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Black Mass Rising
Set one year after the death of Dracula, hope is returning to the lands of Transylania, and a young peasant girl named Aurelia dares to dream of a better future, free from the yoke of the devil's hundred years of darkness. But when a mysterious Healer drifts into town, seeking to cure land and people alike, a terrifying new evil stirs in the blasted lands, and it seems that the lord of the undead is not through yet...or could it be an even greater evil? A titanic and darkly fantastical reimagining / sequel of Bram Stoker's sanguine classic.
168 pages, Paperback
First published March 15, 2022
1 person is currently reading
2346 people want to read
About the author
Theo Prasidis
7 books56 followersTheo Prasidis is a Greek writer and graphic novelist, published by Image Comics, TKO Studios, Scout Comics, and Dead Sky Publishing. He writes quixotic fantasies about hidden folklore, bizarre rituals and wistful dreams.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
January 12, 2022
A kind of religious horror, with a twist that is less impressive than it thinks it is.
The art is painterly, but also strangely inert - movement seems to translate badly.
The plot plods along, takes a while to get going, and I never really warmed to the flat characters.
(Picked up a review copy through Edelweiss)
The art is painterly, but also strangely inert - movement seems to translate badly.
The plot plods along, takes a while to get going, and I never really warmed to the flat characters.
(Picked up a review copy through Edelweiss)
September 5, 2022
Man, I wished I loved this more. I mean, a Dracula retelling in graphic novel form? Hell yeah! Sadly this was a book that I actually considered DNFing.
Dracula was such an intriguing character and his flashback love story was the only part that I enjoyed. I initially thought Aurelia was a strong heroine but she faded into the background once the rest of the cast was revealed. Bulk of the story was lost on me and I was left confused about so many things, especially with zero prior background knowledge of Dracula lore and origins.
Overall, I did not enjoy this at all because reading it felt like too much work. Such a shame as it definitely had potential. There were many awesome horror moments and solid frames, but the reading experience was sorely lacking.
Thank you TKO Studios and Netgalley for an ARC of this book.
Dracula was such an intriguing character and his flashback love story was the only part that I enjoyed. I initially thought Aurelia was a strong heroine but she faded into the background once the rest of the cast was revealed. Bulk of the story was lost on me and I was left confused about so many things, especially with zero prior background knowledge of Dracula lore and origins.
Overall, I did not enjoy this at all because reading it felt like too much work. Such a shame as it definitely had potential. There were many awesome horror moments and solid frames, but the reading experience was sorely lacking.
Thank you TKO Studios and Netgalley for an ARC of this book.
July 20, 2022
Some years after Dracula’s destruction, a pale cleric wanders the lands beyond the forest and discovers that there is evil afoot once more.
Beginning in the best possible way (with a traditional Romanian children’s game), Theo’s impressive graphic novel slowly transmutes into a magma torrent which, despite being a tributary of the Stoker D Opus, still meanders in unexpected ways, twisting and flowing with extraordinary passion. The writing (especially when the religious overtones take central stage later on) writhes with the youthful defiance of heavy metal (look for the Per Ohlin reference early on, it’s not easy to miss; or the slight Rotting Christ tint throughout the words of the later half). On the other hand, Prasidis holds delicately a strong lens upon the three main characters’ inner worlds, examining them in depth – there are both physical and mental wanderings in this Transylvania of his. Of especial note are the two protagonistic female characters which are teeming with strength, self-determination, and initiative – it is pure joy to follow them, even (or especially) in that grim and haunted land.
Jodie Muir’s art is spectacular, lush, full of intricate details and a great color palette. Some of the frames have a timeless, transcendental quality reminiscent of self-sufficient paintings – especially loved the 2-page spread of the cathedral/castle which draws upon the spirit of Zdzisław Beksiński.
Despite a few shortcomings (could be just a bit shorter and it could include a bit more action) this is a tremendous work, a truly worthy addition to the Dracula corpus. Definitely recommended, and keep an eye out for Swamp Dogs, Theo’s ongoing comic, as well as any future projects.
Beginning in the best possible way (with a traditional Romanian children’s game), Theo’s impressive graphic novel slowly transmutes into a magma torrent which, despite being a tributary of the Stoker D Opus, still meanders in unexpected ways, twisting and flowing with extraordinary passion. The writing (especially when the religious overtones take central stage later on) writhes with the youthful defiance of heavy metal (look for the Per Ohlin reference early on, it’s not easy to miss; or the slight Rotting Christ tint throughout the words of the later half). On the other hand, Prasidis holds delicately a strong lens upon the three main characters’ inner worlds, examining them in depth – there are both physical and mental wanderings in this Transylvania of his. Of especial note are the two protagonistic female characters which are teeming with strength, self-determination, and initiative – it is pure joy to follow them, even (or especially) in that grim and haunted land.
Jodie Muir’s art is spectacular, lush, full of intricate details and a great color palette. Some of the frames have a timeless, transcendental quality reminiscent of self-sufficient paintings – especially loved the 2-page spread of the cathedral/castle which draws upon the spirit of Zdzisław Beksiński.
Despite a few shortcomings (could be just a bit shorter and it could include a bit more action) this is a tremendous work, a truly worthy addition to the Dracula corpus. Definitely recommended, and keep an eye out for Swamp Dogs, Theo’s ongoing comic, as well as any future projects.
December 27, 2022
Thanks to NetGalley and TKO Presents for letting me read and review this in exchange for an honest review!
The cover of this comic really caught my eye. This art is stunning, absolutely ethereal! I think if it wasn't for the art, I wouldn't be that interested.
I don't know much about Dracula lore or any vampire lore but I found the description quite interesting so I thought I would give it a try. The storyline was pretty solid overall but sometimes it was very confusing and hard to catch up on though it may be due to my lack of knowledge in vampire lore and religious rituals, but the small plot twist/reveal at the end was a nice touch. The writing was very beautiful and poetic, that's a plus! The characters too, were very well built. Each of them had their own story and strong characteristics, it made reading the story more pleasing.
However, I did not like the abrupt ending and cliff hanger but comics always a next volume so I will be waiting for an update :D.
Characters: 3/5
Story: 3/5
Enjoyment: 4/5
Writing: 4/5
Overall: 3.5 ⭐️ (rounded up to 4)
The cover of this comic really caught my eye. This art is stunning, absolutely ethereal! I think if it wasn't for the art, I wouldn't be that interested.
I don't know much about Dracula lore or any vampire lore but I found the description quite interesting so I thought I would give it a try. The storyline was pretty solid overall but sometimes it was very confusing and hard to catch up on though it may be due to my lack of knowledge in vampire lore and religious rituals, but the small plot twist/reveal at the end was a nice touch. The writing was very beautiful and poetic, that's a plus! The characters too, were very well built. Each of them had their own story and strong characteristics, it made reading the story more pleasing.
However, I did not like the abrupt ending and cliff hanger but comics always a next volume so I will be waiting for an update :D.
Characters: 3/5
Story: 3/5
Enjoyment: 4/5
Writing: 4/5
Overall: 3.5 ⭐️ (rounded up to 4)
June 7, 2022
'Black Mass Rising' by Theo Prasidis with art by Jodie Muir is a graphic novel set in the year after the death of Dracula.
Dracula is dead and hope is returning after 100 years of darkness. When a strange man known only as Healer shows up in Aurelia's town, evil rises up again and everything is threatened. Aurelia goes with Healer to see if this new plague can be stopped. Along the way, they find a surprising ally, but is Dracula really gone?
I found many of the twists pretty early on. The art is a painted style but lacks fluiditiy and motion, and yet I enjoyed this religious horror novel and the main character of Aurelia is written pretty well.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from TKO Presents and NetGalley. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
Dracula is dead and hope is returning after 100 years of darkness. When a strange man known only as Healer shows up in Aurelia's town, evil rises up again and everything is threatened. Aurelia goes with Healer to see if this new plague can be stopped. Along the way, they find a surprising ally, but is Dracula really gone?
I found many of the twists pretty early on. The art is a painted style but lacks fluiditiy and motion, and yet I enjoyed this religious horror novel and the main character of Aurelia is written pretty well.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from TKO Presents and NetGalley. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
June 3, 2022
Hauntingly beautiful and poetic. It screams in sorrowful hushed voices the undeniable rise of evil.
My gratitude to TKO Studios and Netgalley for providing me with an advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review. I was actually a few days late, but this is still an arc so...
I'm not a Dracula fan and have never been interested to be one, but the cover was calling out to me when I first saw it while browsing through available books, and I just couldn't help myself but surrender to temptation. And I think, I might plan to read Dracula after consuming this gorgeous work of art.
My gratitude to TKO Studios and Netgalley for providing me with an advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review. I was actually a few days late, but this is still an arc so...
I'm not a Dracula fan and have never been interested to be one, but the cover was calling out to me when I first saw it while browsing through available books, and I just couldn't help myself but surrender to temptation. And I think, I might plan to read Dracula after consuming this gorgeous work of art.
July 19, 2022
Epic! Why isn't everyone talking about this? Stunning visuals and clever religious horror. Metal as hell!
September 2, 2021
Very impressive painting and artwork, especially in regards to the atmosphere. But there was something about the pacing and lack of looks into character motivations that just doesn't do it for me.
Sure the story of Dracula and Vlad Tepes is always intriguing, but it feels like the plot goes in different directions. Most of the time, it felt more like talking heads than anything actually happened. The ending even implies that this was more like a prologue.
Sure the story of Dracula and Vlad Tepes is always intriguing, but it feels like the plot goes in different directions. Most of the time, it felt more like talking heads than anything actually happened. The ending even implies that this was more like a prologue.
November 19, 2023
Interesting take on Dracula's story. Art is beautiful, gloomy and cold color palette creates nice atmosphere, but whole story and some dialogues could use some polishing. Sometimes everything is happening too fast, characters behave unnaturally and main twist is not that good. First half was quite good though...
May 22, 2022
Black Mass Rising is described as a sequel and reimagining of Bram Stoker's Dracula and as I've just finished reading Dracula for the first time, I thought this would be a fun way to continue on from the book. I do think while it is most definitely a reimagining of Dracula, it would be a lie to call it a sequel. There is simply too much noncanonical storylines in this graphic novel compared to the novel.
That said, I did really enjoy this. The artwork is absolutely beautiful, the way the artist plays with light and darkness as a visual narrative works so well in a story that is exactly that: the (internal and external) fight between good and evil, light and dark. The art is not only beautiful, it's hauntingly beautiful with gory and bloody details - perfect for a vampire graphic novel. The story, and writing, in itself is also quite good. The story follows three characters, each with their own struggles, and you come to understand them while reading the graphic novel. The writer also seems to have been considerate of being authentic in describing the people and their culture, which brings more realism into the story and makes it worth reading.
I'm not sure if there'll be a continuation of the story and while I didn't like some aspects of the story (again, the noncanonical choices made) I still think it's worth reading and I would love to see where this story could be taken in the future!
(I received a review copy from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review)
That said, I did really enjoy this. The artwork is absolutely beautiful, the way the artist plays with light and darkness as a visual narrative works so well in a story that is exactly that: the (internal and external) fight between good and evil, light and dark. The art is not only beautiful, it's hauntingly beautiful with gory and bloody details - perfect for a vampire graphic novel. The story, and writing, in itself is also quite good. The story follows three characters, each with their own struggles, and you come to understand them while reading the graphic novel. The writer also seems to have been considerate of being authentic in describing the people and their culture, which brings more realism into the story and makes it worth reading.
I'm not sure if there'll be a continuation of the story and while I didn't like some aspects of the story (again, the noncanonical choices made) I still think it's worth reading and I would love to see where this story could be taken in the future!
(I received a review copy from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review)
April 26, 2022
Black Mass Rising was an interesting read, and an enjoyable one for those who love vampires, Dracula, or horror art.
Jodie Muir’s art here is exquisite. It has a photorealistic, unlined, almost painted quality, reminiscent of Magic the Gathering cards. As I read it, I so often thought “wow, this must have taken so much time” and was stunned by the beauty of some of the panels or full-page spreads. In my decades of reading comics, I’ve never seen art quite like this!
Sadly, the writing, handled by Theo Prasidis, left something to be desired. Several times, I found myself confused by what was going on, and who was who. The religious additions also felt out of place at times, although I’m not familiar with the Book of Job and thus some of the references may have gone right over my head. Additionally, if you are familiar with Dracula lore, Mina Murray, Van Helsing, and Transylvania, you may have an easier time here finding the deeper story that this entry-level horror fan did not.
All in all, this is a good graphic novel to pick up if you are a vampire or horror fan, and looking for art above story. My thanks to TKO Presents, TKO Studios, Theo Prasidis and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
CW: A lot… it’s a comic about Satan/demons/Dracula/the church/blood/children dying. Definitely horror/gore.
Jodie Muir’s art here is exquisite. It has a photorealistic, unlined, almost painted quality, reminiscent of Magic the Gathering cards. As I read it, I so often thought “wow, this must have taken so much time” and was stunned by the beauty of some of the panels or full-page spreads. In my decades of reading comics, I’ve never seen art quite like this!
Sadly, the writing, handled by Theo Prasidis, left something to be desired. Several times, I found myself confused by what was going on, and who was who. The religious additions also felt out of place at times, although I’m not familiar with the Book of Job and thus some of the references may have gone right over my head. Additionally, if you are familiar with Dracula lore, Mina Murray, Van Helsing, and Transylvania, you may have an easier time here finding the deeper story that this entry-level horror fan did not.
All in all, this is a good graphic novel to pick up if you are a vampire or horror fan, and looking for art above story. My thanks to TKO Presents, TKO Studios, Theo Prasidis and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
CW: A lot… it’s a comic about Satan/demons/Dracula/the church/blood/children dying. Definitely horror/gore.
May 4, 2022
As a non-native English speaker, whenever I see an accurate representation of Romanian language & culture in a printed material for native English speakers, I am over the moon! This was the case with the graphic novel “Black Mass Rising”, by Theo Prasidis. The action is set in Transylvania, 1 year after the death of Dracula. Just as life is starting to get back to normal, “Zmeu” starts wreaking havoc in the region, but is met with resistance from 3 heroes.
The graphic is so well done, that if I wasn’t reading an electronic copy, I would have vouched that the images are painted directly on paper! Besides the appropriate cultural representation, there are also themes such as dark, faith, and horror. The only reason I didn’t give it a full 5-stars was the sudden ending of the novel. After all the tension built surrounding the characters, I was expecting a bit more. Good thin there’s always a volume 2, 3... where endings can be improved.
Special thanks to NetGalley, TKO Presents, TKO Studios, and the editorial team for giving me the opportunity to review the ARC and to you, my reader, for taking the time to read this honest personal book review.
If you are interested in other of my book reviews, make sure to follow me on GoodReads!
#LifeLongLearning #BlackMassRising #NetGalley
The graphic is so well done, that if I wasn’t reading an electronic copy, I would have vouched that the images are painted directly on paper! Besides the appropriate cultural representation, there are also themes such as dark, faith, and horror. The only reason I didn’t give it a full 5-stars was the sudden ending of the novel. After all the tension built surrounding the characters, I was expecting a bit more. Good thin there’s always a volume 2, 3... where endings can be improved.
Special thanks to NetGalley, TKO Presents, TKO Studios, and the editorial team for giving me the opportunity to review the ARC and to you, my reader, for taking the time to read this honest personal book review.
If you are interested in other of my book reviews, make sure to follow me on GoodReads!
#LifeLongLearning #BlackMassRising #NetGalley
December 18, 2022
Thank you TKO Studios and NetGalley for letting me read and review this artwork in exchange for an honest review!
3.75 stars
The artwork phenomenon, like it, was beautiful, and I just loved it.
It didn't flow perfectly with the story as it confused my perspective a little while reading.
I always hate Dracula and Mina storylines, and sadly, it did colour my enjoyment.
3.75 stars
The artwork phenomenon, like it, was beautiful, and I just loved it.
It didn't flow perfectly with the story as it confused my perspective a little while reading.
I always hate Dracula and Mina storylines, and sadly, it did colour my enjoyment.
May 7, 2022
Oh how beautiful it is!!
Beautiful illustrations, each panel is like a separate work of art, I am delighted
The story is great too, I really like religion weaving in it, it fits perfectly
Beautiful illustrations, each panel is like a separate work of art, I am delighted
The story is great too, I really like religion weaving in it, it fits perfectly
March 11, 2025
A good dracula story with an interesting twist
May 3, 2022
2.5 stars!
black mass rising is a comic i requested purely because it mentioned dracula. i was pleasantly surprised to see it took place in transylvania and that the characters were wearing traditional clothes. in the first chapter the kids in the comic were playing a game called "omul negru" that i used to play when i was a child myself, which was quite surprising to see. it's clear that the people involved with this comic did a lot of research and i truly appreciated they took the time to portray rural romania right.
the art style was absolutely gorgeous. i loved the paintery style the illustrations had. the gore especially stood out to me - it's so well drawn! the characters were beautifully crafted and the artist did such a good job at portraying different emotions.
the plot started out really interesting and then it fizzled out. the ending especially was abrupt and i truly hated the cliffhanger. the book features magic based on religion and a lot of religious symbolism, but they weren't explained very well. so, while the art style was extraordinary, the story itself lacked coherence, especially toward the end.
black mass rising is a comic i requested purely because it mentioned dracula. i was pleasantly surprised to see it took place in transylvania and that the characters were wearing traditional clothes. in the first chapter the kids in the comic were playing a game called "omul negru" that i used to play when i was a child myself, which was quite surprising to see. it's clear that the people involved with this comic did a lot of research and i truly appreciated they took the time to portray rural romania right.
the art style was absolutely gorgeous. i loved the paintery style the illustrations had. the gore especially stood out to me - it's so well drawn! the characters were beautifully crafted and the artist did such a good job at portraying different emotions.
the plot started out really interesting and then it fizzled out. the ending especially was abrupt and i truly hated the cliffhanger. the book features magic based on religion and a lot of religious symbolism, but they weren't explained very well. so, while the art style was extraordinary, the story itself lacked coherence, especially toward the end.
June 20, 2022
Fantastic art, interesting story idea, but I needed more info here. Could've been so much more.
October 30, 2023
3.75 stars. Really lovely artwork with an interesting moral twist on the tale of Vlad the Impaler. Definitely some spooky scenes. Wasn't sure of the relevance that verses from the Book of Job had as chapter headers, but religion doesn't always make sense, does it?
May 12, 2022
I requested Black Mass Rising because I saw it mentioned Dracula and vampires. As a fan of both Dracula and the horror genre, I was very excited to read this graphic novel. The art of this graphic novel is incredible, not just the drawings but also the bright colors used create a great effect in contrast with the abundance of darkness. Unfortunately the story is not as good, as it failed to keep me interested until the end. The first half is pretty interesting, but then it becomes a bit confused and rushed, which is truly a pity. Although I didn't love Black Mass Rising, I don't think it's a bad book, simply not for me. I'm sure many will love it and appreciate its plot more than I did.
* I'd like to thank Theo Prasidis, TKO Presents and NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
* I'd like to thank Theo Prasidis, TKO Presents and NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
May 5, 2022
The artwork is impressive and memorable, fitting perfectly to the story. 3.5 stars rounded up.
I have been a fan of vampire stories ever since I can remember, and there's nothing more classic than the tale of Dracula. This sequel to that tale is intriguing, set in a religious heavy post-Dracula Transylvania.
As someone who has dealt with religious trauma from a Christian upbringing, this was certainly an interesting read to see the wickedness of God and his creation of Satan aligning with the creation of Dracula. A common theme throughout is "What sort of God would allow such darkness to prevail?" which is a question I myself would often ask as a child.
The ending was a bit rushed, but satisfying in the symbolism. Overall, I felt this was a worthwhile read.
I have been a fan of vampire stories ever since I can remember, and there's nothing more classic than the tale of Dracula. This sequel to that tale is intriguing, set in a religious heavy post-Dracula Transylvania.
As someone who has dealt with religious trauma from a Christian upbringing, this was certainly an interesting read to see the wickedness of God and his creation of Satan aligning with the creation of Dracula. A common theme throughout is "What sort of God would allow such darkness to prevail?" which is a question I myself would often ask as a child.
The ending was a bit rushed, but satisfying in the symbolism. Overall, I felt this was a worthwhile read.
June 7, 2022
Black Mass Rising is a gorgeously illustrated graphic novel that feels like it took inspiration from hottie Dracula takes and used that for something new. I don't think it's a true Dracula successor since Stoker's Dracula was a total bastard and in this version he's a softie lover-boy type. Still, it's fun to see that, and the baddies in BMR were creepy without relying on a Dracula-that's-been-done to make them scary.
I wish it hadn't ended on the cliffhanger, though. I hope there's a sequel to bring the story to a close.
I'd recommend BMR to horror graphic novel fans or even vampire/dark religion fans who aren't super fans of graphic novels. I could see the artwork having mass appeal.
I wish it hadn't ended on the cliffhanger, though. I hope there's a sequel to bring the story to a close.
I'd recommend BMR to horror graphic novel fans or even vampire/dark religion fans who aren't super fans of graphic novels. I could see the artwork having mass appeal.
June 15, 2022
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. I originally discovered this graphic novel through goodreads giveaways and was immediately pulled to it. The cover and the description is what sucked me in! While reading this graphic novel I immediately fell in love with the art style. The style is really pretty and unique and I think it goes well with the time period and setting for this novel. I only wish this novel was a little longer! I really loved the main characters that we get introduced to in this book and discovering their backstories. I thought that this was a wonderful Dracula retelling with stunning artwork.
Rating: 4.5
Rating: 4.5
May 2, 2022
Quite cinematographic has great panel design, and the flow of a professional graphic novel overall. Amazing art, awesome story flow, and tension. Teenager Aurelia follows a healer after the brutal murder of her little brother by a demon that changes the child. Seeking an answer to what's ahead she travels with the healer to only find more aggravating signs of the cursed ones.
Awesome end to each chapter and fun repurpose of well-known characters. I liked the drama and the power of choice at the end.
Awesome end to each chapter and fun repurpose of well-known characters. I liked the drama and the power of choice at the end.
May 13, 2022
*arc received via netgalley*
I’m still pretty new to graphic novels but this one was just calling my name!
I really enjoyed this! I’ve been on a gothic vampire kick lately so this was perfect for me. The art style was stunning and perfectly matched for the tone of the story. I thought the reveal towards the end was interesting and I didn’t see it coming. I definitely hope there will be more volumes in the future after that last panel!
I’m still pretty new to graphic novels but this one was just calling my name!
I really enjoyed this! I’ve been on a gothic vampire kick lately so this was perfect for me. The art style was stunning and perfectly matched for the tone of the story. I thought the reveal towards the end was interesting and I didn’t see it coming. I definitely hope there will be more volumes in the future after that last panel!
November 26, 2023
Saying this is a sequel to dracula isn't correct. it's not a sequel to the novel because too much is changed. Jonathan harker, Lucy, and like half the cast seems like they don't exist. Mina was raised by Van Helsing, Mina and Dracula were in love. just a whole lot of changes. it's not bad but you can't call this a sequel to Dracula in my opinion.
The art is amazing and i did really enjoy the story despite the changes.
The art is amazing and i did really enjoy the story despite the changes.
April 30, 2022
Las ilustraciones sí me sacaron un buen susto, ese plot twist no me lo veía venir. me gustó todo la trama de vampiros y el monstruo hablando con drácula.
Mina es un personaje muy poderoso y la amé demasiado. Es una lectura rápida y amena para sacarse unos sustos con la temática y el final me pareció el correcto.
Thanks to Netgalley for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Mina es un personaje muy poderoso y la amé demasiado. Es una lectura rápida y amena para sacarse unos sustos con la temática y el final me pareció el correcto.
Thanks to Netgalley for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
May 17, 2022
The cover was the first thing that attracted me to this story. And I'm glad that I got to read it because it's a great story with beautiful art. I am not a fan of Dracula. And still, I enjoyed this story. Loved the twist at the end. My only complaint is that it ended abruptly. I felt as if there should be more to this tale, and there might be. I'd definitely keep a lookout for a volume II.
November 12, 2024
A very interesting take on Dracula's story.
June 6, 2022
Well, this started fine. A Transylvanian community has just got out of a seemingly endless black patch, and the evil taken from their lives; God can inject some kind of hope, if he's bothered. But a demon makes a return visit, offs a few people and proves darkness can always ruin our day. A healer called The Healer has a good line in prayer and can turn the balance a bit towards positivity, but there is clearly someone or something greater to be countered. And while who or what might be obvious, he moves on regardless on his quest. Until all the religious conviction the book's delivery might seem to share with its characters, and all the individual spirit it generates in what it brings to the table, gets royally shattered by Mina Murray turning up. So thud, we're in the world of dodgy Dracula spin-offs.
But hold on, for this isn't at all that dodgy. The art is great (beyond a liking for making two women near-identical), the dark iconography lively (one of said women held arms out as if crucified upside down in midair, skirts akimbo in mischievous ways), and the mood suitably relentless. Visually this has to count as the blackest book going, to the extent that seen digitally your eyes almost hurt with whiter flashback scenes.
And in the finish, with my admittedly limited experience, I do think this does something different with the Dracula story. Certainly it's no Hammer re-tread, or bog standard "who's necks, please?!" sequel. I can see positive responses and little else to the art, for the painterly craft is strong on atmosphere; I can see mixed thoughts as to the theology of the whole piece – while a lot of it felt right from my experience, a lot also came across like one of those death metal acts whose lyrics you start scoffing at once you stop having teenaged acne; but I feel the chutzpah it has in doing what it ultimately does deserves admiration. Purists might scorn its bluntness, and of course the sacrilege they feel writing such a sequel to be, but beyond that this is a success.
But hold on, for this isn't at all that dodgy. The art is great (beyond a liking for making two women near-identical), the dark iconography lively (one of said women held arms out as if crucified upside down in midair, skirts akimbo in mischievous ways), and the mood suitably relentless. Visually this has to count as the blackest book going, to the extent that seen digitally your eyes almost hurt with whiter flashback scenes.
And in the finish, with my admittedly limited experience, I do think this does something different with the Dracula story. Certainly it's no Hammer re-tread, or bog standard "who's necks, please?!" sequel. I can see positive responses and little else to the art, for the painterly craft is strong on atmosphere; I can see mixed thoughts as to the theology of the whole piece – while a lot of it felt right from my experience, a lot also came across like one of those death metal acts whose lyrics you start scoffing at once you stop having teenaged acne; but I feel the chutzpah it has in doing what it ultimately does deserves admiration. Purists might scorn its bluntness, and of course the sacrilege they feel writing such a sequel to be, but beyond that this is a success.
May 13, 2022
Black Mass Rising takes place one year after the death of Dracula, and Translyvania is looking forward to hope returning where there was only fear. But of course, nothing goes as planned and a drifter, called the healer, comes to town and all the horror begins again. Is Dracula alive or is Transylvania destined to forever be under the thumb of the Devil?
I'm still not sure. I liked the artwork on this graphic novel and I loved the idea of the story, but the actual story left me a little confused and frustrated. One minute Dracul is sending his wife and lover away to save her, the next she kills herself thinking Dracul has fallen in battle. When some of the dead return, are they changed to vampires, are they zombies? Not clear on that point either.
I had a rough time telling who was who, and who was what sex; a minor point but it does make some things make sense and others confusing when you get that small fact wrong.
I don't want to say this graphic novel was bad, because it wasn't, it just wasn't for me. I felt like I came into the middle of a movie and the story of Dracula is not unknown to me. No reason a story that takes place a year later should leave me confused and frustrated. Too much religious rhetoric and just did not live up to the hype.
Thanks to @netgalley, TKP Presents, Theo Prasidis, and Jodie Muir, for the opportunity to read this eArc in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
I'm still not sure. I liked the artwork on this graphic novel and I loved the idea of the story, but the actual story left me a little confused and frustrated. One minute Dracul is sending his wife and lover away to save her, the next she kills herself thinking Dracul has fallen in battle. When some of the dead return, are they changed to vampires, are they zombies? Not clear on that point either.
I had a rough time telling who was who, and who was what sex; a minor point but it does make some things make sense and others confusing when you get that small fact wrong.
I don't want to say this graphic novel was bad, because it wasn't, it just wasn't for me. I felt like I came into the middle of a movie and the story of Dracula is not unknown to me. No reason a story that takes place a year later should leave me confused and frustrated. Too much religious rhetoric and just did not live up to the hype.
Thanks to @netgalley, TKP Presents, Theo Prasidis, and Jodie Muir, for the opportunity to read this eArc in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
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