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American Vampire #5
American Vampire, Vol. 5
A New York Times best seller!
In the first story, series mainstays Skinner Sweet, Pearl and company return to Hollywood in the '50s during the Red Scare. In a time where America was on the lookout for the next Communist threat, was the real danger something far more insidious? A major turning point in American Vampire lore begins here!
In the second tale, familiar face and vampire hunter Felicia Book is "retired" from vampire hunting when she gets called back into action to track down and kill the most powerful vampire of all time. The hunt takes our heroes through post-war Europe, behind the Iron Curtain and into the heart of Russia to track this deadly enemy...
Writer Scott Snyder (Batman, Swamp Thing) and artist Rafael Albuquerque bring together even more threads to the complex tapestry that is the world of American Vampire.
Collecting: American Vampire 28-34, American Vampire: Lord of Nightmares 1-5
In the first story, series mainstays Skinner Sweet, Pearl and company return to Hollywood in the '50s during the Red Scare. In a time where America was on the lookout for the next Communist threat, was the real danger something far more insidious? A major turning point in American Vampire lore begins here!
In the second tale, familiar face and vampire hunter Felicia Book is "retired" from vampire hunting when she gets called back into action to track down and kill the most powerful vampire of all time. The hunt takes our heroes through post-war Europe, behind the Iron Curtain and into the heart of Russia to track this deadly enemy...
Writer Scott Snyder (Batman, Swamp Thing) and artist Rafael Albuquerque bring together even more threads to the complex tapestry that is the world of American Vampire.
Collecting: American Vampire 28-34, American Vampire: Lord of Nightmares 1-5
243 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2011
100 people are currently reading
2010 people want to read
About the author
Scott Snyder
1,780 books5,124 followersScott Snyder is the Eisner and Harvey Award winning writer on DC Comics Batman, Swamp Thing, and his original series for Vertigo, American Vampire. He is also the author of the short story collection, Voodoo Heart, published by the Dial Press in 2006. The paperback version was published in the summer of 2007.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 278 reviews
September 1, 2022
This was excellent! In fact, it might even be my favorite so far.
I had forgotten a lot of the details of the last few volumes, but it was still pretty easy to follow due to it all being somewhat stand-aloneish stories.
I loved the story with Dracula - especially Felicia and Gus. I can't wait to read more about those two.
Pearl and Henry's story was also just...ohmygod. Some things happen that just blow your mind and break your heart a bit.
Skinner Sweet is back and I'm starting to wonder if he's just bad instead of evil. I can't make up my mind and this volume didn't help me figure it out.
The last bit of the story sees the new Bookkeeper of the Vassals of the Morningstar tracking down a disgraced agent who can see the future. He needs to know who or what the entity known only as The Gray Trader is and what they are trying to do.
That was a creepy story and a great one to end the volume on.
Speaking of, I'm going to go ahead and crack the next volume open.
Recommended.
I had forgotten a lot of the details of the last few volumes, but it was still pretty easy to follow due to it all being somewhat stand-aloneish stories.
I loved the story with Dracula - especially Felicia and Gus. I can't wait to read more about those two.
Pearl and Henry's story was also just...ohmygod. Some things happen that just blow your mind and break your heart a bit.
Skinner Sweet is back and I'm starting to wonder if he's just bad instead of evil. I can't make up my mind and this volume didn't help me figure it out.
The last bit of the story sees the new Bookkeeper of the Vassals of the Morningstar tracking down a disgraced agent who can see the future. He needs to know who or what the entity known only as The Gray Trader is and what they are trying to do.
That was a creepy story and a great one to end the volume on.
Speaking of, I'm going to go ahead and crack the next volume open.
Recommended.
November 8, 2022
The last of the truly great Vertigo titles. In volume 5, we get two concurrent stories. In the first one, Agent Hobbes is in Europe with Felicia Book and Gus trying to stop the return of Count Dracula. In the 1800's, the Carpathian vampires rose and when Drac came on the scene he could mind control every one of them within a thousand miles. At first it was seen as a good thing as he started wiping out all of the older vampires. But then he started going after humans and started wiping whole areas off the map before he was finally stopped. Now he's been rescued and a faction is trying to return him to the King of the Vampires. Dustin Nguyen is on art for this miniseries and does a great job.
Then over in the main book, Henry and Pearl head back to Hollywood when they are attacked. Bloch seems to be back in charge of the Hollywood coven and has big things planned. Meanwhile Skinner Sweet has been forced to work for the DMS do to a device in his chest. Lots of great twists and turns along with plenty of poignant moments. The last issue is a great introduction for the Gray Trader who becomes the big bad of the back half of this series.
Then over in the main book, Henry and Pearl head back to Hollywood when they are attacked. Bloch seems to be back in charge of the Hollywood coven and has big things planned. Meanwhile Skinner Sweet has been forced to work for the DMS do to a device in his chest. Lots of great twists and turns along with plenty of poignant moments. The last issue is a great introduction for the Gray Trader who becomes the big bad of the back half of this series.
August 11, 2016
As usual, Scott Snyder's American Vampire continues to kick ass with its gritty, unique take on the vampire mythos.
In this collection, we're given two complete story lines and the teaser for a third. In the first two, there's a return to some of my favorite characters in the series. While I enjoy how Snyder continues to branch out by exploring different time periods in American history, as well as the humans and vampires that inhabit them, the characters of Skinner Sweet, Pearl Jones, and Felicia Book will always be my favorites.
In the first story, Felicia Book is reluctantly drawn back into The Vassals of the Morning Star when a vampiric threat targets her son. But this isn't just any vampire; this is Dracula, the Carpathian king who has lain dormant in the VMS stronghold until freed by the Russians. Of the two stories, this was my favorite as we witness Snyder seamlessly blend the Dracula myth into the world of American Vampire. My one complaint, however, is that the ending is abrupt and somewhat anti-climatic, but this gives me hope that maybe this story isn't as finished as Felicia believes.
The second story returns to Pearl Jones, the vampire whose husband, Henry, hangs between life and death after the events in volume 4. In an attempt to save him (and in a story line that somewhat mirrors that of Felicia Book), Pearl agrees to work for the VMS hunting down vampires who may be hiding in the homes of the Hollywood elite (giving an ironic twist to the "Red Scare" of the time period). This is not an easy decision for Pearl as she must team up with the ruthless, sadistic vampire who turned her--Skinner Sweet. Witnessing Pearl grapple with her feelings for Henry and coming to terms with his mortality is one of the strengths of this arc.
Finally, we have the third story, which does little more than return us to Abilena Book, mother of Felicia, and a new threat known only as The Gray Trader. Because this issue was published before American Vampire went on hiatus, we'll have to wait for its return in March 2014 to know precisely what this threat is, but there's no doubt that Abilena hasn't settled into old age and she's ready to rumble.
Overall, this is a strong collection and I continue to be impressed with Snyder's ability to weave all of these arcs into a story that moves the vampire out of the tired European conventions and into a story as vast and open to possibilities as the American West.
Cross posted at This Insignificant Cinder
In this collection, we're given two complete story lines and the teaser for a third. In the first two, there's a return to some of my favorite characters in the series. While I enjoy how Snyder continues to branch out by exploring different time periods in American history, as well as the humans and vampires that inhabit them, the characters of Skinner Sweet, Pearl Jones, and Felicia Book will always be my favorites.
In the first story, Felicia Book is reluctantly drawn back into The Vassals of the Morning Star when a vampiric threat targets her son. But this isn't just any vampire; this is Dracula, the Carpathian king who has lain dormant in the VMS stronghold until freed by the Russians. Of the two stories, this was my favorite as we witness Snyder seamlessly blend the Dracula myth into the world of American Vampire. My one complaint, however, is that the ending is abrupt and somewhat anti-climatic, but this gives me hope that maybe this story isn't as finished as Felicia believes.
The second story returns to Pearl Jones, the vampire whose husband, Henry, hangs between life and death after the events in volume 4. In an attempt to save him (and in a story line that somewhat mirrors that of Felicia Book), Pearl agrees to work for the VMS hunting down vampires who may be hiding in the homes of the Hollywood elite (giving an ironic twist to the "Red Scare" of the time period). This is not an easy decision for Pearl as she must team up with the ruthless, sadistic vampire who turned her--Skinner Sweet. Witnessing Pearl grapple with her feelings for Henry and coming to terms with his mortality is one of the strengths of this arc.
Finally, we have the third story, which does little more than return us to Abilena Book, mother of Felicia, and a new threat known only as The Gray Trader. Because this issue was published before American Vampire went on hiatus, we'll have to wait for its return in March 2014 to know precisely what this threat is, but there's no doubt that Abilena hasn't settled into old age and she's ready to rumble.
Overall, this is a strong collection and I continue to be impressed with Snyder's ability to weave all of these arcs into a story that moves the vampire out of the tired European conventions and into a story as vast and open to possibilities as the American West.
Cross posted at This Insignificant Cinder
July 18, 2020
In American Vampire: Lord of Vampires, Hobbes convinces Felicia (with Gus) to take on... Count Dracula! At the same time to combat the coven that tried to kill Henry, Pearl finds herself working with the Vassals, Calvin and another American Vampire! The series is beginning to get a nice buzz going. 7.5 out of 12.
April 6, 2023
Aaaaand WE'RE BACK BABY!!! Reading again, with my partner in vamp-crime, miss Kadjulika P. Vampface!!!
Woooooh did Dustin Nguyen's art make a hyperjump from his work here in 2011 to his Descendererer work or WHAT - I mean, it's recognisable as Nguyen's work (we can see the seeds of Descenderbotface), but it's also not very good!
I literally can't remember what the story was. YES, this is because I'm frightfully old (although not neaaaarly as old as Anne!!), but moreso because I find it really hard to care about anyone in these stories.
And that is especially true for Pearl and Skinner. I'm done with those two. So booooring. And a forced tryst between Pearlie and Skinner, which felt like it came out of nowhere and only happened because That's What Happens In Stories.
BYE!!!!!
Woooooh did Dustin Nguyen's art make a hyperjump from his work here in 2011 to his Descendererer work or WHAT - I mean, it's recognisable as Nguyen's work (we can see the seeds of Descenderbotface), but it's also not very good!
I literally can't remember what the story was. YES, this is because I'm frightfully old (although not neaaaarly as old as Anne!!), but moreso because I find it really hard to care about anyone in these stories.
And that is especially true for Pearl and Skinner. I'm done with those two. So booooring. And a forced tryst between Pearlie and Skinner, which felt like it came out of nowhere and only happened because That's What Happens In Stories.
BYE!!!!!
November 8, 2019
This is becoming one of my favorite graphic novels. I love the artwork, the storyline (although sometimes feels cliche), the characters, and has the right amount of gore without going overboard. So good!
January 27, 2019
Vamptastic! My favorite issue thus far.
Storylines include:
Dracula vs. Agent Hobbes and the marginalized Firsts Resistance
Agent Book, Gus, and the new regime at VMS.
Abilena Book, expelled member of VMS and new prophet.
The vengeful return of Hattie Hargrove.
And my favorite, Pearl and Skinner Sweet teaming up to kick ass. Sweet has plans, so many plans.
I’ll leave you with this delicious 18+ Spoiler!
December 22, 2020
Spoiler free review of volumes 1-6, for spoilers visit: https://amanjareads.com/2020/12/16/am...
American Vampire is a graphic novel series that claims to bring horror back to the vampire genre. In my opinion, it failed. It's not scary and worst of all it's not that interesting.
I'm not a huge vampire fan to begin with. I think the whole genre is completely exhausted. There are a few notable exceptions like my favorite classic Buffy, and modern takes like the incredibly disturbing movie The Transfiguration. But traditional vampires are boring anymore. There's nothing left to discuss.
Seriously, how many ways can you spice up this old trope?! Let's move on!
American Vampire works off the premise that there are several species of vamps and the American ones are the newest and most dangerous. They threaten the way of life for the old school vamps who prey on young women and can't come out in the daylight. American vampires are bigger, faster, stronger, smarter, and blend into society better.
The whole series reads more like an anthology than one coherent story. It hops around through key points in American history but forgot to make me care about any of it. I didn't care about the main characters at all. They were underwritten and lacked a focused conflict.
The art is good and has some really fun monster designes but that's not enough to make it a desireable read. Overall, it commits the greatest sin of being boring. It's a very meh book.
Meh books are the worst to write reviews for. If I love something I can praise it for pages. If I hate something I enjoy laying out my argument for why it's bad. But for a graphic novel like American Vampire all there really is to say is meh.
If you really love vampires. Like love anything and everything vampy, this might be more fun for you. But for most of us I think it has done little to reinvent the genre or stand out amongst the dozens and dozens of simiar stories already out there.
American Vampire is a graphic novel series that claims to bring horror back to the vampire genre. In my opinion, it failed. It's not scary and worst of all it's not that interesting.
I'm not a huge vampire fan to begin with. I think the whole genre is completely exhausted. There are a few notable exceptions like my favorite classic Buffy, and modern takes like the incredibly disturbing movie The Transfiguration. But traditional vampires are boring anymore. There's nothing left to discuss.
Seriously, how many ways can you spice up this old trope?! Let's move on!
American Vampire works off the premise that there are several species of vamps and the American ones are the newest and most dangerous. They threaten the way of life for the old school vamps who prey on young women and can't come out in the daylight. American vampires are bigger, faster, stronger, smarter, and blend into society better.
The whole series reads more like an anthology than one coherent story. It hops around through key points in American history but forgot to make me care about any of it. I didn't care about the main characters at all. They were underwritten and lacked a focused conflict.
The art is good and has some really fun monster designes but that's not enough to make it a desireable read. Overall, it commits the greatest sin of being boring. It's a very meh book.
Meh books are the worst to write reviews for. If I love something I can praise it for pages. If I hate something I enjoy laying out my argument for why it's bad. But for a graphic novel like American Vampire all there really is to say is meh.
If you really love vampires. Like love anything and everything vampy, this might be more fun for you. But for most of us I think it has done little to reinvent the genre or stand out amongst the dozens and dozens of simiar stories already out there.
July 25, 2019
This ties up some big storylines that have been happening in a very satisfying way.
The first half of the book focuses on Felicia and sadly her push back into the hunt of vampires. It's a sad tale, one of being forced into a life you never want, but one that is given to you. But this closes up a big storyline as well as settles mysterious on certain characters. Second half is about Pearl and her revenge for what has happened to her husband. On top of that Skinner has returned but maybe not how you'd expect.
This is really pretty damn good. I loved all the stuff with pearl and her growth as a character has been great. The stuff with Felicia is just as good and her growth as a character is amazing. Skinner is still one of my favorite guys to hate yet always enjoy reading. Last but not least the art is still great.
Overall some great stuff. This might be the best volume yet. A 4.5 out of 5.
The first half of the book focuses on Felicia and sadly her push back into the hunt of vampires. It's a sad tale, one of being forced into a life you never want, but one that is given to you. But this closes up a big storyline as well as settles mysterious on certain characters. Second half is about Pearl and her revenge for what has happened to her husband. On top of that Skinner has returned but maybe not how you'd expect.
This is really pretty damn good. I loved all the stuff with pearl and her growth as a character has been great. The stuff with Felicia is just as good and her growth as a character is amazing. Skinner is still one of my favorite guys to hate yet always enjoy reading. Last but not least the art is still great.
Overall some great stuff. This might be the best volume yet. A 4.5 out of 5.
November 1, 2022
Probably my favourite volume so far. From the Dracula storyline, which was so fun, to the inevitable (yet unexpected in terms of the how and why) team up of Sweet and Pearl. There's the conclusion to the love story of Pearl and Henry, which was excellent - I've been unsure since the start whether she would leave him as a human or not, and I have to say I'm glad she did.
Sweet is still terrible, yet he displays flashes of something... More, though I'm not sure what. I can't help loving him a little bit (sometimes quite a bit) despite his appalling actions and deranged personality. Does he love Pearl? Is he even capable of love? Why do I care?!
The setup from the final issue was excellent - I will be starting the next one right away!
Sweet is still terrible, yet he displays flashes of something... More, though I'm not sure what. I can't help loving him a little bit (sometimes quite a bit) despite his appalling actions and deranged personality. Does he love Pearl? Is he even capable of love? Why do I care?!
The setup from the final issue was excellent - I will be starting the next one right away!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 8, 2013
A really good volume, but not without its weaknesses. There are three storylines here. The first introduces Dracula. Because can you really build a new vampire mythos without dealing with Dracula? (Probably, but I bet it's more fun if you do.) The buildup to Dracula as a formidable enemy is built up very nicely, and I was very nervous for the protagonists when they finally caught up to him. Sadly, the follow through didn't match that build up. That said, the more human (if you will) story of Felicia Book and her "son" is definitely the focus. Which is good, because it is a good story. And I'll be interested to see where this will lead the Vassals of the Morning Star in issues to come.
The second story brings us back to Pearl and Henry. Henry has been attacked and nearly killed by vampires, and Pearl is going to help the VMS take them down. And Sweet, who is also working for the VMS, will help her. Now, this was a good story, because it was carried by Pearl and her emotions, especially her feelings for Henry. A few weak spots, but overall a great episode in Pearl's life, with a very effective ending.
The last story is very short, more of a teaser for what will probably come in the next book. It brings back Abilena Book, Felicia's mother. Apparently, she has some prophetic abilities now. It also hints at a new character, The Gray Trader. Whatever he is, he feels like bad news. I liked getting a little tease to get me excited about the next volume.
As a whole, this is mostly a really good volume in the American Vampire series. Not surprising, since American Vampire has been consistently good, creative and creepy in equal measure. I am very much looking forward to seeing more of this.
The second story brings us back to Pearl and Henry. Henry has been attacked and nearly killed by vampires, and Pearl is going to help the VMS take them down. And Sweet, who is also working for the VMS, will help her. Now, this was a good story, because it was carried by Pearl and her emotions, especially her feelings for Henry. A few weak spots, but overall a great episode in Pearl's life, with a very effective ending.
The last story is very short, more of a teaser for what will probably come in the next book. It brings back Abilena Book, Felicia's mother. Apparently, she has some prophetic abilities now. It also hints at a new character, The Gray Trader. Whatever he is, he feels like bad news. I liked getting a little tease to get me excited about the next volume.
As a whole, this is mostly a really good volume in the American Vampire series. Not surprising, since American Vampire has been consistently good, creative and creepy in equal measure. I am very much looking forward to seeing more of this.
March 21, 2016
American Vampire concludes the Pearl/Skinner sweet storyline (or does it?) with this tale called the Blacklist. The real Black List occurred during the 1950's when the House Unamerican Activities Committee (HUAC) went hunting for Communists in Hollywood. In the story, however, the Vassals of the Morning Star (VMS) is looking for vampires. Bringing Pearl's story full circle to the start of the series-she returns to Hollywood to look for Bloch, the vampire who attacked her in the very first story and his coven. It seems his coven has managed to find a hiding place amongst the Hollywood crowd. Pearl teams up with Skinner to hunt down and destroy the coven that attacked and nearly killed her husband Henry. It seems the tale ends, but there was a single issue at the end that implies there is something else going on. I can only assume that there is a second series after American Vampire. As much as I enjoyed the series, and even grew to sort-of like Albequerqe's artwork I shall most assuredly try to find it and read it. If you are a vampire fan I suggest you do the same.
July 9, 2016
4.5 stars
The two story arcs contained in this trade contain most of the things that I love about this series. Scott Snyder's writing is on point, as is the art from both Nguyen and Albuquerque. Overall, the story arcs are creepy and atmospheric with strong human emotional elements, and nearly every beloved character makes an appearance. The last issue contained in the volume also sets up the next story arc in a way that makes me anticipate an enjoyable horde horror story.
The two story arcs contained in this trade contain most of the things that I love about this series. Scott Snyder's writing is on point, as is the art from both Nguyen and Albuquerque. Overall, the story arcs are creepy and atmospheric with strong human emotional elements, and nearly every beloved character makes an appearance. The last issue contained in the volume also sets up the next story arc in a way that makes me anticipate an enjoyable horde horror story.
April 3, 2023
(Buddy read with Alex Funsucker)
*More like 3.5 stars than 3.*
I like this comic series. I really do; enough that I keep dragging my buddy reader along with me whilst I read them. But my problem with it has been and remains to be that there’s a significant lack of the titular character in each volume. The comic is named after the American Vampire, yet Skinner Sweet appears for only 31% of this volume. That’s less than half the pages, and yes, I actually calculated it. And no, that’s not enough Skinner Sweet.
Usually, these volumes contain throwaway filler stories that frustrate me to no end, but thankfully this volume is rare in that both stories included actually tied directly into the main plot, with Felicia and Gus’ story occurring adjacent to the main Skinner and Pearl story. In fact, the events of the Felicia story were discussed in the Skinner story which was nice to see. However, the blurb did me dirty. It made me expect that we’d see Skinner’s story first and then Felicia’s as that’s how it describes the volume, however, the opposite is true. You have to endure more than 100 pages of the Felicia story before you even get a whiff of Skinner. And that was a problem because the latter was clearly the superior of the two, in terms of writing, engagingness, and art. Dustin Nguyen’s art has clearly improved a vast amount since this old comic because here he did not shine. And put his art next to Albuquerque’s and you’re laughing. Albuquerque’s was vaguer in expressions yet so much more expressive; his art just worked for the roughness of the vampires and coupled with the fantastic colours it especially worked for the star of the comic, Pearl.
Speaking of Pearl, she shone in this volume, but to be fair to her character, she does in every volume she’s in. But she shone even more than Skinner here which is surprising because he has always been a real scene-stealer. Her character growth and range of emotions gave you something to actually engage with beyond vampire bravado and an inordinate amount of head-slashing.
The setting was just fine. Not to be punny but it pretty much sunk itself into the background in that it definitely didn’t stand out like previous volume’s settings and it didn’t really have much effect on the plot. The time in particular was detailed in the blurb as though the 1950s Red Scare was going to thematically make its way into the plot. But apart from one mention of communism, this could’ve been set during any time. There’s nothing particularly wrong with that, it’s just that I’ve seen the storyline effuse the time period so well in past volumes so it’s more noticeable when it fails to do so here.
Whilst the plot rapped things up neatly, it did leave a little carrot dangling above you at the end to push you onto the next volume, but the hints of what were to come next were too vague for me to make sense of and I felt as though they’d be lost on most readers. It would work to intrigue you but it messed with the completeness of the overall volume and made for a strange change of pace at the end. I suppose the only remedy to that is to give in and read another volume.
*More like 3.5 stars than 3.*
I like this comic series. I really do; enough that I keep dragging my buddy reader along with me whilst I read them. But my problem with it has been and remains to be that there’s a significant lack of the titular character in each volume. The comic is named after the American Vampire, yet Skinner Sweet appears for only 31% of this volume. That’s less than half the pages, and yes, I actually calculated it. And no, that’s not enough Skinner Sweet.
Usually, these volumes contain throwaway filler stories that frustrate me to no end, but thankfully this volume is rare in that both stories included actually tied directly into the main plot, with Felicia and Gus’ story occurring adjacent to the main Skinner and Pearl story. In fact, the events of the Felicia story were discussed in the Skinner story which was nice to see. However, the blurb did me dirty. It made me expect that we’d see Skinner’s story first and then Felicia’s as that’s how it describes the volume, however, the opposite is true. You have to endure more than 100 pages of the Felicia story before you even get a whiff of Skinner. And that was a problem because the latter was clearly the superior of the two, in terms of writing, engagingness, and art. Dustin Nguyen’s art has clearly improved a vast amount since this old comic because here he did not shine. And put his art next to Albuquerque’s and you’re laughing. Albuquerque’s was vaguer in expressions yet so much more expressive; his art just worked for the roughness of the vampires and coupled with the fantastic colours it especially worked for the star of the comic, Pearl.
Speaking of Pearl, she shone in this volume, but to be fair to her character, she does in every volume she’s in. But she shone even more than Skinner here which is surprising because he has always been a real scene-stealer. Her character growth and range of emotions gave you something to actually engage with beyond vampire bravado and an inordinate amount of head-slashing.
The setting was just fine. Not to be punny but it pretty much sunk itself into the background in that it definitely didn’t stand out like previous volume’s settings and it didn’t really have much effect on the plot. The time in particular was detailed in the blurb as though the 1950s Red Scare was going to thematically make its way into the plot. But apart from one mention of communism, this could’ve been set during any time. There’s nothing particularly wrong with that, it’s just that I’ve seen the storyline effuse the time period so well in past volumes so it’s more noticeable when it fails to do so here.
Whilst the plot rapped things up neatly, it did leave a little carrot dangling above you at the end to push you onto the next volume, but the hints of what were to come next were too vague for me to make sense of and I felt as though they’d be lost on most readers. It would work to intrigue you but it messed with the completeness of the overall volume and made for a strange change of pace at the end. I suppose the only remedy to that is to give in and read another volume.
April 22, 2019
Oh yes, vol 5 is still strong. And scary AF. I enjoyed this volume tremendously. Skinner Sweet never disappoints with his cruel secrets, Pearl struggles with leading normal, off-the-grid life and on top of it all the Russian have some business with the one and only Carpathian - Dracula. It was gruesome and entertaining.
April 9, 2014
Volume 5 of this series breaks the tradition so far of setting each book in a different era. Here we are still in the 1950s, and with two tales that are both being told concurrently.
In the first story, we find ourselves in London in 1954, where Agent Hobbes is a witness to a bold scheme to free the most dangerous vampire of all, using a submarine to blow a hole into the London base of the Vassals of the Morning Star, hidden in the piers beneath London Bridge. From there, a trip to Paris to meet former Agent Felicia Book and her young adopted son Gus. Then, it's a wild train ride through the snows of Russia, then an explosive boat journey to Romania. Along the way, we meet Soviet agents, some very old vampires, and get to know Agent Hobbes back story .
For a story that not only involves Dracula, but also manages to pull in Jack the Ripper, submarine attacks, a vampire resistance, and Reds under the bed, I found this story curiously unengaging. There seemed to be too much travelling and curious jumps from one location to another. There was some nice imagery in some of the panels (blood on snow), but it wasn't enough to be truly great. Apart from one one significant death, and the emergence of Gus's powers, there seems to be little of real consequence occurring in this story.
The second story is much better, as it takes us back to Pearl's story. In the last book, her husband Henry has been critically injured by vampires, and Pearl is forced to seek the help of the VMS in Los Angeles. Teamed up with her maker Skinner Sweet (here controlled by a device that can kill him remotely if he misbehaves), they cut a swathe through the Hollywood elite that the VMS suspects is hiding a coven of vampires, only for Pearl to find that the stakes are higher than she thought possible. The story here takes Pearl back full circle to her origins, and features a shock appearance by someone who was once close to her but is now her implacable enemy. The real spanner in the works is Sweet though, as he is playing his own agenda which not only leads him to betray everyone but also . Sweet is both at his best and his worst in this story, and for the first time I think I am warming to him as a character. He is a trickster figure who forces change wherever he goes, and you don't have to necessarily like him for this to work as a theme for the series.
There is an epilogue where we encounter Abilena Book (Felicia's mother) now an old woman in hiding after being thrown out of the VMS for trying to kill Skinner Sweet. A meeting with a VMS agent brings more questions than answers - who is the Gray Trader, what does Abilena see in her visions(caused by being bitten but not being turned by an American Vampire)and why is she seeing Travis Kidd from the last volume in those visions? Who does she have locked in her cellar? (It's clearly a vampire of some kind but if it is someone we already know, it isn't made clear). These are questions that will no doubt answered in the next book.
2 1/2 stars for the first story, 4 1/2 stars for the second, 4 stars for the epilogue.
In the first story, we find ourselves in London in 1954, where Agent Hobbes is a witness to a bold scheme to free the most dangerous vampire of all, using a submarine to blow a hole into the London base of the Vassals of the Morning Star, hidden in the piers beneath London Bridge. From there, a trip to Paris to meet former Agent Felicia Book and her young adopted son Gus. Then, it's a wild train ride through the snows of Russia, then an explosive boat journey to Romania. Along the way, we meet Soviet agents, some very old vampires, and get to know Agent Hobbes back story .
For a story that not only involves Dracula, but also manages to pull in Jack the Ripper, submarine attacks, a vampire resistance, and Reds under the bed, I found this story curiously unengaging. There seemed to be too much travelling and curious jumps from one location to another. There was some nice imagery in some of the panels (blood on snow), but it wasn't enough to be truly great. Apart from one one significant death, and the emergence of Gus's powers, there seems to be little of real consequence occurring in this story.
The second story is much better, as it takes us back to Pearl's story. In the last book, her husband Henry has been critically injured by vampires, and Pearl is forced to seek the help of the VMS in Los Angeles. Teamed up with her maker Skinner Sweet (here controlled by a device that can kill him remotely if he misbehaves), they cut a swathe through the Hollywood elite that the VMS suspects is hiding a coven of vampires, only for Pearl to find that the stakes are higher than she thought possible. The story here takes Pearl back full circle to her origins, and features a shock appearance by someone who was once close to her but is now her implacable enemy. The real spanner in the works is Sweet though, as he is playing his own agenda which not only leads him to betray everyone but also . Sweet is both at his best and his worst in this story, and for the first time I think I am warming to him as a character. He is a trickster figure who forces change wherever he goes, and you don't have to necessarily like him for this to work as a theme for the series.
There is an epilogue where we encounter Abilena Book (Felicia's mother) now an old woman in hiding after being thrown out of the VMS for trying to kill Skinner Sweet. A meeting with a VMS agent brings more questions than answers - who is the Gray Trader, what does Abilena see in her visions(caused by being bitten but not being turned by an American Vampire)and why is she seeing Travis Kidd from the last volume in those visions? Who does she have locked in her cellar? (It's clearly a vampire of some kind but if it is someone we already know, it isn't made clear). These are questions that will no doubt answered in the next book.
2 1/2 stars for the first story, 4 1/2 stars for the second, 4 stars for the epilogue.
November 16, 2015
This was another great addition to the American Vampire mythos. I really enjoyed this one, especially the first story arc.
This volume is made up of two distinct concurrent story-arcs. The first one comprises the 5-issue miniseries "Lord of Nightmares." Retired vampire hunter Felicia Book is living in hiding with her son until VMS Agent Linden Hobbes stumbles into their lives. He brings the disturbing news that an ancient faction of the vampire world is attempting to revive the original king of the undead. This story was intense, and had a great ending.
The second tale is comprises monthly issues #28-34. Pearl Jones returns to Hollywood in the 1950s. It's a tumultuous time in American history where everyone is on the lookout for Red Communists. Unbeknownst to “normal” people, the real danger comes from the vampires who secretly pull the strings of high society and the entertainment industry. In a surprise and welcome twist, Pearl is called back into duty to fight side-by-side with a new agent – Skinner Sweet.
Scott Snyder spins intricate tales that remind me of soap operas where anyone can return from the dead (especially a “dead” vampire!). The reader never knows what characters are going to pop back up.
Artists Rafael Albuquerque and Dustin Nguyen continue their outstanding work, creating panels that are simply mesmerizing. Their style isn’t precise, but it is perfect for American Vampire. This volume also contains 14 pages of extra material consisting of variant covers, cover sketches, and character designs, by Greg Capullo, Dave Johnson, Francesco Francavilla, Jock, Dustin Nguyen, and Rafael Albuquerque.
This volume is made up of two distinct concurrent story-arcs. The first one comprises the 5-issue miniseries "Lord of Nightmares." Retired vampire hunter Felicia Book is living in hiding with her son until VMS Agent Linden Hobbes stumbles into their lives. He brings the disturbing news that an ancient faction of the vampire world is attempting to revive the original king of the undead. This story was intense, and had a great ending.
The second tale is comprises monthly issues #28-34. Pearl Jones returns to Hollywood in the 1950s. It's a tumultuous time in American history where everyone is on the lookout for Red Communists. Unbeknownst to “normal” people, the real danger comes from the vampires who secretly pull the strings of high society and the entertainment industry. In a surprise and welcome twist, Pearl is called back into duty to fight side-by-side with a new agent – Skinner Sweet.
Scott Snyder spins intricate tales that remind me of soap operas where anyone can return from the dead (especially a “dead” vampire!). The reader never knows what characters are going to pop back up.
Artists Rafael Albuquerque and Dustin Nguyen continue their outstanding work, creating panels that are simply mesmerizing. Their style isn’t precise, but it is perfect for American Vampire. This volume also contains 14 pages of extra material consisting of variant covers, cover sketches, and character designs, by Greg Capullo, Dave Johnson, Francesco Francavilla, Jock, Dustin Nguyen, and Rafael Albuquerque.
June 26, 2018
This is the first volume that really kind of slowed down for me. It's is not a bad comic, it's not a bad story and it's still totally worth checking out. For me personally: it felt like Snyder was trying to tie up some things for wherever this is going next and set up the next big baddie for this story - all without the usual intensity this title brings. That's not to say that there aren't still a couple surprises and some decent Vampire slayings. I can say the end of this book left my interest piqued and something strange and new is on the horizon. I just don't know that this book had the emotional weight for me that it was clearly intended to.
November 3, 2014
Good continuation of this series. The start was exciting,but it got a little dry near the end. Nice art,and great covers.
May 22, 2013
Just when you think this series can't get any better, another volume is released and blows the previous ones out of the water.
Collecting both The Blacklist and the Lord of Nightmares mini-series which ran parallel, this fifth volume ups the ante even further, with plot twists and culminations of years of stories as the first half of this series comes to a close. We even get a glimpse of the future with The Grey Trader issue bringing up the rear.
The artwork from Dustin Nguyen is so very versatile, adapting to the story needs without faltering, whilst Rafael Albuquerque's visceral style is perfect for the main story. Both artists are excellent and help sell the story with ease.
If you're not already reading American Vampire, there's no better time, with volumes 1-5 all available now to catch up before the series resumes next year. And trust me, you're going to want to - these are.not Bram Stoker's vampires, and they are definitely not Stephanie Meyer's.
Collecting both The Blacklist and the Lord of Nightmares mini-series which ran parallel, this fifth volume ups the ante even further, with plot twists and culminations of years of stories as the first half of this series comes to a close. We even get a glimpse of the future with The Grey Trader issue bringing up the rear.
The artwork from Dustin Nguyen is so very versatile, adapting to the story needs without faltering, whilst Rafael Albuquerque's visceral style is perfect for the main story. Both artists are excellent and help sell the story with ease.
If you're not already reading American Vampire, there's no better time, with volumes 1-5 all available now to catch up before the series resumes next year. And trust me, you're going to want to - these are.not Bram Stoker's vampires, and they are definitely not Stephanie Meyer's.
October 29, 2015
I have some really strong, mixed feelings about this one.
On the one hand the Dracula arc was pretty strong, however, it ended weakly.
For once, most of the guest artists were really good.
And on one hand, this is probably one of the, if not THE, first time a comic book/graphic novel has ever made me cry.
However, that sadness is immediately weakened. Right after a certain character dies, that should've been the end of the volume. BUT they introduce a new plot line as soon as that sad one ends. A plot line that is not finished and fully contained in this volume. So, I thought that was a weak point with the narrative flow.
BUT all said and done, this series is really good and although not the best thing I've ever read, it's certainly worth the time it takes.
And Skinner Sweet is still an asshole.
On the one hand the Dracula arc was pretty strong, however, it ended weakly.
For once, most of the guest artists were really good.
And on one hand, this is probably one of the, if not THE, first time a comic book/graphic novel has ever made me cry.
However, that sadness is immediately weakened. Right after a certain character dies, that should've been the end of the volume. BUT they introduce a new plot line as soon as that sad one ends. A plot line that is not finished and fully contained in this volume. So, I thought that was a weak point with the narrative flow.
BUT all said and done, this series is really good and although not the best thing I've ever read, it's certainly worth the time it takes.
And Skinner Sweet is still an asshole.
March 23, 2018
4.5 Stars
This may have been my favorite volume so far. The first storyline featured Pearl, Skinner Sweet and the VMS battling a returning familiar foe. Unfortunately we also lose a major character in this storyline. The second one features Dracula (I kinda thought he may turn eventually) and once again we lose a character but its a very dramatic battle as we find out just how evil and powerful Dracula is in the American Vampire Universe. The art was good as always. The series really seemed to hit its stride with this volume.
This may have been my favorite volume so far. The first storyline featured Pearl, Skinner Sweet and the VMS battling a returning familiar foe. Unfortunately we also lose a major character in this storyline. The second one features Dracula (I kinda thought he may turn eventually) and once again we lose a character but its a very dramatic battle as we find out just how evil and powerful Dracula is in the American Vampire Universe. The art was good as always. The series really seemed to hit its stride with this volume.
March 17, 2016
Count Dracula. What else would you like to know. Pearl oh yeah she's in this too.
September 9, 2018
Why on earth did I wait so long to keep reading this series?? Loved it 5 stars just ordered the next one.
April 27, 2014
This TPB Collect Scott Snyder and Rafael Albuquerque's run on this series before the title went on hiatus because of Snyder's other writing comments (it has since returned first with short stories and now the monthly series).
Snyder continues his interesting take on the vampire myth. There are several strains of vampirism, something similar to Jim Butcher's treatment in his Dresden Files books. Here vampires in attacking Western outlaw Skinner Sweet created a new strain of vampire, American Vampires who are immune to the effects of sunlight but are vulnerable to gold.
Snyder, much like Mick Farren and Joss Whedon (per Whedon's comments) treats vampires as monsters not overly angsty characters or overtly sexual creatures whom you want to have sex with Skinner is always out for himself and the second half of this volumes details that wonderfully. I know I have said that Snyder's ideas reference others, but this series is very original in its own right.
There are two stories collected her, but they run parallel to each other. Both feature agents from the Vassals of the Morningstar (vampire hunters) and take place in the 1950s. The first, in Europe, gives an interesting and perhaps chilling take on Dracula. A disastrous affair in London leads VMS agent Hobbes to talk Felicia Book out of retirement to trace down Dracula and his agents.
At the same time in Los Angeles an attack on Pearl, a vampire, human husband Henry leads her to working for the VMS and with Skinner Sweet (and another disaster).
The end of this TPB drops hints as to future story lines Snyder plans. Where this series started small, it appears that it could be headed to an epic conclusion when Snyder completes it.
Snyder continues his interesting take on the vampire myth. There are several strains of vampirism, something similar to Jim Butcher's treatment in his Dresden Files books. Here vampires in attacking Western outlaw Skinner Sweet created a new strain of vampire, American Vampires who are immune to the effects of sunlight but are vulnerable to gold.
Snyder, much like Mick Farren and Joss Whedon (per Whedon's comments) treats vampires as monsters not overly angsty characters or overtly sexual creatures whom you want to have sex with Skinner is always out for himself and the second half of this volumes details that wonderfully. I know I have said that Snyder's ideas reference others, but this series is very original in its own right.
There are two stories collected her, but they run parallel to each other. Both feature agents from the Vassals of the Morningstar (vampire hunters) and take place in the 1950s. The first, in Europe, gives an interesting and perhaps chilling take on Dracula. A disastrous affair in London leads VMS agent Hobbes to talk Felicia Book out of retirement to trace down Dracula and his agents.
At the same time in Los Angeles an attack on Pearl, a vampire, human husband Henry leads her to working for the VMS and with Skinner Sweet (and another disaster).
The end of this TPB drops hints as to future story lines Snyder plans. Where this series started small, it appears that it could be headed to an epic conclusion when Snyder completes it.
July 26, 2022
The fourth American Vampire volume found Scott Snyder more interested in playing with his toys than furthering the overarching plot. Fortunately, he completely turns things around with the thrilling fifth volume, possibly my favorite in the series.
Snyder kicks things off with a Hobbes and Felicia adventure to defeat a reborn Dracula, who is quite real and quite terrifying in this universe. Dustin Nguyen's art is superb and the world-traveling plot is breathless. Felicia continues to be my favorite character. It's hard to imagine that a more potent villain than American Vampire's Dracula will be revealed in later volumes.
Fortunately, the back half of the fifth volume is just as fire as the Dracula plot. We return to the cliffhanger from the previous volume: Henry's been attacked by a vampire and is near death! Pearl takes him to the VMS, who, as it turns out, have been employing good ol' Skinner Sweet (still alive!) in an attempt to take down the California coven. Pearl teams up with Skinner to avenge Henry, but the twists pack a (semi-predictable) punch (). The fairly calamitous conclusion seems to suggest a fresh start for American Vampire stories, especially after the final solo issue introducing the Gray Trader. Hmm!!
Snyder kicks things off with a Hobbes and Felicia adventure to defeat a reborn Dracula, who is quite real and quite terrifying in this universe. Dustin Nguyen's art is superb and the world-traveling plot is breathless. Felicia continues to be my favorite character. It's hard to imagine that a more potent villain than American Vampire's Dracula will be revealed in later volumes.
Fortunately, the back half of the fifth volume is just as fire as the Dracula plot. We return to the cliffhanger from the previous volume: Henry's been attacked by a vampire and is near death! Pearl takes him to the VMS, who, as it turns out, have been employing good ol' Skinner Sweet (still alive!) in an attempt to take down the California coven. Pearl teams up with Skinner to avenge Henry, but the twists pack a (semi-predictable) punch (). The fairly calamitous conclusion seems to suggest a fresh start for American Vampire stories, especially after the final solo issue introducing the Gray Trader. Hmm!!
January 27, 2019
This is, so far my most favourite book of AMVAMP. It includes a standalone arc Lord of Terror, which is absolutely awesome and thrilling. It's about one very old vampire, a very powerful one, kept by Vassals in imprisonment for over a century. And this vampire is now being freed. This arc is enclosed, but it resonated in few things in the main storyline. And this book has it categorized in perfect reading order, so you can enjoy it's darkness and gloominess and then jump back to the main line waiting when the consequences of this arc emerge in mainline. And with it, we're going back to Pearl, Henry and Skinner. And this part is a delight too. I really enjoyed the chemistry between Pearl and Henry and especially with Sweet, all the twist and all the thrill. And one merry reunion, which we waited for a long time now. So far in AMVAMP, I enjoyed this book best.
December 31, 2021
Lord of Nightmares. A big change, to push Dracula into the forefront, and it's a strong story that has all the scope that you'd expect from a story about the Lord of the Carpanthians. Nonetheless, Snyder manages to keep the story at a human (more or less) level by focusing on a variety of characters each considering their ultimate sacrifice [4/5].
The Black List. A nice return to Pearl and Skinner that's a crucial plot point in both their lives, all slightly related to the Red Scare, with a lot of action on the side [4/5].
The Gray Trader. This really should have gone in a future (the next?) volume as it's just a setup for a new storyline. Still, it's an intriguing one [4/5].
Overall, a good volume. I'd set aside American Vampire for many years, but am happy to have returned to it at last.
The Black List. A nice return to Pearl and Skinner that's a crucial plot point in both their lives, all slightly related to the Red Scare, with a lot of action on the side [4/5].
The Gray Trader. This really should have gone in a future (the next?) volume as it's just a setup for a new storyline. Still, it's an intriguing one [4/5].
Overall, a good volume. I'd set aside American Vampire for many years, but am happy to have returned to it at last.
December 26, 2018
Snyder, Albuquerque, and Nguyen deliver on three complete arcs set in the late 1950s. The Felicia Book arc is good for Book's character development, but the introduction of Dracula is anti-climatic and feels as if they were setting out Dracula as the big bad but decided to go another route later. Then we return to Pearl Jones' arc as Henry struggles for survival. This leads to Pearl sitting with the Vassals of the Morning Star, but also to my continued frustration with this bloodline: we never get enough time with Pearl and Henry for their love to feel earned. The last story, which completes the first cycle of American Vampire, is the introduction to Felicia's mom, Abilena, another line of vampires, and the Gray Trader, who is the "big bad."
July 12, 2014
Vol. 5 of 6. So not fair to end this volume the way it did. Now I am going to be in suspense until I can get home and get vol 6. This one slowed down in the beginning with the Russian arc but it bult up as it went along. I don't see how this series is about to come to its conclusion (unless I'm wrong about this being only a six volumes). I'm not ready to let go of these characters yet. Pearl, my favorite vampire girl brought a tear to my eye once again. This is turning out to be another favorite.
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