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Vampirella 2016 #1-5
Vampirella Hollywood Horror
Vampirella takes Hollywood in this new adventure of the classic monster-slaying, thrill-seeking vampire queen! When her stately manor is attacked, the heroine begins to unravel a plot as old as the silver screen, using her public status as a viral video sensation to discover what monsters really lurk in the shadows of the City of Angels. Everyone in Hollywood seems to have their secrets, from the mysterious Slade to her new agent, Juliette Court. As Vampi's star rises, so do the stakes!
152 pages, Paperback
First published November 22, 2016
About the author
Kate Leth
149 books431 followersKate Leth is a Canadian author and illustrator working in comics, animation, design, and feelings. A grown-up goth and pop culture devotee, Kate specializes in work for kids and teens. Their comics work includes Patsy Walker, A.K.A. Hellcat!; Girl Over Paris; Spell on Wheels; and Adventure Time, among others.
They live in Halifax, Nova Scotia with an absolutely ridiculous cat and several regrets. They are queer and genderfluid/non-binary, a fact that greatly influences their work. Kate uses they/them pronouns, but probably won’t correct you.
They live in Halifax, Nova Scotia with an absolutely ridiculous cat and several regrets. They are queer and genderfluid/non-binary, a fact that greatly influences their work. Kate uses they/them pronouns, but probably won’t correct you.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 11, 2016
This is a premature review of the graphic novel since it won't be out until November 2016 but I've purchased all six of the issues which are to be collected into it and thought it'd be a good idea to give my thoughts on it. Hollywood Horror is part of Dynamite Entertainment's controversial plan to make their comics more female-friendly. Which, in simple terms, amounts to making some changes to the characters' costumes and personalities.
Honestly, I'm all for this as I'm a great believer characters constantly need to be updated for new generations. The core of the character should always remain intact but there's nothing wrong with stretching characters and taking them in new directions. Complaints about removing her iconic costume are somewhat valid but for the fact Vampirella originally, you know, actually wore clothes in the original comic and the most recent version was made skimpier than its original slingshot bikini style.
Times have also changed as Vampirella was meant to be edgy and shocking in 1970 but with the fall of the Comics Codes Authority and the Iron Age of Comics (a.k.a the 90s), countless female characters are dressed edgy and shocking. It's now more edgy and shocking to put Vampirella in a set of practical vampire slaying clothes (which her Roller Derby outfit pictured above most certainly is not). I don't see the problem, honestly, and think it's a sexy new look which actually might get people reading the comic who'd assume the only purpose of the character was cheesecake with the old outfit.
I'm actually more uncomfortable with the other changes which aren't so much bad as confusing. Issue 1# opens up (after some obligatory carnage to some innocents) with Vampirella, her live-in werewolf boyfriend Tristan, and her butler Coleridge buying a mansion in Hollywood. This sounds like a perfectly reasonable premise and it is but for fans of Vampirella (even the Dynamite version of the character), it's a bit confusing.
How confusing?
Vampirella has been in a (as comics go) stable relationship with another man, Adam Van Helsing, for about fifty years. Tristan is a character she used to date on another planet but they act like a stable married couple. It's like the new Superman opening up with him and Lori Lamaris living together. When the hell did this happen?
Did I miss some issues? It turned out I did as while I was familiar with Vampirella vol. 1 1-38# by Dynamite, there was a Vampirella vol. 2 1-13# by Dynamite too. Which, to me, means this is actually issue 14# but apparently no one cares about how confusing this is for a guy who wants to catch up. I mean, they're marked volume 1 and 2 with this being 3 but there were two Vampirella series before this.
Sheesh.
Still, as new status quos go, it's an okay one. To summarize the first issue, Vampirella kills a monster and it gets caught on Youtube. Fanboys being fanboys, they go crazy over her and Vampirella is recruited as an Elvira-esque hostess for horror movies. This brings her into conflict with Slade, no not Wilson, who is the immortal sorceress ruler of the Hollywood horror industry. Teamed up with a lesbian demon-blooded agent named Juliette, Vampirella decides to free the world from the woman who made Friday the Thirteenth's remake possible.
So did I like it?
Yeah, mostly I did. It's weird seeing Vampirella happy and silly since it's been literal decades since she's last been allowed to be. I'm okay with continuity reboots but it does feel like this story could have used a few more connections to the old book. Why not bring back Sofia Murray? Pendragon? Hell, you could have used both characters in the reality as well as Adam Van Helsing rather than the new ones.
The comic is a bit too silly, reminding me of the first couple of seasons of Buffy. It's the diametric opposite of the Crown of Worms TPB and about as good. I complained the Vampirella there was too angry while the one here is too nice. There's very little sense of menace to the villains or the situations our heroine faces, which is odd for a horror comic. It honestly seemed more interested in Juliette and her girlfriend's relationship than the fact people are getting eaten (I like Juliette by the way and consider her a fun part of the cast even if I could take or leave her partner).
Still, I'm sold.
The art is beautiful and helps compliment the deliberately cheesy B-movie style. The designs for the many monsters Vampirella meets at a gathering of Hollywood monsters was also impressive, making me think this might be an excellent new continuity if they can get back some menace. I also liked the character of Slade even if she seemed somewhat dense getting the Vampirella was never going to join her.
Now answer me one burning question which was left unaswered by this book.
Is she an alien or not in this continuity?
9/10
Honestly, I'm all for this as I'm a great believer characters constantly need to be updated for new generations. The core of the character should always remain intact but there's nothing wrong with stretching characters and taking them in new directions. Complaints about removing her iconic costume are somewhat valid but for the fact Vampirella originally, you know, actually wore clothes in the original comic and the most recent version was made skimpier than its original slingshot bikini style.
Times have also changed as Vampirella was meant to be edgy and shocking in 1970 but with the fall of the Comics Codes Authority and the Iron Age of Comics (a.k.a the 90s), countless female characters are dressed edgy and shocking. It's now more edgy and shocking to put Vampirella in a set of practical vampire slaying clothes (which her Roller Derby outfit pictured above most certainly is not). I don't see the problem, honestly, and think it's a sexy new look which actually might get people reading the comic who'd assume the only purpose of the character was cheesecake with the old outfit.
I'm actually more uncomfortable with the other changes which aren't so much bad as confusing. Issue 1# opens up (after some obligatory carnage to some innocents) with Vampirella, her live-in werewolf boyfriend Tristan, and her butler Coleridge buying a mansion in Hollywood. This sounds like a perfectly reasonable premise and it is but for fans of Vampirella (even the Dynamite version of the character), it's a bit confusing.
How confusing?
Vampirella has been in a (as comics go) stable relationship with another man, Adam Van Helsing, for about fifty years. Tristan is a character she used to date on another planet but they act like a stable married couple. It's like the new Superman opening up with him and Lori Lamaris living together. When the hell did this happen?
Did I miss some issues? It turned out I did as while I was familiar with Vampirella vol. 1 1-38# by Dynamite, there was a Vampirella vol. 2 1-13# by Dynamite too. Which, to me, means this is actually issue 14# but apparently no one cares about how confusing this is for a guy who wants to catch up. I mean, they're marked volume 1 and 2 with this being 3 but there were two Vampirella series before this.
Sheesh.
Still, as new status quos go, it's an okay one. To summarize the first issue, Vampirella kills a monster and it gets caught on Youtube. Fanboys being fanboys, they go crazy over her and Vampirella is recruited as an Elvira-esque hostess for horror movies. This brings her into conflict with Slade, no not Wilson, who is the immortal sorceress ruler of the Hollywood horror industry. Teamed up with a lesbian demon-blooded agent named Juliette, Vampirella decides to free the world from the woman who made Friday the Thirteenth's remake possible.
So did I like it?
Yeah, mostly I did. It's weird seeing Vampirella happy and silly since it's been literal decades since she's last been allowed to be. I'm okay with continuity reboots but it does feel like this story could have used a few more connections to the old book. Why not bring back Sofia Murray? Pendragon? Hell, you could have used both characters in the reality as well as Adam Van Helsing rather than the new ones.
The comic is a bit too silly, reminding me of the first couple of seasons of Buffy. It's the diametric opposite of the Crown of Worms TPB and about as good. I complained the Vampirella there was too angry while the one here is too nice. There's very little sense of menace to the villains or the situations our heroine faces, which is odd for a horror comic. It honestly seemed more interested in Juliette and her girlfriend's relationship than the fact people are getting eaten (I like Juliette by the way and consider her a fun part of the cast even if I could take or leave her partner).
Still, I'm sold.
The art is beautiful and helps compliment the deliberately cheesy B-movie style. The designs for the many monsters Vampirella meets at a gathering of Hollywood monsters was also impressive, making me think this might be an excellent new continuity if they can get back some menace. I also liked the character of Slade even if she seemed somewhat dense getting the Vampirella was never going to join her.
Now answer me one burning question which was left unaswered by this book.
Is she an alien or not in this continuity?
9/10
May 26, 2026
This one was pretty cheesy but not it an overly fun way. The last issue was particularly nonsensical. The art was decent but not much to this one.
January 3, 2020
Great reading
I would recommend this to all Vampirella fans and horror fans alike. I recommend this as a read or a buy.
I would recommend this to all Vampirella fans and horror fans alike. I recommend this as a read or a buy.
April 1, 2021
Demorou, hein?
Não sei quantas páginas de Vampirella eu li até chegar a um gibi realmente legal.
Mais do que eu deveria, com certeza.
Enfim, em mais um relançamento, reboot, crise, de novo e pela primeira vez, uma nova Vampirella aparece chegando em Los Angels com um namorado lobisomem e um mordomo britânico, até porque não existe outro tipo. Eles alugam uma casa com aquele aspecto de casa mal assombrada dos anos 50 e logo, na primeira noite, depois de uma amôzinho gostoso e serelepe com um o lobisomem, o casal é atacado por um monstro mascatado. Obviamente, Vampi arrebenta o mosntrinho que vira fumaça.
Até aí, beleza.
Mas alguém filmou e colocou na internet.
E é assim que Vampirella vira uma "famosinha da internet".
Sim, eu também li essa expressão naquele site.
Claro, como toda "famosinha", Vampirella começa a ser convidada para vários eventos envolvendo a cultura pop e o uso do maiô cavadão que nunca sai de moda. Em todos os eventos, dá alguma merda e ela começa a notar que tudo indica para a participação de uma loira gélida da elite hollywoodiana. Ah, claro, Vampirella faz amizade com uma ciclope, uma bruxa e um homem abelha, afinal vampiros são super sociáveis.
Parece uma bobagem, é claro que é uma bobagem. O próximo clássico que vai abalar as estruturas dos quadrinhos não vai aparecer num gibi da Vampirella, né gurizada?
Contudo é uma bobagem bem feita. Lembra bastante o reboot da Sonja pela Gail Simone, em que a personagem deixa de ser um formalidade sorumbática, sombria, emogótica e é uma pessoa de verdade, com falhas, qualidades, tesões, desejos, teimosias e tudo mais. Verdade que ela é super forte, voa, tem presas de vampiros e bebe sangue, mas não vamos nos apegar as detalhes.
Aqui há uma mudança bem forte no uniforme, agora lembrando a Caçadora da DC e o uso do maiô é só para eventos e festividades, o que funciona muito bem.
Eu não entendo muito bem em que parte cronológica essa história se encaixaria, ou mesmo se ela continuou, mas é uma boa história para quem só tem uma vaga ideia da Vampirella e não precisa ler aquele monte de merda que eu já li.
É bem divertido.
Não sei quantas páginas de Vampirella eu li até chegar a um gibi realmente legal.
Mais do que eu deveria, com certeza.
Enfim, em mais um relançamento, reboot, crise, de novo e pela primeira vez, uma nova Vampirella aparece chegando em Los Angels com um namorado lobisomem e um mordomo britânico, até porque não existe outro tipo. Eles alugam uma casa com aquele aspecto de casa mal assombrada dos anos 50 e logo, na primeira noite, depois de uma amôzinho gostoso e serelepe com um o lobisomem, o casal é atacado por um monstro mascatado. Obviamente, Vampi arrebenta o mosntrinho que vira fumaça.
Até aí, beleza.
Mas alguém filmou e colocou na internet.
E é assim que Vampirella vira uma "famosinha da internet".
Sim, eu também li essa expressão naquele site.
Claro, como toda "famosinha", Vampirella começa a ser convidada para vários eventos envolvendo a cultura pop e o uso do maiô cavadão que nunca sai de moda. Em todos os eventos, dá alguma merda e ela começa a notar que tudo indica para a participação de uma loira gélida da elite hollywoodiana. Ah, claro, Vampirella faz amizade com uma ciclope, uma bruxa e um homem abelha, afinal vampiros são super sociáveis.
Parece uma bobagem, é claro que é uma bobagem. O próximo clássico que vai abalar as estruturas dos quadrinhos não vai aparecer num gibi da Vampirella, né gurizada?
Contudo é uma bobagem bem feita. Lembra bastante o reboot da Sonja pela Gail Simone, em que a personagem deixa de ser um formalidade sorumbática, sombria, emogótica e é uma pessoa de verdade, com falhas, qualidades, tesões, desejos, teimosias e tudo mais. Verdade que ela é super forte, voa, tem presas de vampiros e bebe sangue, mas não vamos nos apegar as detalhes.
Aqui há uma mudança bem forte no uniforme, agora lembrando a Caçadora da DC e o uso do maiô é só para eventos e festividades, o que funciona muito bem.
Eu não entendo muito bem em que parte cronológica essa história se encaixaria, ou mesmo se ela continuou, mas é uma boa história para quem só tem uma vaga ideia da Vampirella e não precisa ler aquele monte de merda que eu já li.
É bem divertido.
March 28, 2018
I came into this completely cold, Ive never read any Vampirella before this. I was only familiar due to seeing the comics in shops for years and reading wikis. Decided to get this when I found it in a shop when i hadnt seen any trades for a long time.
The Good: The comic does a good job getting you up to speed who Vampirella and her companions are without dragging things down with backstory or exposition. This felt like a good jumping on point that sparked interest in reading other older stories in the future.
The story isnt complex and is fairly self contained. Its a bit predictable but I wasnt reading this for a psychological thriller. This story knows what it is and has fun with it.
The art was consistent and appealing. I could easily tell what was happening and there was only one odd moment with a free hand that was bound the frame before.
The Bad: first, I've noticed Dynamites trades all have sticky pages. If the story seems like its suddenly jumping, take a moment to check the last page, probably stuck to one you missed.
I dont know if this book is supposed to tie into any other volumes. Some indication of prior or the following story would be helpful. Red Sonja had all kinds of connections I could follow to other volumes.
Thus title isnt afraid of sex, which is part of the character, but why is it shying away from cussing? Moments when cussing would be a natural response, they blacked it out. Still obvious what was said. That was the most baffling thing to me. Im sure i could find an explanation online but maybe they could find a more creative way to handle cussing.
Overall I enjoyed this book for a character I've honestly avoided for years as it looked like an over sexualized fan service title every time I've it in stores. It still is, but this at least shows she can wear more clothing and have a fun story.
The Good: The comic does a good job getting you up to speed who Vampirella and her companions are without dragging things down with backstory or exposition. This felt like a good jumping on point that sparked interest in reading other older stories in the future.
The story isnt complex and is fairly self contained. Its a bit predictable but I wasnt reading this for a psychological thriller. This story knows what it is and has fun with it.
The art was consistent and appealing. I could easily tell what was happening and there was only one odd moment with a free hand that was bound the frame before.
The Bad: first, I've noticed Dynamites trades all have sticky pages. If the story seems like its suddenly jumping, take a moment to check the last page, probably stuck to one you missed.
I dont know if this book is supposed to tie into any other volumes. Some indication of prior or the following story would be helpful. Red Sonja had all kinds of connections I could follow to other volumes.
Thus title isnt afraid of sex, which is part of the character, but why is it shying away from cussing? Moments when cussing would be a natural response, they blacked it out. Still obvious what was said. That was the most baffling thing to me. Im sure i could find an explanation online but maybe they could find a more creative way to handle cussing.
Overall I enjoyed this book for a character I've honestly avoided for years as it looked like an over sexualized fan service title every time I've it in stores. It still is, but this at least shows she can wear more clothing and have a fun story.
June 17, 2024
The iconic vampiress into the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, where the real monsters are hidden behind the camera. This installment sees Vampirella navigating the treacherous waters of celebrity culture, where horror is not just part of the movies but seeps into reality, offering a fresh and thrilling twist on her adventures.
Kate Leth's writing injects a vibrant, modern vibe into Vampirella's story, blending traditional horror elements with sharp satire of Hollywood's dark side. The plot is engaging, weaving through unexpected twists that keep the pages turning. Leth’s approach to storytelling is both respectful of Vampirella’s legacy and innovative, pushing the character into new territories and scenarios.
The artwork, led by Eman Casallos, complements the narrative beautifully, with bold colors and dynamic layouts that capture both the glamour and the grotesque of Hollywood. The visual style is energetic and atmospheric, adding a layer of intensity to the unfolding drama.
Character development is a strong point in this volume, with Vampirella shown navigating complex relationships and moral dilemmas that test her as both a supernatural heroine and a modern woman. The interactions with both new and familiar characters enrich the narrative, providing depth and humor.
A compelling blend of action, mystery, and critique of celebrity culture. It’s a smart, stylish, and suspenseful addition to the Vampirella series, perfect for fans looking for something that combines classic horror with contemporary issues.
Kate Leth's writing injects a vibrant, modern vibe into Vampirella's story, blending traditional horror elements with sharp satire of Hollywood's dark side. The plot is engaging, weaving through unexpected twists that keep the pages turning. Leth’s approach to storytelling is both respectful of Vampirella’s legacy and innovative, pushing the character into new territories and scenarios.
The artwork, led by Eman Casallos, complements the narrative beautifully, with bold colors and dynamic layouts that capture both the glamour and the grotesque of Hollywood. The visual style is energetic and atmospheric, adding a layer of intensity to the unfolding drama.
Character development is a strong point in this volume, with Vampirella shown navigating complex relationships and moral dilemmas that test her as both a supernatural heroine and a modern woman. The interactions with both new and familiar characters enrich the narrative, providing depth and humor.
A compelling blend of action, mystery, and critique of celebrity culture. It’s a smart, stylish, and suspenseful addition to the Vampirella series, perfect for fans looking for something that combines classic horror with contemporary issues.
June 11, 2021
A good revamp of Vampirella. Hollywood Horror is a change to get rid of the over-sexuallization that has a quality's character, until now. The tone and the new outfit mark a new era in Vampirella. Kate Leth gives to Vampirella a feminist tone, that is more necessary than ever. Dynamite try to continuate this story arc.
March 12, 2020
A story style that's bought back memories of her original writing style gun horror that mesmerized the reader and does not let go wanting more
A perfect comparison to the original series with run fast fluid horror leaving the reader wondering what's next. 5 out of 5 stars
A perfect comparison to the original series with run fast fluid horror leaving the reader wondering what's next. 5 out of 5 stars
November 13, 2021
This is basically an attempt to keep Vampirella sexy but not sexualized. There have been Vampirella stories that go all across the board in terms of quality and intent. I find this one to be an honorable attempt.
June 1, 2025
I didn't like this much at all, our titular heroine (and I know what I wrote) comes up against a nameless evil making films in Hollywood since the 1920's... and not really much happens. It could have been an interesting premises but, like a lot of these, is wasted.
February 14, 2017
meh. I picked it up for Chrissie Zullo's covers, so I'm not disappointed in that but the plot was convoluted.
I do miss Adam but Tristan seems....fun.
I do miss Adam but Tristan seems....fun.
November 21, 2017
This was my first dalliance into the world of Vampirella and I really enjoyed it! It makes me want to track down the original stuff and some of the other recent runs.
December 31, 2018
Fun stuff!!!!
April 14, 2021
Fun and funny arc for Vampirella. I'd like to see more Vampi stories from Kate Leth.
June 28, 2021
Loved the artwork but the story wasn't that fun. Complicated more than anything else
March 25, 2017
Very enjoyable Vampirella adventure. As she suspected, in hollywood all was not as it seemed once she got behind the scenes. Great story and art. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews