Review: Van Helsing vs. The Werewolf #1 (of 6)
An intriguing first issue that takes our hero to parts unknown that we’ve never seen her navigate before this issue. I loved it. This lady cannot escape the vampires no matter where she goes, even if no one else knows that she’s gone. A great first issue to be sure.
The Werewolf of the title begins this issue by attacking a honeymooning couple. This couple sets up camp in the freezing cold as they are lodging at the east slope of Ama Dablam. A peak in the Himalayan range. Then we cut to our hero who is shopping at the Pendragon book store. She is seeking the original version of a manuscript that the clerk shows her which takes her to the forbidden city in Beijing.
The creative team:
Chuck Dixon bends over backwards to take Liesel to parts unknown that we’ve never seen her go to before. This issue has it all, Asian secret agents, vampires, werewolves and enough adventure to whet Indiana Jones appetite! The secret agent tries to restrain Ms. Van Helsing as she seeks the Sword of Heaven. Then we’re given a taste of the history of this famous sword. It’s a great issue and takes our protagonist to various times and places that she’s never been to before. A must read my friends.
The art is in fine form as Allen Otero compliments the words of Chuck Dixon. One of the best scenes in this book is the fight between Van Helsing and the Asian secret agent Wu Shen Hao. The panels move fast making this an easy read and brings us a level of entertainment not seen in this title before. Great stuff!
In conclusion:
Fans of Asian martial arts will absolutely love this first issue. The werewolf is only seen briefly and we’re not sure by the end of it if Van Helsing is actually searching for the beast or if she’s only interested in the special sword which will give her unique powers. Her quest will not be without peril, however, and we witness the price that she must pay to achieve her prize, will she even live to face the werewolf? To be continued.
Van Helsing vs. The Werewolf #1 (of 6)
writer: Chuck Dixon
artist: Allan Otero
colors: Robby Bevard
covers: Drew Edward Johnson, Netho Diaz, Richard Ortiz, Allan Otero
FC • 32 pages • $3.99 • Teen+
About the Author
Kevin Given Kevin Given has studied with "Longridge Writers Group" and "Writer's Boot Camp" a speech/communications major from the University of Maine Presque-Isle/Orono sites. He has created the "Karl Vincent Vampire Hunter" franchise which includes 2 novels and 8 comic books. They can be found on amazon, Indyplanet and Kindle. For a limited time you can get digital copies of "Karl Vincent: Vampire hunter" #1 and "Files of Karl Vincent" #1 for free on Indyplanet. Kevin is producing the third novel in the series "Dracula Rising" (working title) and developing "Foul Blood" into comic book form.
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