Today Image Comics releases Dracula Motherf**ker by Alex de Campi and Erica Hendeson.
This horror comic is an updated version of the original Dracula, set in Hollywood in the 1970’s, and it is bonkers in the best way. First of all, I wouldn’t say it was straight horror as there is a good bit of psychedelic imagery going around, but the gore is there still if that is what you’re expecting from a vampire story. And it is a vampire story first and foremost. Before you can get into the idea of revenge and the way the script gets flipped so beautifully at the end, before all that comes Dracula and his brides.
Before we meet the modern Harker, Quincy; a photographer, you see Dracula betrayed by his own kind. And that betrayal in Vienna leads to Hollywood and an aging starlet who refuses to fade gracefully. Once she has awakened Dracula, the cycle starts again.
I have to admit, I like the idea of the big bad being brought down by his own hubris. It’s pretty dang satisfying. As a fan of the original story, as a fan of vampire lore in general, I am always up to read what’s next and this, this was great. It plays with the themes you know and adds in enough updated background info to draw you in almost like it is a wholly new story. It isn’t, but that doesn’t hurt too much. It helps that the art is gorgeous, so even if you weren’t invested in the story, you wold still be entertained.
Both the writers are new to me, but after reading this I am a fan, and think you should definitely check out Dracula Motherf**ker.
