American Vampire is about bad guy vampires, plain and simple. And revenge.
American Vampire is brought to us from the folks at Vertigo, illustrated by Rafael Albuquerque, and written by Scott Snyder and some guy named Stephen King.
More...
Are you sick of humorous vampire policemen? Have you had enough of romantic vampires with Southern accents? If your answer is a whole-hearted “yes”, then American Vampire is for you. American Vampire is about bad guy vampires, plain and simple. And revenge.
American Vampire is brought to us from the folks at Vertigo, illustrated by Rafael Albuquerque, and written by Scott Snyder and some guy named Stephen King.
More...
Apr 05, 2011
William Thomas
rated it:
I think the vampire is dead. I really do. The number of incarnations, the watered down mythology- I think we have beaten it to death. But then every so often, something comes along that blows my mind and makes me realize that Twilight and the Vampire Diaries aren't really about vampires, but are instead soap operas made to sell a thing. Like Let the Right One in comes along and absolutely stuns me and makes me relaize that there are writers who care more about the writing in their genre than rec
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Mar 24, 2011
Sophie
rated it:
Now THAT'S a vampire story.
Everyone who knows me a little bit knows how much I dislike the "vampires" of today, even though I used to love everything involving those... bloodsucking fiends when I was younger. A lot of that has to do with the fact that the vampires in most of today's fiction just aren't vampires anymore.
So here Scott Snyder, with the help of Rafael Albuquerque and Stephen King puts the blood back in bloodsuckers. Actually, part of why I finally gave More...
Everyone who knows me a little bit knows how much I dislike the "vampires" of today, even though I used to love everything involving those... bloodsucking fiends when I was younger. A lot of that has to do with the fact that the vampires in most of today's fiction just aren't vampires anymore.
So here Scott Snyder, with the help of Rafael Albuquerque and Stephen King puts the blood back in bloodsuckers. Actually, part of why I finally gave More...
Mar 14, 2011
Jenn
rated it:
Scott Snyder, Steven King, and Artist Rafael Albuquerque - what a lethal combination! One of my favorite genres is horror, but NOT the horror of American "Saw"-type genre films, the horror that King helped to create: the atmospheric, psychologically thrilling, mystery-involving sort. And I do love the supernatural (I've loved stories about vampires since reading Salem's Lot and Dracula.). I also love stories of outlaws and the Old West. This novel combines all those elements and the wr
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Mar 07, 2011
Bludhaven
rated it:
I'm normally not so keen on vampires (both the cliche classics and the glittery kind.) But this has been recommended to me so often that I'd have to take a look. So finally somebody took it upon himself to bring the "horror" back into vampires - and I'm actually thrilled. After too many romantic vampire stories and supernatural romances with vampires this is finally a graphic novel depicting the more scary side of the mythos again - and in a fresh way, too.
When wild west gang More...
When wild west gang More...
Jan 29, 2011
Barky
rated it: 
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Oct 17, 2010
Nicola
rated it:
Reason for Reading: Vampires? Stephen King? The Old West? The 1920s? Everything I love in one book. I was so there!
If you are ready for the return of "real" vampires then get ready because they have returned in American Vampire. In fact, we've got a new breed of American-made vampire that doesn't have all the same restrictions as the old European breed, one that not anyone knows the complete differences in power or weaknesses, yet.
What an absolutely fantastic volume More...
If you are ready for the return of "real" vampires then get ready because they have returned in American Vampire. In fact, we've got a new breed of American-made vampire that doesn't have all the same restrictions as the old European breed, one that not anyone knows the complete differences in power or weaknesses, yet.
What an absolutely fantastic volume More...
Oct 16, 2010
Kirsten
rated it:
This was a BLAST. Set half in 1925 outside LA, and half in the Wild West, it tells the story of a new breed of American vampires: they're faster, more deadly, and can walk in sunlight. The main vampire is Skinner Sweet, a former outlaw, but the hero is Pearl, a young actress who is attacked by European vampires and then turned by Sweet. She is out for revenge against the European vamps, and revenge is something the new breed does well...
Rafael Albuquereque artwork really shines here, More...
Rafael Albuquereque artwork really shines here, More...
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Nov 01, 2011
Sue
rated it:
Now these are Vampires!!! Hahahahaa!!! I love the premise of this graphic novel......a hybrid that can exist in the day but has a weakness with a new moon. Gives endless possibilities over the original species to be sure and lots of opportunities for the two types to clash. Looking forward to this series - one with a serious bite!!!!
The graphics in this book are fantastic. Sexy and wild, beautifully composed with fantastic lines and suggestive details - and the simplicity of th More...
The graphics in this book are fantastic. Sexy and wild, beautifully composed with fantastic lines and suggestive details - and the simplicity of th More...
Jan 22, 2011
Kate
rated it:
I picked this up, yes, largely because Stephen King's name was on it. HOWEVER - I have read the Dark Tower and The Stand graphic novels and enjoyed them, and I do like vampires (both sparkly and scary, I'm afraid...). So it was more than just the name that made this jump out at me when I was checking it in at the library.
Skinner Sweet is a new breed of vampire, born in the American West after being attacked by the old regime of vampires - the pale, European, only-come-out-at-night More...
Skinner Sweet is a new breed of vampire, born in the American West after being attacked by the old regime of vampires - the pale, European, only-come-out-at-night More...
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Jan 11, 2011
Hayden
rated it:
This wasn't a perfect comic, but definately worth the read. It tells the intertwined stories of Pearl Jones, a young, attractive girl with dreams of making it big in 1920's Hollywood (written by Scott Snyder), as well as the story of notorious 1800's wild west outlaw Skinner Sweet (written by Stephen King). Through a few dramatic twists of events (I'll leave that vague to keep from spoiling), they become the start of a new breed of vampires.
This is a pretty hard graphic novel to revi More...
This is a pretty hard graphic novel to revi More...
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