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The Blood Queen #1-8+
Blood Queen Omnibus
The reign of blood begins! Dynamite Entertainment proudly presents the complete saga of the Blood Queen, a dark fantasy reimagining of the infamous historical figure, Countess Elizabeth Bathory. When the king's daughter suffers from a terrible and mysterious malady, Elizabeth -- a young woman of untold power -- is summoned to cure the ailment. Thus begins a journey that will uncover secrets, reveal forbidden desires, and stoke the fires of war! When the smoke clears, one woman may rise to power, ruling through fear and blood sacrifice... but power may prove fleeting, as the Prince of Darkness himself, Dracula, sets his fearsome gaze on her sinister beauty! Collects Blood Queen #1-6, the complete four-issue Blood Queen vs. Dracula series, and the Blood Queen 2014 Annual.
264 pages, Paperback
First published January 18, 2017
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26 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 13, 2020
This happens so often that after reading 400+ pages of a comic book, you still don't feel connected to either stories or characters. Maybe less cleavage and more on the storyline would have helped or maybe I am not the correct audience for the book.
August 10, 2020
Certainly a grim and bloody tale about witchcraft and with Dracula 🧛♂️ joining in the carnage. Yet it’s lack of any likable characters, quickly fading plot and jamming in a lot of ads doesn’t keep it flowing fully well. B- (67%/Decent)
July 24, 2024
When I saw Blood Queen and Elizabeth Bathory, here was me thinking this'd be about a vampire. Instead, it's about an ambitious and scorned woman with the power of blood magic trying to take back a kingdom that was stolen from her, which might actually be better.
The first six issue series is more political intrigue than magical duel, as Elizabeth manoeuvres around the court and tries to solve a few mysteries, all the while getting herself entangled with the other courtiers (in the physical and mental sense). It all comes to a head in the final issue, which sets the stage for her next round of adventures.
The annual in the centre of the book gives us some backstory on the way witches are treated, as well as another glimpse into the Knight who provided most of the momentum for Elizabeth's story in the first series.
Then there's a significant time jump, as we find Elizabeth assuming control of the kingdom and drawing the ire of Dracula himself. This is a lot more of a supernatural throwdown, as you'd expect. Elizabeth comes off almost completely different here, given the amount of time that's passed.
The artwork is a little flat to begin with - the first six issues and the annual are fairly basic, with a lot of missing backgrounds. The Dracula mini-series has a lot better artwork however, so it ends on a high, and none of the artists go hard on the cheesecake (aside from one point, which made sense in the story so they're allowed) which would have been an easy out.
It's a shame that this seems to be the end of Elizabeth's adventures for now, since there haven't been any more Blood Queen stories for about ten years.
The first six issue series is more political intrigue than magical duel, as Elizabeth manoeuvres around the court and tries to solve a few mysteries, all the while getting herself entangled with the other courtiers (in the physical and mental sense). It all comes to a head in the final issue, which sets the stage for her next round of adventures.
The annual in the centre of the book gives us some backstory on the way witches are treated, as well as another glimpse into the Knight who provided most of the momentum for Elizabeth's story in the first series.
Then there's a significant time jump, as we find Elizabeth assuming control of the kingdom and drawing the ire of Dracula himself. This is a lot more of a supernatural throwdown, as you'd expect. Elizabeth comes off almost completely different here, given the amount of time that's passed.
The artwork is a little flat to begin with - the first six issues and the annual are fairly basic, with a lot of missing backgrounds. The Dracula mini-series has a lot better artwork however, so it ends on a high, and none of the artists go hard on the cheesecake (aside from one point, which made sense in the story so they're allowed) which would have been an easy out.
It's a shame that this seems to be the end of Elizabeth's adventures for now, since there haven't been any more Blood Queen stories for about ten years.
November 4, 2019
Has Potential, But Isn't There Yet
It doesn't matter whether or not you're familiar with Elizabeth Bathory, the woman who inspired this comic. She's only an inspiration, with the one connection really being in blood. The story feels pretty basic dark fantasy, with magic and blood and betrayals.
It's not very gripping, though I did finish the book. The character was far less interesting than the real woman. The art, besides the gorgeous cover art, was generally bland. It wasn't awful, just uninspired, especially the clothing and expressions. I was kinda curious to what happened next, but only a bit.
Overall, it was disappointing, as Elizabeth Bathory was one of history's most vile villainesses, and this one didn't live up to her. The covers were gorgeous, and I was interested in the Blood Queen versus Dracula series, but only the (rad) covers were included, not the comics, as some descriptions have wrongly stated. Maybe she comes into her own in a later book, and I might give her another try, but for now, she can go back to her lair.
It doesn't matter whether or not you're familiar with Elizabeth Bathory, the woman who inspired this comic. She's only an inspiration, with the one connection really being in blood. The story feels pretty basic dark fantasy, with magic and blood and betrayals.
It's not very gripping, though I did finish the book. The character was far less interesting than the real woman. The art, besides the gorgeous cover art, was generally bland. It wasn't awful, just uninspired, especially the clothing and expressions. I was kinda curious to what happened next, but only a bit.
Overall, it was disappointing, as Elizabeth Bathory was one of history's most vile villainesses, and this one didn't live up to her. The covers were gorgeous, and I was interested in the Blood Queen versus Dracula series, but only the (rad) covers were included, not the comics, as some descriptions have wrongly stated. Maybe she comes into her own in a later book, and I might give her another try, but for now, she can go back to her lair.
May 10, 2023
Very disappointing once again, dynamite spends their money on very nice very covers, but a very bland interior art telling a Game of Thrones meets witchcraft medieval storyline about this blood mage named Elizabeth, who is trying to find out her origins and get revenge. The story is only six issues so it feels like most of it is getting to set up and then when it ends it feels incomplete it’s setting up for another arc that we’re not going to get. Also, in this omnibus edition is the blood queen versus Dracula but it’s the same blend art, and this crossover, did not peak my interest so I would recommend other dynamic books like jungle girl or if you’re looking for more sword and sorcery, the newer red Sonja books are much better
September 26, 2020
Blood will be spilled
When Elizabeth is called upon to heal the kings baby, she becomes the castles healer. From there she can finally seek what she has been searching for. The art was very detailed and good, lots of boob shots so beware if that's not your thing. I wish it hadn't ended with such a cliff hanger, but I believe the story will continue, hopefully.
When Elizabeth is called upon to heal the kings baby, she becomes the castles healer. From there she can finally seek what she has been searching for. The art was very detailed and good, lots of boob shots so beware if that's not your thing. I wish it hadn't ended with such a cliff hanger, but I believe the story will continue, hopefully.
August 20, 2021
the first 6-issue series was interesting enough, but The Blood Queen vs Dracula was weak and the ending was even weaker. the interstitial back/stories were reasonable additions to the initial 6 issue series.
March 31, 2023
I only read the first 6 issues I got via a Humble Bundle.
It's ok. It was an entertaining read, but while reading it the thought that the story could have been better or the story and the characters should have been fleshed out more, was always in my mind.
It's ok. It was an entertaining read, but while reading it the thought that the story could have been better or the story and the characters should have been fleshed out more, was always in my mind.
January 14, 2021
Decent Enough
This wasn't what I expected. I'm not disappointed, just slightly confused. I like how dark the story is and how graphic the deaths are.
This wasn't what I expected. I'm not disappointed, just slightly confused. I like how dark the story is and how graphic the deaths are.
July 27, 2021
Great graphics & story
Perfect for viewing on the kindle fire tablet with great graphics and story. . . . . . . .
Perfect for viewing on the kindle fire tablet with great graphics and story. . . . . . . .
October 29, 2020
The low ratings worried me at first. 3 stars? I’m glad I gave this collection a shot anyway.
The story is set in a medieval world of magic. Witches have been hunted and been driven to extinction, especially the ones practicing the forbidden “blood magic”. When the king’s daughter falls ill, only the witch Elizabeth can help.
The story was consistent albeit a bit boring. The conversations were long, especially in the final volume, which left me a bit confused when the last volume ended as abruptly as it did. Don’t get me wrong, the ending makes sense, but I think the authors were perhaps expecting a longer series.
My one big negative remark is that the book doesn’t explain what “blood magic” actually is, which is my main reason for giving it 4 stars. The glyphs look fancy, but what are their boundaries and limitations? What do witches do with “blood”?
A solid work of 6 collected volumes. If medieval wizardry, castles and knights, and female empowerment are your thing, then this collection may be for you. Expect some wicked plotting.
The story is set in a medieval world of magic. Witches have been hunted and been driven to extinction, especially the ones practicing the forbidden “blood magic”. When the king’s daughter falls ill, only the witch Elizabeth can help.
The story was consistent albeit a bit boring. The conversations were long, especially in the final volume, which left me a bit confused when the last volume ended as abruptly as it did. Don’t get me wrong, the ending makes sense, but I think the authors were perhaps expecting a longer series.
My one big negative remark is that the book doesn’t explain what “blood magic” actually is, which is my main reason for giving it 4 stars. The glyphs look fancy, but what are their boundaries and limitations? What do witches do with “blood”?
A solid work of 6 collected volumes. If medieval wizardry, castles and knights, and female empowerment are your thing, then this collection may be for you. Expect some wicked plotting.
January 2, 2017
Note - I read the individual digital editions, not the combined omnibus, but I read all of the editions included in the Omnibus.
So who is the Blood Queen? Ostensibly a take-off of Elizabeth Bathory, she is a witch who uses blood magic. It's interesting how she is portrayed throughout the collection - in the main six-issue series, she's the protagonist, and is using blood magic to sniff out a villain in the kingdom; she's not quite the hero, but she is definitely positively portrayed. The book has some magic, and some action, but is for the most part a courtly intrigue in a semi-fantasy world.
The second mini-series included, Blood Queen vs. Dracula, changes things up entirely - some time has passed since the first series, and the Blood Queen Elizabeth's portrayal is much different - she's basically a villain now, which feels like quite a character shift - it's almost like there's a missing mini-series that bridges the gap to explain how she got from court intrigue to bathing in the blood of virgins. Putting her up against Dracula is kind of interesting, but also kind of silly.
The art is vintage Dynamite - lots of cheesecake poses and gratuitous near-nudity that ends up detracting from what are ultimately interesting political intrigue stories and mysteries.
I enjoyed the collection overall, but it really does feel like it's missing its Act II.
So who is the Blood Queen? Ostensibly a take-off of Elizabeth Bathory, she is a witch who uses blood magic. It's interesting how she is portrayed throughout the collection - in the main six-issue series, she's the protagonist, and is using blood magic to sniff out a villain in the kingdom; she's not quite the hero, but she is definitely positively portrayed. The book has some magic, and some action, but is for the most part a courtly intrigue in a semi-fantasy world.
The second mini-series included, Blood Queen vs. Dracula, changes things up entirely - some time has passed since the first series, and the Blood Queen Elizabeth's portrayal is much different - she's basically a villain now, which feels like quite a character shift - it's almost like there's a missing mini-series that bridges the gap to explain how she got from court intrigue to bathing in the blood of virgins. Putting her up against Dracula is kind of interesting, but also kind of silly.
The art is vintage Dynamite - lots of cheesecake poses and gratuitous near-nudity that ends up detracting from what are ultimately interesting political intrigue stories and mysteries.
I enjoyed the collection overall, but it really does feel like it's missing its Act II.
September 18, 2017
I enjoyed this graphic novel version of the origin of the dreaded Count Elizabeth Bathory, who bathed in the blood of countless young virgins in order to keep her youth and beauty. Great storyline and amazing illustrations. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews