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Grand Vampire #1-4
Vampir
Meet Ferdinand, a vampire who bites his victims with only one tooth in order to pass as a mosquito, who loves the music of dead folk singers, and who has no end of trouble trying to make sense of his relationshipssome with the living, some not.Vampire Loves follows the strangely romantic adventures of Ferdinand and his friends as they flirt, seduce, cheat, break up, and make up with all manner of unearthly creatures including ghosts, other vampires, tree-folk, and the occasional golem.Edgy, charming, and filled with Joann Sfars inimitable blend of tenderness, comedy, melancholy, and philosophy, the stories in this first volume draw as much from the wellspring of Eastern European Jewish mysticism as from twenty-first-century Goth culture......and no, love isnt any easier when youre dead.
216 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2002
20 people are currently reading
568 people want to read
About the author
Joann Sfar
485 books508 followersJoann Sfar (born August 28, 1971 in Nice) is a French comics artist, comic book creator, and film director.
Sfar is considered one of the most important artists of the new wave of Franco-Belgian comics. Many of his comics were published by L'Association which was founded in 1990 by Jean-Christophe Menu and six other artists. He also worked together with many of the new movement's main artists, e.g. David B. and Lewis Trondheim. The Donjon series which he created with Trondheim has a cult following in many countries.
Some of his comics are inspired by his Jewish heritage as the son of Jewish parents (an Ashkenazi mother and a Sephardic father). He himself says that there is Ashkenazi humor in his Professeur Bell series (loosely based on Joseph Bell), whereas Le chat du rabbin is clearly inspired by his Sephardic side. Les olives noires is a series about a Jewish child in Israel at the time of Jesus. Like Le chat du rabbin, the series contains a lot of historical and theological information.
His main influences are Fred and André Franquin as well as Marc Chagall, Chaim Soutine, Will Eisner, Hugo Pratt and John Buscema.
From 2009 to 2010, Sfar wrote and directed 'Serge Gainsbourgh: Une Vie Heroique', a biopic of the notorious French songwriter, of whom Sfar is a self-confessed fanatic. The film, which draws substantially on Sfar's abilities as a comic book artist through its extensive use of fantasy artwork, animation and puppetry, was released in 2010 to general critical acclaim.
Sfar is considered one of the most important artists of the new wave of Franco-Belgian comics. Many of his comics were published by L'Association which was founded in 1990 by Jean-Christophe Menu and six other artists. He also worked together with many of the new movement's main artists, e.g. David B. and Lewis Trondheim. The Donjon series which he created with Trondheim has a cult following in many countries.
Some of his comics are inspired by his Jewish heritage as the son of Jewish parents (an Ashkenazi mother and a Sephardic father). He himself says that there is Ashkenazi humor in his Professeur Bell series (loosely based on Joseph Bell), whereas Le chat du rabbin is clearly inspired by his Sephardic side. Les olives noires is a series about a Jewish child in Israel at the time of Jesus. Like Le chat du rabbin, the series contains a lot of historical and theological information.
His main influences are Fred and André Franquin as well as Marc Chagall, Chaim Soutine, Will Eisner, Hugo Pratt and John Buscema.
From 2009 to 2010, Sfar wrote and directed 'Serge Gainsbourgh: Une Vie Heroique', a biopic of the notorious French songwriter, of whom Sfar is a self-confessed fanatic. The film, which draws substantially on Sfar's abilities as a comic book artist through its extensive use of fantasy artwork, animation and puppetry, was released in 2010 to general critical acclaim.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews
November 19, 2018
I just re-read this book for a second time after having read it first in 2006. I don't think I appreciated it much on the first pass, because of how much of time Ferdinand (the title character) spends either chasing girls or moping about girls who have dumped him. But as an older reader, and one who has now draw close to 1000 pages of my own comics, I appreciate it so much more. Sfar is a whimsical master of a kind of rambling, strange, funny, spontaneous work. He has created a whole universe of characters (vampires, mummies, wood-nymphs, witches, crime-fighters, cats, ghosts, rabbis, golems, and more) who make cameos in all of his books. His stories don't follow a pattern of rising and falling action- I've heard he essentially makes them up as he inks them one panel at a time. I would go mad trying to write like that. But I love seeing his results- they are loosey-goosey in a why I now find extremely pleasing.
July 28, 2015
Since I liked The Professor’s Daughter so much, I was in the mood for some more Sfar. Conceptually, Vampire Loves comes from the same place as The Professor’s Daughter, since they’re both more or less romance books featuring classic monsters. I say “more or less” though because The Professor’s Daughter is a traditional romance with a star-crossed couple we’d like to see get together, but Vampire Loves takes more of a Jeffrey Brown approach.
This is to say that it’s romantic in its own way, but that way is kind of sad and pitiful. It’s also more relatable since most people I know have had way more experience with sad and pathetic love lives than they have with successful, happily-ever-after ones. And that’s the essential difference between The Professor’s Daughter and Vampire Loves. The Professor’s Daughter puts our lovers through the ringer, but we never doubt they’ll end up together. Ferdinand, the nosferatu protagonist of Vampire Loves, doesn’t inspire that kind of confidence. In that way, he and his stories are much more real.
Sfar takes us through several kinds of relationships as Ferdinand meets and dates different women. We open with his getting a visit from Lani, his last girlfriend who cheated on him with his best friend. Lani wants to come back, but as they rehash why they broke up it turns into a big fight and she leaves in a huff again. Anyone who keeps revisiting the same, bad relationship will relate.
In order to make himself feel better, Ferdinand goes out for a while and meets a younger vampire named Aspirine. She’s not nearly as mature as Ferdinand, but she clearly likes him and he takes comfort in that for an evening. Everything’s going fine until they go back to her house and Ferdinand meets her hotter older sister Ritaline, with whom Ferdinand has a lot more in common.
The book is divided up into four stories, but they feature most of the same characters and they all go basically this way as Ferdinand meets various girls and is unsuccessful in truly connecting with any of them. There’s a human girl with whom he shares a mutual attraction, but they can’t seem to work out their schedules. There’s a potential one-night stand that ends up dumping him before they even leave the bar. There’s a hot ghost he meets on a cruise, but who isn’t really into him. And there’s her less-hot, but more interesting friend who likes Ferdinand, but he doesn’t really care about her.
I swear I’ve been in all of these situations before and that’s what I love about this kind of book, but it’s made even better by the gothic art style and well, just the fact that it’s all happening to vampires, ghosts, witches, werewolves, and mummies.
Speaking of mummies, Imhotep’s dad from The Professor’s Daughter makes a guest appearance, as does the Professor himself. Apparently, Sfar does that a lot, which – as a fan of shared universe kinds of stories – I really like. In fact, one text page announces that Ferdinand is also the main character from Sfar’s Little Vampire series.
What I also like is that the Halloween characters aren’t just dressing for otherwise mundane stories. It would be easy enough to just write some navel-gazing love stories and change out the characters for spooks, but Sfar’s gone deeper than that. Being a vampire is who Ferdinand is and his story wouldn’t work if he were human. He doesn’t have the same issues that a human does, so though he’s relevant, he’s also real. He’s horribly flawed, but undeniably likable. I ended up rooting for him to find love and that’s what makes the book a success.
This is to say that it’s romantic in its own way, but that way is kind of sad and pitiful. It’s also more relatable since most people I know have had way more experience with sad and pathetic love lives than they have with successful, happily-ever-after ones. And that’s the essential difference between The Professor’s Daughter and Vampire Loves. The Professor’s Daughter puts our lovers through the ringer, but we never doubt they’ll end up together. Ferdinand, the nosferatu protagonist of Vampire Loves, doesn’t inspire that kind of confidence. In that way, he and his stories are much more real.
Sfar takes us through several kinds of relationships as Ferdinand meets and dates different women. We open with his getting a visit from Lani, his last girlfriend who cheated on him with his best friend. Lani wants to come back, but as they rehash why they broke up it turns into a big fight and she leaves in a huff again. Anyone who keeps revisiting the same, bad relationship will relate.
In order to make himself feel better, Ferdinand goes out for a while and meets a younger vampire named Aspirine. She’s not nearly as mature as Ferdinand, but she clearly likes him and he takes comfort in that for an evening. Everything’s going fine until they go back to her house and Ferdinand meets her hotter older sister Ritaline, with whom Ferdinand has a lot more in common.
The book is divided up into four stories, but they feature most of the same characters and they all go basically this way as Ferdinand meets various girls and is unsuccessful in truly connecting with any of them. There’s a human girl with whom he shares a mutual attraction, but they can’t seem to work out their schedules. There’s a potential one-night stand that ends up dumping him before they even leave the bar. There’s a hot ghost he meets on a cruise, but who isn’t really into him. And there’s her less-hot, but more interesting friend who likes Ferdinand, but he doesn’t really care about her.
I swear I’ve been in all of these situations before and that’s what I love about this kind of book, but it’s made even better by the gothic art style and well, just the fact that it’s all happening to vampires, ghosts, witches, werewolves, and mummies.
Speaking of mummies, Imhotep’s dad from The Professor’s Daughter makes a guest appearance, as does the Professor himself. Apparently, Sfar does that a lot, which – as a fan of shared universe kinds of stories – I really like. In fact, one text page announces that Ferdinand is also the main character from Sfar’s Little Vampire series.
What I also like is that the Halloween characters aren’t just dressing for otherwise mundane stories. It would be easy enough to just write some navel-gazing love stories and change out the characters for spooks, but Sfar’s gone deeper than that. Being a vampire is who Ferdinand is and his story wouldn’t work if he were human. He doesn’t have the same issues that a human does, so though he’s relevant, he’s also real. He’s horribly flawed, but undeniably likable. I ended up rooting for him to find love and that’s what makes the book a success.
September 18, 2018
Always a pleasure to read Joann Sfar. Yet The Rabbi's Cat is still my favourite.
August 1, 2009
Ferdinand, unlike many comic vampires, actually does suck blood in order to survive. Except... well, he does not exactly like to make a histrionic show of it all. Just one tooth, and not enough blood to make the victim feel passionate. And afterward, it just itches a bit.
Joann Sfar, in his trademark way, brings the grown-up Nosferatu-esque character full-circle by addressing (surreptitiously) the relationship between Ferdinand and his earlier creation, Little Vampire. But not too terribly seriously, of course.
In fact, Sfar treats all issues with a smirk - and that's what elicits real emotion from the reader. Secondary characters in the story - love them or hate them - bring more dimensions to each character with whom they interact. Particularly touching was the re-introduction of The Golem; while serving as the epitome of a lesser-intelligent life form, he smiles despite his condition, singing along with the others about how fortunate he is not to have been born a stupid Golem.
Ferdinand falls for the wrong women: a young goth girl into Marilyn Manson (he himself is a procurer of records made by late folk singers), the unattainable sister of said goth girl, an emotionally-unavailable tree-woman (who is considered nonetheless his long-term girlfriend), and a host of others who come into his life - and never wholly make that romantic connection.
Sfar misses nothing in his sketchy renditions of the vampiric afterlife-style. It takes multiple readings, in fact, to ensure that the reader achieves the same detail.
The life of a vampire is, for the most part, just like anyone else's. Except for the supernatural aspect, perhaps. In the end, there's always Ferdinand, his beloved cat Imhotep, and a hefty volume of Proust to greet morning's crepuscular breaking.
Joann Sfar, in his trademark way, brings the grown-up Nosferatu-esque character full-circle by addressing (surreptitiously) the relationship between Ferdinand and his earlier creation, Little Vampire. But not too terribly seriously, of course.
In fact, Sfar treats all issues with a smirk - and that's what elicits real emotion from the reader. Secondary characters in the story - love them or hate them - bring more dimensions to each character with whom they interact. Particularly touching was the re-introduction of The Golem; while serving as the epitome of a lesser-intelligent life form, he smiles despite his condition, singing along with the others about how fortunate he is not to have been born a stupid Golem.
Ferdinand falls for the wrong women: a young goth girl into Marilyn Manson (he himself is a procurer of records made by late folk singers), the unattainable sister of said goth girl, an emotionally-unavailable tree-woman (who is considered nonetheless his long-term girlfriend), and a host of others who come into his life - and never wholly make that romantic connection.
Sfar misses nothing in his sketchy renditions of the vampiric afterlife-style. It takes multiple readings, in fact, to ensure that the reader achieves the same detail.
The life of a vampire is, for the most part, just like anyone else's. Except for the supernatural aspect, perhaps. In the end, there's always Ferdinand, his beloved cat Imhotep, and a hefty volume of Proust to greet morning's crepuscular breaking.
September 26, 2012
Tree-man (about the rain): That's the last thing we needed.
Lani: Your roof's full of leaks.
Tree-man: Never mind, it's only water. It's good for the roots.
Lani: I don't like it.
Tree-man (handing Lani an umbrella): Here.
Lani: Are you crazy? It's bad luck to open an umbrella inside a house.
Tree-man: You prefer getting wet?
Lani (opening the umbrella): Hey! It's full of holes.
Tree-man: Yeah, that's why I got it cheap.
Lani: But it's useless having an umbrella that's full of holes.
Tree-man: I like the color. And I think I love useless things.
Lani (as Tree-man's leaves grow out): Oooh…you know how to grow your leaves.
Tree-man: It's easy. I'll teach you.
Oh, Joann Sfar, the things you do. I'll read anything by him. This isn't his best, but it's so endearing, who cares.
Lani: Your roof's full of leaks.
Tree-man: Never mind, it's only water. It's good for the roots.
Lani: I don't like it.
Tree-man (handing Lani an umbrella): Here.
Lani: Are you crazy? It's bad luck to open an umbrella inside a house.
Tree-man: You prefer getting wet?
Lani (opening the umbrella): Hey! It's full of holes.
Tree-man: Yeah, that's why I got it cheap.
Lani: But it's useless having an umbrella that's full of holes.
Tree-man: I like the color. And I think I love useless things.
Lani (as Tree-man's leaves grow out): Oooh…you know how to grow your leaves.
Tree-man: It's easy. I'll teach you.
Oh, Joann Sfar, the things you do. I'll read anything by him. This isn't his best, but it's so endearing, who cares.
May 31, 2020
Autor jest konsekwentny w budowaniu swojego uniwersum, opieraniu fabuł na poczuciu humoru i operowaniu absurdem. Czyta się fajnie, bo generalnie Sfar jest fajny, ale przyznam, że bez większej głębi i drugiego dna (jak w pierwszych "Kotach Rabina"), bywa to na dłuższą metę nużące.
November 5, 2023
La editorial de Vampir se llama Fulgencio Pimentel y da la sensación de que la crearon para publicar este libro.
March 10, 2015
Hang zur Depression
Ich erinnere mich noch recht deutlich an eine Kinderserie, die ich sehr geliebt habe - "Ernest, der Vampir", in der es um einen leicht neurotischen, von Alpträumen gequälten Vampir mit Riesenstoßzähnen ging. Auf der ersten Seite dieses Comics springt mir diese Erinnerung geradezu ins Gesicht - Ferdinand ist auch ein bisschen aus der Art geschlagen. Beziehungsprobleme, ein etwas nerdiges Dasein, seltsame Freunde, Gewissensbisse (ha!) beim Verzehren von Menschenblut: Weiter von Dracula könnte ein Vampir nicht entfernt sein.
Ferdinand und seine Bekannten, der Baummensch, die Mandragora Lilou, die Hexen Aspirine und Ritaline, Golems, andere Untote und erotomanische Werwölfe bilden die Darsteller in einer seltsamen, schummrigen Alternativwelt, die parallel zu unserer Echtwelt im Dunkel der Nacht entsteht; und in der sich zeigt, dass man selbst als Unsterblicher aus der Haut fahren kann, wenn die Freundin sich dauernd mit anderen Kerlen rumtreibt.
Die 4 Stories in diesem Band sind sprachlich und vom Inhalt vielleicht ein bisschen an Jugendliche gerichtet, doch das wahre Highlight spricht mich als Erwachsenen extrem an: Die Zeichnungen. Da gibt es keine einzige gerade Linie (selbst die Panelgrenzen sind krakelig), man spürt fast das Kerzenlicht, das Interieurs zum Wabern und Pulsieren bringt. Die dunklen Gassen, erleuchtet vom litauischen Mondlicht, die Untoten-Tanzclubs, die Flüge durch die sternenklare Nacht - selten habe ich mich so in eine Atmosphäre der Unwirklichkeit und Schummrigkeit eintauchen fühlen. Eine starke Anlehnung an den expressionistischen Stummfilm, insbesondere natürlich an Murnaus Nosferatu, ist auf jeder Seite spürbar und definiert die Bilderwelt dieses Comics.
Dazu die Aufmachung - hochqualitativ auf allen Ebenen, dickes, mattes Papier, eine gute Bindung, großes Format, dicker Einband und eine lesbare Übersetzung mit ein paar editorialen Beigaben - vorbildlich. Ein zweiter Band mit den restlichen Geschichten um Ferdinand den Vampir steht wohl schon in den Startlöchern: Ich werde ganz sicher zugreifen.
Ich erinnere mich noch recht deutlich an eine Kinderserie, die ich sehr geliebt habe - "Ernest, der Vampir", in der es um einen leicht neurotischen, von Alpträumen gequälten Vampir mit Riesenstoßzähnen ging. Auf der ersten Seite dieses Comics springt mir diese Erinnerung geradezu ins Gesicht - Ferdinand ist auch ein bisschen aus der Art geschlagen. Beziehungsprobleme, ein etwas nerdiges Dasein, seltsame Freunde, Gewissensbisse (ha!) beim Verzehren von Menschenblut: Weiter von Dracula könnte ein Vampir nicht entfernt sein.
Ferdinand und seine Bekannten, der Baummensch, die Mandragora Lilou, die Hexen Aspirine und Ritaline, Golems, andere Untote und erotomanische Werwölfe bilden die Darsteller in einer seltsamen, schummrigen Alternativwelt, die parallel zu unserer Echtwelt im Dunkel der Nacht entsteht; und in der sich zeigt, dass man selbst als Unsterblicher aus der Haut fahren kann, wenn die Freundin sich dauernd mit anderen Kerlen rumtreibt.
Die 4 Stories in diesem Band sind sprachlich und vom Inhalt vielleicht ein bisschen an Jugendliche gerichtet, doch das wahre Highlight spricht mich als Erwachsenen extrem an: Die Zeichnungen. Da gibt es keine einzige gerade Linie (selbst die Panelgrenzen sind krakelig), man spürt fast das Kerzenlicht, das Interieurs zum Wabern und Pulsieren bringt. Die dunklen Gassen, erleuchtet vom litauischen Mondlicht, die Untoten-Tanzclubs, die Flüge durch die sternenklare Nacht - selten habe ich mich so in eine Atmosphäre der Unwirklichkeit und Schummrigkeit eintauchen fühlen. Eine starke Anlehnung an den expressionistischen Stummfilm, insbesondere natürlich an Murnaus Nosferatu, ist auf jeder Seite spürbar und definiert die Bilderwelt dieses Comics.
Dazu die Aufmachung - hochqualitativ auf allen Ebenen, dickes, mattes Papier, eine gute Bindung, großes Format, dicker Einband und eine lesbare Übersetzung mit ein paar editorialen Beigaben - vorbildlich. Ein zweiter Band mit den restlichen Geschichten um Ferdinand den Vampir steht wohl schon in den Startlöchern: Ich werde ganz sicher zugreifen.
January 12, 2010
I'd gotten a new copy of this as a present for my younger sister and decided to re-read it the day before I wrapped it up for her and in doing so I fell in love with this book all over again. I usually prefer more polished artwork, but Sfar's messy, occasionally frantic linework and awkward storytelling are absolutely appropriate for this collection of neurotic lunacy. The amourous adventures of Ferdinand the Vampire and the rest of this gang of weirdos, most of whom are some kind of supernatural creature, perfectly convey the strange, shadowy land that is dating in the modern age.
December 5, 2022
Estoy dentrísimo de esto. Quiero un cómic de Joann Sfar cada mañana al lado del desayuno, gracias.
October 7, 2020
Me divertí mucho leyendo las aventuras del vampiro Fernand.
Es gracioso que tenga ese look Nosferatuesco y sea tan enamoradizo y aparato. Ni hablar que él y su ex novia son altos vuelteros, caprichosos y no saben muy bien lo que quieren. El mimo que le puso el autor a esta historia, las referencias y los homenajes que introduce son geniales. Además me encantan los detalles que hacen a la novela como libro concreto, los créditos y la información sobre el libro forman siluetas temáticas (una calavera) y el código de barras forma un ataúd.
En cuanto a la historia en sí, seguimos la mayoría del tiempo a Fernand con sus aventuras para pasar el rato y buscar a una nueva enamorada. El código moral del vampirito este es gracioso además es muy clásico, caballeroso, despistado y sincero. Le gusta mucho el arte en sus distintos formatos, sobre todo la música y el arte, es a través del arte que puede apreciar el sol. También es abiertamente depresivo y tiene un carácter débil. Además de sus aventuras amorosas tiene relaciones complicadas con sus amigos que por lo general se relacionan con las mujeres. Y me intriga sobremanera el tema de su madre.
De a ratos también seguimos la historia de su ex novia, la mandrágora Liana, mejor conocida como Lio. Lio tiene un pedo en la mente, es coqueta, histérica y dramática. En teoría quiere a Fernand pero sospecho que los dos son demasiado iguales y por eso se terminan peleando, se reconcilian y se vuelven a pelear. Y tal como nos anticipa su nombre se la pasa armando problema y enredando las cosas para todos los que la rodean.
Vampir tiene continuación y ya quiero leerlo a ver qué le depara la vida a nuestro simpático vampiro depresivo.
Es gracioso que tenga ese look Nosferatuesco y sea tan enamoradizo y aparato. Ni hablar que él y su ex novia son altos vuelteros, caprichosos y no saben muy bien lo que quieren. El mimo que le puso el autor a esta historia, las referencias y los homenajes que introduce son geniales. Además me encantan los detalles que hacen a la novela como libro concreto, los créditos y la información sobre el libro forman siluetas temáticas (una calavera) y el código de barras forma un ataúd.
En cuanto a la historia en sí, seguimos la mayoría del tiempo a Fernand con sus aventuras para pasar el rato y buscar a una nueva enamorada. El código moral del vampirito este es gracioso además es muy clásico, caballeroso, despistado y sincero. Le gusta mucho el arte en sus distintos formatos, sobre todo la música y el arte, es a través del arte que puede apreciar el sol. También es abiertamente depresivo y tiene un carácter débil. Además de sus aventuras amorosas tiene relaciones complicadas con sus amigos que por lo general se relacionan con las mujeres. Y me intriga sobremanera el tema de su madre.
De a ratos también seguimos la historia de su ex novia, la mandrágora Liana, mejor conocida como Lio. Lio tiene un pedo en la mente, es coqueta, histérica y dramática. En teoría quiere a Fernand pero sospecho que los dos son demasiado iguales y por eso se terminan peleando, se reconcilian y se vuelven a pelear. Y tal como nos anticipa su nombre se la pasa armando problema y enredando las cosas para todos los que la rodean.
Vampir tiene continuación y ya quiero leerlo a ver qué le depara la vida a nuestro simpático vampiro depresivo.
November 9, 2019
Divertidísimo, bonito y algo triste también
October 29, 2023
me ha gustado mucho !! muy divertido con cosas tristes pero bonito
February 7, 2016
Although the book doesn’t alert readers to the fact, Vampire Loves is actually four graphic novels about the vampire Ferdinand. The graphic novels separately are referred to as the Grand Vampire:
#1 Could Cupid Care Less?
#2 Mortal Maidens on My Mind
#3 Lonely Hearts Crossing
#4 Moonstruck Post-Mortem
The books have recurring characters, so you do need to read them in order.
Vampire Loves begins with Lani--part tree, part woman--showing up at Ferdinand’s castle and asking if he’ll take her back. The conversation quickly becomes aggressive, as Ferdinand points out that they would still be together if Lani hadn’t cheated on Ferdinand with his friend. In a twist of logic, Lani says it’s Ferdinand’s fault they broke up because he accidentally walked in on her and another man. Readers are instantly asked to dislike Lani, and she proves to be problems throughout the collection with her off-kilter philosophies. Ferdinand tries to forget Lani by staying in for the night. He talks to his cat: “We don’t give a darn, do we cat? We’re going to read a good book and stuff our face with cookies. Yeah, I know I’m pretty fed up with Proust too, but that’s all I’ve got. I lent out all my other books and never got them back.”
In an effort to find love, Ferdinand often goes around to bars and clubs, taking advice from werewolves and bartenders, but when he’s not paying attention, a woman enters his life. Meet Aspirine, who became a vampire at 17. Her human age shows (we don’t know how long she’s been a vampire) when she becomes jealous that Ferdinand and her sister, Ritaline, seem to have a lot in common, and Aspirine wants to be held, continuously asking Ferdinand if she can sleep with him to be in his arms, almost like a child. Though Ferdinand seeks love, he doesn’t love everyone he meets, and Aspirine strikes him as too needy for a vampire such as himself who just got out of a relationship.
All of the characters Ferdinand meets in the hopes of finding love are memorable. There’s Sigh, who is basically a scarf for her owner, but claims to be a spirit who spreads sadness. There’s the Japanese woman who meets Ferdinand late at night in a museum and then can’t find him again (like a Craigslist missed connection). Another human woman seems to like Ferdinand but quickly shuts him down for petty reasons. It’s always a feat for an author to create so many memorable characters, especially if readers only meet that character briefly.
Vampire Loves also has a cute sort of humor about it, such as when Aspirine explains to Ferdinand how to play with his cat using his feet. Another instance, Ferdinand and Sigh sculpt creatures using Monster Putty, which causes the creations to come to life. Sigh gets upset that Ferdinand’s spider is picking on her bird--that is, until her bird eats the spider and becomes a hybrid monster.
Another lovely feature of Vampires Loves is its references to modern and older pop culture. Ferdinand listens to records by groups like Les Freres Jacques, a real musical quartet that started in 1946. Aspirine, however, likes Marilyn Manson. When the two enter a trendy club, readers catch patrons talking about cool new comic books, like Lenore: The Cute Little Dead Girl and Johnny, the Homicidal Maniac--which is also a sneaky way for Joann Sfar to praise his fellow graphic novelists.
Vampire Loves has a simple tone about it, unusual characters, and a quaintness that I’ve come to associate with European comics.
This review originally appeared at The Next Best Book Club blog.
#1 Could Cupid Care Less?
#2 Mortal Maidens on My Mind
#3 Lonely Hearts Crossing
#4 Moonstruck Post-Mortem
The books have recurring characters, so you do need to read them in order.
Vampire Loves begins with Lani--part tree, part woman--showing up at Ferdinand’s castle and asking if he’ll take her back. The conversation quickly becomes aggressive, as Ferdinand points out that they would still be together if Lani hadn’t cheated on Ferdinand with his friend. In a twist of logic, Lani says it’s Ferdinand’s fault they broke up because he accidentally walked in on her and another man. Readers are instantly asked to dislike Lani, and she proves to be problems throughout the collection with her off-kilter philosophies. Ferdinand tries to forget Lani by staying in for the night. He talks to his cat: “We don’t give a darn, do we cat? We’re going to read a good book and stuff our face with cookies. Yeah, I know I’m pretty fed up with Proust too, but that’s all I’ve got. I lent out all my other books and never got them back.”
In an effort to find love, Ferdinand often goes around to bars and clubs, taking advice from werewolves and bartenders, but when he’s not paying attention, a woman enters his life. Meet Aspirine, who became a vampire at 17. Her human age shows (we don’t know how long she’s been a vampire) when she becomes jealous that Ferdinand and her sister, Ritaline, seem to have a lot in common, and Aspirine wants to be held, continuously asking Ferdinand if she can sleep with him to be in his arms, almost like a child. Though Ferdinand seeks love, he doesn’t love everyone he meets, and Aspirine strikes him as too needy for a vampire such as himself who just got out of a relationship.
All of the characters Ferdinand meets in the hopes of finding love are memorable. There’s Sigh, who is basically a scarf for her owner, but claims to be a spirit who spreads sadness. There’s the Japanese woman who meets Ferdinand late at night in a museum and then can’t find him again (like a Craigslist missed connection). Another human woman seems to like Ferdinand but quickly shuts him down for petty reasons. It’s always a feat for an author to create so many memorable characters, especially if readers only meet that character briefly.
Vampire Loves also has a cute sort of humor about it, such as when Aspirine explains to Ferdinand how to play with his cat using his feet. Another instance, Ferdinand and Sigh sculpt creatures using Monster Putty, which causes the creations to come to life. Sigh gets upset that Ferdinand’s spider is picking on her bird--that is, until her bird eats the spider and becomes a hybrid monster.
Another lovely feature of Vampires Loves is its references to modern and older pop culture. Ferdinand listens to records by groups like Les Freres Jacques, a real musical quartet that started in 1946. Aspirine, however, likes Marilyn Manson. When the two enter a trendy club, readers catch patrons talking about cool new comic books, like Lenore: The Cute Little Dead Girl and Johnny, the Homicidal Maniac--which is also a sneaky way for Joann Sfar to praise his fellow graphic novelists.
Vampire Loves has a simple tone about it, unusual characters, and a quaintness that I’ve come to associate with European comics.
This review originally appeared at The Next Best Book Club blog.
March 11, 2025
Joann Sfar's wildly imaginative, kind of ridiculous, yet deeply relatable graphic novel Vampire Loves collects the first four installments in the Grand Vampire series. It follows Ferdinand the Vampire and his eclectic mix of human and non-human friends as they navigate the unpredictable, adventurous world of relationships.
What a magical find! The storylines in Vampire Loves feel like a rambling stream of consciousness: random, spontaneous, surprising, and incredibly true to life (that is, if you can overlook the fact that they are full of magical creatures). I once read that Sfar doesn't plan his stories in advance but rather makes them up as he goes, one panel at a time. Not sure if that's actually true, because it would be mind-blowingly impressive, but it absolutely reads that way.
The dialogue in Vampire Loves is blunt, awkward, and utterly enchanting. I bet most of us think along similar lines (I know I do!) but are usually too self-conscious to say things so plainly.
Joann Sfar's characters are unique, flawed, and effortlessly likable. Ferdinand the Vampire supposedly lives in Lithuania, but as a Lithuanian myself, I can confidently say there's nothing remotely Lithuanian about his surroundings. Even the town square is called "Yalyubyutibia Square," a misspelled Russian phrase meaning "I love you" written as one word. Flash news: Lithuanians don't speak Russian. :D But honestly, none of this dampened my enthusiasm for the book.
I'm not necessarily a huge fan of Sfar's squiggly linework, but his quirky, free-flowing artwork perfectly complements the neurotic lunacy of the storylines.
What a magical find! The storylines in Vampire Loves feel like a rambling stream of consciousness: random, spontaneous, surprising, and incredibly true to life (that is, if you can overlook the fact that they are full of magical creatures). I once read that Sfar doesn't plan his stories in advance but rather makes them up as he goes, one panel at a time. Not sure if that's actually true, because it would be mind-blowingly impressive, but it absolutely reads that way.
The dialogue in Vampire Loves is blunt, awkward, and utterly enchanting. I bet most of us think along similar lines (I know I do!) but are usually too self-conscious to say things so plainly.
Joann Sfar's characters are unique, flawed, and effortlessly likable. Ferdinand the Vampire supposedly lives in Lithuania, but as a Lithuanian myself, I can confidently say there's nothing remotely Lithuanian about his surroundings. Even the town square is called "Yalyubyutibia Square," a misspelled Russian phrase meaning "I love you" written as one word. Flash news: Lithuanians don't speak Russian. :D But honestly, none of this dampened my enthusiasm for the book.
I'm not necessarily a huge fan of Sfar's squiggly linework, but his quirky, free-flowing artwork perfectly complements the neurotic lunacy of the storylines.
June 24, 2011
I actually read this 4 years ago and am re-reading it now because it's just so cool. Here's what I wrote about it back then:
French graphic artist Joann Sfar is best known stateside for his Little Vampire books (Little Vampire Goes to School and Little Vampire Does Kung Fu!) which are aimed at children but find a wider audience. But this book is for adults and concerns Ferdinand, a vampire with women troubles. He's been sulking over a break-up with his girlfriend Lani (a mandragora, a.k.a. a plant-girl) who he caught sleeping with his best friend. Sfar's artwork is squiggly and intricate, but sometimes simple. The plots meander but are diverting and filled with strange characters like tree men, a werewolf, an invisible man, a golem, et cetera. It's often funny and always inventive. I really enjoyed these four interrelated tales. Sfar has a huge following in Europe and is the author of many comic books. I'm sure I'll be getting into some more of his work.
French graphic artist Joann Sfar is best known stateside for his Little Vampire books (Little Vampire Goes to School and Little Vampire Does Kung Fu!) which are aimed at children but find a wider audience. But this book is for adults and concerns Ferdinand, a vampire with women troubles. He's been sulking over a break-up with his girlfriend Lani (a mandragora, a.k.a. a plant-girl) who he caught sleeping with his best friend. Sfar's artwork is squiggly and intricate, but sometimes simple. The plots meander but are diverting and filled with strange characters like tree men, a werewolf, an invisible man, a golem, et cetera. It's often funny and always inventive. I really enjoyed these four interrelated tales. Sfar has a huge following in Europe and is the author of many comic books. I'm sure I'll be getting into some more of his work.
October 17, 2020
I don't love this book. I ADORE this book. I've probably read through it 50 times. Ferdinand you are a doll of a vampire and I would love to meet you. It's rare I can read a novel more than once. It's even rarer for me to want to read a graphic novel more than once. This is one of the few exceptions. When I finally remember to get a copy I can guarantee it will be a very worn book.
The life of Ferdinand is impacted by multiple friends, acquaintances, and total and complete strangers. Minus the paranormal things this is stuff that could happen to anyone. Realistic, great characters, and fun art? Yes!
The life of Ferdinand is impacted by multiple friends, acquaintances, and total and complete strangers. Minus the paranormal things this is stuff that could happen to anyone. Realistic, great characters, and fun art? Yes!
September 13, 2009
This chaptered book follows a neurotic little vampire named Ferdinand as he tries to fall in love with various women, both mortal and undead. It's your basic meandering exploration of love's follies spruced up with amusing undead characters and imaginative settings. Sfar's drawing is messy as usual, which adds to the charm of the messy tragic and comic love tales contained within this volume.
February 6, 2021
3.5 - Entertaining, insightful, and creative, and filled with characters so flawed, you'll begin to see the monster metaphors as nothing more than a cloak behind a truly open writer.
March 31, 2019
Dieser Comic hat mich ganz schön genervt.
Also Ferdinand der Vampir (was für ein wunderschöner Name und besser als Fernand im französischen Original) ist süß gezeichnet (obviously sehr Nosferatu) und so neurotisch und wunderlich, wie ich ihn beim Reinschauen und Durchblättern wahrgenommen hatte.
Seinen Liebesgeschichten habe ich gern gefolgt. Auch einige Episoden wie sein unfreiwilliger Zahnarztbesuch oder als er der Polizei helfen sollte, einen Fall zu lösen, da er ja gut die Nachtschichten der übermüdeten Beamten übernehmen könne, fand ich originell.
Ich mochte diesen unglücklichen sentimentalen Typen, der sich verlieben will, aber einfach nicht weiß, in wen denn nun, der gern nachts in Plattenläden abhängt, den Gothic-Look beleidigend findet und seiner Katze Imhotep Käse füttert.
Doch viele Nebencharaktere waren für meinen Geschmack hässlich gezeichnet und unausstehlich (vor allem chauvinistische Ekel wie Michael Douffon).
Wenige der Frauenfiguren kamen wirklich gut weg, sie waren entweder anhänglich verliebt, oder 'Schlampen' & 'Miststücke', oder unnahbar (den Bechdel-Test würde das Buch natürlich eh nicht bestehen, obwohl wir ca. 9 Frauen näher kennenlernen). Der Sexismus, der sich so en passant durch alle Seiten zog, und nur selten thematisiert wurde, störte mich ohnehin.
Dann gab es noch absurde Momente wie als Ferdinand erschossen wurde und erst einmal ausgeknockt war. Wie geht das, er ist doch ein Untoter? Aber natürlich sind die Regeln zu Vampiren flexibel von Autor*in zu Autor*in.
Den Schreibstil würde ich als typisch fürs vom Französische ins Deutsche übersetzt beschreiben: immer etwas zu altmodisch, gestelzt und umständlich, auch wenn es cool klingen sollte. Aber passt ja auch ein bisschen zum Jahrhunderte alten Ferdinand.
Ich kann es nicht wirklich empfehlen. Aber es liest sich ja auch schnell, also eins mehr für die Statistik. :)
Also Ferdinand der Vampir (was für ein wunderschöner Name und besser als Fernand im französischen Original) ist süß gezeichnet (obviously sehr Nosferatu) und so neurotisch und wunderlich, wie ich ihn beim Reinschauen und Durchblättern wahrgenommen hatte.
Seinen Liebesgeschichten habe ich gern gefolgt. Auch einige Episoden wie sein unfreiwilliger Zahnarztbesuch oder als er der Polizei helfen sollte, einen Fall zu lösen, da er ja gut die Nachtschichten der übermüdeten Beamten übernehmen könne, fand ich originell.
Ich mochte diesen unglücklichen sentimentalen Typen, der sich verlieben will, aber einfach nicht weiß, in wen denn nun, der gern nachts in Plattenläden abhängt, den Gothic-Look beleidigend findet und seiner Katze Imhotep Käse füttert.
Doch viele Nebencharaktere waren für meinen Geschmack hässlich gezeichnet und unausstehlich (vor allem chauvinistische Ekel wie Michael Douffon).
Wenige der Frauenfiguren kamen wirklich gut weg, sie waren entweder anhänglich verliebt, oder 'Schlampen' & 'Miststücke', oder unnahbar (den Bechdel-Test würde das Buch natürlich eh nicht bestehen, obwohl wir ca. 9 Frauen näher kennenlernen). Der Sexismus, der sich so en passant durch alle Seiten zog, und nur selten thematisiert wurde, störte mich ohnehin.
Dann gab es noch absurde Momente wie als Ferdinand erschossen wurde und erst einmal ausgeknockt war. Wie geht das, er ist doch ein Untoter? Aber natürlich sind die Regeln zu Vampiren flexibel von Autor*in zu Autor*in.
Den Schreibstil würde ich als typisch fürs vom Französische ins Deutsche übersetzt beschreiben: immer etwas zu altmodisch, gestelzt und umständlich, auch wenn es cool klingen sollte. Aber passt ja auch ein bisschen zum Jahrhunderte alten Ferdinand.
Ich kann es nicht wirklich empfehlen. Aber es liest sich ja auch schnell, also eins mehr für die Statistik. :)
February 28, 2019
I love Joann Sfar and this book - his dark, dry sense of humor, the character of his line work and the uniqueness of his characters and situations....He is so smart and funny in his comics ; I hope to make work like him that is just quirky, the stakes are low ; will Ferdinand the Vampire who, broke up with his tree girlfriend Lani, find a new love? He filts between a Japanese tourist, a Greek woman, the tree woman ex, a woman named Aspirine and her, more attractive to Ferdinand, sister Ritaline. The stories are specific, the dialogue is sweet and honest and I wanted to see what happened to Ferdinand in his many affairs but also, wasn't worried for him at all. I highly recommend this book, and Sfar's work in general and hope to read all of it and own some to lend out. My favorite part of this book was when Ferdinand is on a cruise ship and befriends a woman witch and her ghost friend she wears as a scarf, who passes through walls and romances Ferdinand.
March 13, 2022
5.9
Tak jak ukochałem się w rysunkach Sfara od pierwszego spojrzenia po otwarciu "Wampira", tak nie do końca daję radę z samymi pomysłami na historie. Swoje robi też ich nierówność - jedne epizody (lub ich fragmenty) są zabawne i urocze, inne nieco zdziecinniałe czy nijakie, a spora część mocno niezrozumiała scenariuszowo (szczególnie końcowa opowieść). Jest okejka, ale mocno naciągana.
Tak jak ukochałem się w rysunkach Sfara od pierwszego spojrzenia po otwarciu "Wampira", tak nie do końca daję radę z samymi pomysłami na historie. Swoje robi też ich nierówność - jedne epizody (lub ich fragmenty) są zabawne i urocze, inne nieco zdziecinniałe czy nijakie, a spora część mocno niezrozumiała scenariuszowo (szczególnie końcowa opowieść). Jest okejka, ale mocno naciągana.
December 24, 2025
First few chapters/stories were much better than the later ones. Witty and surprising. Then less so.
July 5, 2020
I really wanted to like this book and I tried reading it many times but I just could not get through it.
Read
October 26, 2022come sempre da ultima arrivata ho scoperto Joann Sfar, fumettista francese. ho iniziato a leggerlo dalle marachelle del Gran Vampiro, che sarebbe Fernando, il vampiro grigiastro fuori e dentro.
le creature di Sfar sono una più unica dell’altra, tipo la mandragora Liù bella bellissima dolce dolcissima ma tormentata in amore; Ahimè e Sospiro, che sarebbero una prefica (io impazzita) e una spiritella anche indossabile come sciarpina (una più bella dell'altra); e anche Aspirina, vampira roscia perennemente diciassettenne che si strugge per Fernando e indossa sempre un ankh al collo. i disegni sono un po’ buffi e cartoneschi come piacciono tanto a me, con gli occhi strabuzzati e le articolazioni di gomma che rendono tutto una goduria da vedere.
la palette di colori pensata da Audré Jardel È BELLISSIMA, un po’ dark un po’ pop, con pieni di violetto elettrico, verde acido, fucsia fluo, giallo sparato, ché io vado in brodo di giuggiole e guardo la pagina per circa cinque minuti prima di rendermi conto che dovrei leggere le nuvolette coi dialoghi. le storie d’amore e tribolazione di Fernando sono pensate per lettor* cresciut* e ci sono delle pagine che mi hanno fatto seriamente ridere.
bonus point: considerando che le quattro storie qui raccolte hanno quasi la mia età, direi che sono invecchiate benissimo.
le creature di Sfar sono una più unica dell’altra, tipo la mandragora Liù bella bellissima dolce dolcissima ma tormentata in amore; Ahimè e Sospiro, che sarebbero una prefica (io impazzita) e una spiritella anche indossabile come sciarpina (una più bella dell'altra); e anche Aspirina, vampira roscia perennemente diciassettenne che si strugge per Fernando e indossa sempre un ankh al collo. i disegni sono un po’ buffi e cartoneschi come piacciono tanto a me, con gli occhi strabuzzati e le articolazioni di gomma che rendono tutto una goduria da vedere.
la palette di colori pensata da Audré Jardel È BELLISSIMA, un po’ dark un po’ pop, con pieni di violetto elettrico, verde acido, fucsia fluo, giallo sparato, ché io vado in brodo di giuggiole e guardo la pagina per circa cinque minuti prima di rendermi conto che dovrei leggere le nuvolette coi dialoghi. le storie d’amore e tribolazione di Fernando sono pensate per lettor* cresciut* e ci sono delle pagine che mi hanno fatto seriamente ridere.
bonus point: considerando che le quattro storie qui raccolte hanno quasi la mia età, direi che sono invecchiate benissimo.
December 7, 2009
I love this author! His graphic novels are funny and witty. Apparently his other series for kid, "Little Vampire" is based off the same character, just many years later as vampires get younger as the years go by. Ferdinand the Vampire is an old-fashioned neurotic vampire who has many women troubles. The only girl he really loves cheated on him with his best friend (who has no qualms about doing it either), and he never sees any other girls very long. He is shy and lives with a Siamese cat named Imhotep. The book is broken down into 4 sections: Could Cupid Care Less? (where we are introduced to the main characters), Mortal Maidens on my Mind (where he meets with a human Japanese girl at the Louvre, the Tree Man obsesses over Lani-Ferdinand's ex-gf, and we meet the Golem), Lonely Heats Crossing (where Ferdinand was supposed to go on a cruise with Lani but she never showed up, and he ends up meeting a Phantasm, a Lady's wolf, and a monster-hunter), and Moonstruck Post-Mortem (where he ends up investigating a series of murders for the police, loses his conscious, and we are introduced to the people who later become Little Vampire's parents). All in all, a fascinating read but definitely for adults.
March 7, 2009
Ferdinand the vampire has a very unfulfilling love life. This makes him a depressed vampire. He has an on again off again relationship with “Liana, but everyone calls her Lani [who:] is a mandragora, a girl/plant. She was born under a hanging tree and her curse is that she drives men crazy.” The girls, disembodied spirits, vampires, and giant centipedes who are attracted to Ferdinand, he finds too aggressive and wild for his taste. Whenever he meets a girl—and they’re usually human—who reciprocates his affections some surreal change of plot parts them.
Jardel’s choice of colors playfully follow Sfar’s episodic plot lines, which wander from romantic encounters and complications to play with a jar of “Monster Putty,” to adventure and detective stories, and all this plays out in an environment of the supernatural. Through dialog and drawing human desires and frustrations are played out in a mirror of the fantastic with gentle humor.
Jardel’s choice of colors playfully follow Sfar’s episodic plot lines, which wander from romantic encounters and complications to play with a jar of “Monster Putty,” to adventure and detective stories, and all this plays out in an environment of the supernatural. Through dialog and drawing human desires and frustrations are played out in a mirror of the fantastic with gentle humor.
October 30, 2010
Vampire Loves centers around a shy vampire named Ferdinand & his rather unsuccessful attempts to find love. With loves that range from a dryad (female tree nymph) to a beautiful young asian woman vacationing in Paris, this guy can't seem to get a break. The only time he has a girl that's willing to chase after him, he finds that he just can't be as interested in her in return. Still, you can't help but be a little enchanted by the stories.
However, this collection won't be for everyone. Some people will get bored from the tales & others may only get one or two reads out of the book. I've found that some of the stories lose a little something after a few readings while others in the book get better over time.
I'd recommend this with a few reservations. Like I said, it's not for everyone, but the people who are into strange indie comics should like it.
However, this collection won't be for everyone. Some people will get bored from the tales & others may only get one or two reads out of the book. I've found that some of the stories lose a little something after a few readings while others in the book get better over time.
I'd recommend this with a few reservations. Like I said, it's not for everyone, but the people who are into strange indie comics should like it.
January 18, 2010
Ferdinand the Vampire is a sensitive, caring vampire. He bites his victims using one tooth so that it will look like a mere mosquito bite. He has a cat that has an unnatural love for cheese and flies around with him in his messenger bag. He also has many women in his life. Some are vampires, some are mandragoras, some are spirits, and some are French. This delightfully drawn graphic novel follows Ferdinand as he dates and enjoys life as a vampire.
The relationships portrayed in this book are surprisingly real, apart from the fact that they involve the undead or mythical rather than average humans. Sfar’s artwork is as beautifully quirky as his storyline. This graphic novel offers a hybrid of many current teen trends: romance, vampires, and graphic novels.
The relationships portrayed in this book are surprisingly real, apart from the fact that they involve the undead or mythical rather than average humans. Sfar’s artwork is as beautifully quirky as his storyline. This graphic novel offers a hybrid of many current teen trends: romance, vampires, and graphic novels.
June 1, 2009
I liked "Vampire Loves" but didn't love it (har). The book contains a few different stories featuring Ferdinand, a sort of retro vampire, loosely bound by a "Ferdinand-looks-for-love-but-not-really" thread.
Joann Sfar's drawing style is charming, and I like his sense of humor. The problem with this book, for me, is that it seemed like the middle of something. Maybe it is -- I know Sfar has tons of other books, and some of the characters in the stories in "Vampire Loves" have starring roles in a few of them. It just felt weirdly like I'd been plopped in the second act of a a three-act play and had to leave before the final act started, and I didn't like that feeling.
It was a cute book, overall, though, and I'd probly try another one of Sfar's graphic novels if I stumbled across one.
Joann Sfar's drawing style is charming, and I like his sense of humor. The problem with this book, for me, is that it seemed like the middle of something. Maybe it is -- I know Sfar has tons of other books, and some of the characters in the stories in "Vampire Loves" have starring roles in a few of them. It just felt weirdly like I'd been plopped in the second act of a a three-act play and had to leave before the final act started, and I didn't like that feeling.
It was a cute book, overall, though, and I'd probly try another one of Sfar's graphic novels if I stumbled across one.
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