Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews
American Vampire #18
Vertigo Comics (DC Comics)
Snyder & Albuquerque
The conclusion of the "Ghost War" arc brings about an issue that I have a lot of mixed feelings about. The issue brings the story to a satisfactory close and it leaves open a couple of doors but I found the build up to this issue to be better than the finale. There is never a bad read in this series so remain calm; you will be entertained. I'll try to keep this review as spoiler free as possible. The short summary is that the showdown in this issue left something to be desired but the plot thread left open at the end made the issue end on a surprising and outstanding note.
The cliffhanger from last issue was a burned up Skinner versus Pearl while Henry lays wounded at their feet. I was waiting for a death-match in the style of an old fashioned throw-down. However, we get only a taste of a fight that ends in a very surprising way. I'm not suggesting that this fight should have dragged on for twenty pages but I certainly expected more blood and a lot more biting and clawing.
The remainder of the issue surrounds the surviving characters as they try to escape the vampire infested Island. We learn that the US government makes sure that the vampires never escape the Island at the end of the issue, but somehow I doubt that is really the case. Coupled with that ending, this issue introduces a new, American vampire. It's a superb ending to an excellent arc.
The issue's strength is the relationship between Henry and Pearl. However, some of the events within this issue seem to cheapen that relationship a little bit. It seems like there is a trust concern on both sides that wasn't there when this arc began. Still, the characters are fleshed well and this issue really puts a good cherry on top of the two.
The artwork excels in one key area: expression. The action scenes are fine and the menacing vampires are good but the character's faces and reactions sell this story very well. The issue lacks a lot of backgrounds and if that was by design it was unnecessary because the characters stood out regardless. The art was a great companion to the story.
American Vampire is one of the very best series month in and month out. The comic book has a wealth of characters and it presents storylines that cross generations. I'm not sure how this will all play out if one of the main characters dies but we may find that out after this issue. This issue is very good but if you were hoping for a big vampire fight you'll find yourself a little disappointed. Don't be mislead, this is a must read issue and series.
4 out of 5 Geek Goggles
