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Dark Fang #1-7
Dark Fang, Vol. 1: Earth Calling
Her name is Valla. She is a vampire who has resided on the bottom of the ocean for a century. When her aquatic paradise is destroyed by a dark liquid plague, she travels to the surface in search of answers. What she finds is a world threatened by climate change and a civilization powerless to stop it. Eventually mankind will be wiped out and Valla will have no food supply. If she is to survive, then the fossil fuel industries must fall.
Image Comics presents the first volume in the ecological action horror thrill ride by MILES GUNTER and KELSEY SHANNON.
Collects issues 1 through 5.
Image Comics presents the first volume in the ecological action horror thrill ride by MILES GUNTER and KELSEY SHANNON.
Collects issues 1 through 5.
120 pages, Paperback
First published May 15, 2018
3 people are currently reading
134 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
May 16, 2018
An unlikely cross of vampirism meets environmental terrorism meets mermaid. It’s dark, wacky and original, but so hyperbolic I’m not sure I can even take it seriously. Valla, with all her quirks and history, lacks depth as mostly a supernatural catchall and stand-in for environmental activist anger—she steals a fortune, takes on corporations and governments connected to gas and oil—but why does she care, who is she really? I like this but I need more from her character in the next volume.
April 7, 2020
Wow... I really loved this. This was a great take on Global Warming issues!
It was so short but in that short amount of pages, it managed to pack in a pretty deep message.
I freaking love Valla, the main character. She's more of a... well, I don't know what she is, but she is definitely not a "hero". But, she's definitely not a "villain" either.
This graphic novel was a little paranormal, gothic, past and future, & science fiction all rolled into one. I was legit grinning ear-to-ear for Valla & every time she murdered or destroyed something (of which you'll know what I am talking about when you read this).
It was so short but in that short amount of pages, it managed to pack in a pretty deep message.
I freaking love Valla, the main character. She's more of a... well, I don't know what she is, but she is definitely not a "hero". But, she's definitely not a "villain" either.
This graphic novel was a little paranormal, gothic, past and future, & science fiction all rolled into one. I was legit grinning ear-to-ear for Valla & every time she murdered or destroyed something (of which you'll know what I am talking about when you read this).
September 20, 2018
Is she a vampire or the Little Mermaid.....no wait she's Captain fucking Planet lol wtf did I just read???
November 17, 2019
You know I wasn’t expecting greatness or anything okay? I did kinda want something decent though.
What’s it about?
So there’s this vampire girl who has been living underwater with her shark friend until an oil spill fucks everything up. Now she has to live on land again and it’s going well (because she hypnotizes everyone to get what she wants) but she ends up killing a guy for his blood and one of her fangs appears to have oil on it (see why this has negative reviews?) so she becomes determined to violently fight the oil industry, gas industry and climate change.
Pros:
The art is actually pretty awesome. Very cartoony and eye-catching! Lots to love about this artwork.
This book is often humorous. Quite a bit of good comic relief.
Cons:
This story is stupid. It had potential but ends up being cheesy as fuck...
The characters... (sigh). Okay so I’m just gonna talk about the main character: she’s meant to be an antihero but she’s honestly just shitty. Antiheroes are usually characters who have good motives for doing twisted things. Punisher- wants to get criminals off the streets, Bloodshot- kills people who are trying to destroy people’s lives, Vampirella- kills bad people, monsters, demons, etc. and the rare times she does kill innocents it’s because she can’t go crazy with hunger and bloodlust that would make the world look like some sorta sexy vampiric Brightburn (though that would still be a pretty good comic, not gonna lie). This? She kills innocent people and destroys people’s way of life because she’s worried about her food source which is more innocent people and hypnotizes others into fucking everything in their life up. Yeah, I was rooting for the bland “villains”.
The action in this book seems... I dunno... weak? It’s like there’s a few good moments in the action but mostly nothing memorable.
The horror element is extremely weak. Nothing creepy, it doesn’t have anything scarier than “vampire character exists” and the violence is too cartoony to be disturbing (don’t get me wrong I still love the art, it just seems like the kind of thing that can’t make itself disturbing for the sake of horror).
This book’s plot is extremely predictable and even a bit repetitive.
There’s some extreme plot convenience, holy fuck. Things just kinda work when they have to and the book breaks it’s own rules on how things work just for the sake of making things work, it’s honestly sad how terrible it is about that. The only time there isn’t plot convenience is so things can happen for a cliffhanger ending (though the series was cancelled before the second story arc started).
There is a giant scroll of massive plot holes that I could go into. For a notable not-too-spoilery example the one dude has oil in his blood... how? I doubt anyone actually has oil in their blood despite how commonly used it is and how would common use get something into somebody’s bloodstream and why does apparently nobody else have the oil in their blood (which is ignored) and even if they did it would be too late and the blood would already be ruined by oil and FUCK, THIS COMIC IS STUPID!
The political and social commentary: it’s bad. Okay so first of all, the most important thing is execution and writing and neither one of those is done well... as in I wondered if it was a pro-eco commentary or trolling. The other thing is a lot of it is inaccurate, I’ve done research on the scientific stuff and even talked to someone who is a scientist about this and while climate change is real... it’s a constant thing that won’t end the world, it’s 99% natural and people aren’t really doing shit to cause or help it and the news media actually lies about a lot of the data. I also really dislike how this book goes about the message: so it’s better to destroy people’s lives and lifestyles than have conveniences that we were meant to use? I mean I know not to take horror violence seriously and I highly doubt this book is encouraging violence but even when thinking of metaphors, this almost seems like a book encouraging the destruction of people’s livelihoods and ways of living in the modern world.
The ending. Basically multiple easy solutions could happen but instead it just decides to go for a lame cliffhanger that doesn’t even make any sense.
Overall:
This comic is stupid as hell. Don’t get me wrong it’s far from being the worst I’ve read, the art and humor are both wonderful but goddamn it, everything else here kinda sucks.
A propaganda-esque, nonsensical story with weak action and weak horror. There are several better vampire stories and even things that I don’t necessarily 100% agree with that execute this message much better.
My advice? Read Vampirella while adding Billie Eilish’s song All The Good Girls Go To Hell and Poppy’s Time Is Up to a playlist. Better executed commentary from the songs (love both songs from fantastic artists) and a bad-ass vampiric antihero to read. This comic however, skip.
2/5
What’s it about?
So there’s this vampire girl who has been living underwater with her shark friend until an oil spill fucks everything up. Now she has to live on land again and it’s going well (because she hypnotizes everyone to get what she wants) but she ends up killing a guy for his blood and one of her fangs appears to have oil on it (see why this has negative reviews?) so she becomes determined to violently fight the oil industry, gas industry and climate change.
Pros:
The art is actually pretty awesome. Very cartoony and eye-catching! Lots to love about this artwork.
This book is often humorous. Quite a bit of good comic relief.
Cons:
This story is stupid. It had potential but ends up being cheesy as fuck...
The characters... (sigh). Okay so I’m just gonna talk about the main character: she’s meant to be an antihero but she’s honestly just shitty. Antiheroes are usually characters who have good motives for doing twisted things. Punisher- wants to get criminals off the streets, Bloodshot- kills people who are trying to destroy people’s lives, Vampirella- kills bad people, monsters, demons, etc. and the rare times she does kill innocents it’s because she can’t go crazy with hunger and bloodlust that would make the world look like some sorta sexy vampiric Brightburn (though that would still be a pretty good comic, not gonna lie). This? She kills innocent people and destroys people’s way of life because she’s worried about her food source which is more innocent people and hypnotizes others into fucking everything in their life up. Yeah, I was rooting for the bland “villains”.
The action in this book seems... I dunno... weak? It’s like there’s a few good moments in the action but mostly nothing memorable.
The horror element is extremely weak. Nothing creepy, it doesn’t have anything scarier than “vampire character exists” and the violence is too cartoony to be disturbing (don’t get me wrong I still love the art, it just seems like the kind of thing that can’t make itself disturbing for the sake of horror).
This book’s plot is extremely predictable and even a bit repetitive.
There’s some extreme plot convenience, holy fuck. Things just kinda work when they have to and the book breaks it’s own rules on how things work just for the sake of making things work, it’s honestly sad how terrible it is about that. The only time there isn’t plot convenience is so things can happen for a cliffhanger ending (though the series was cancelled before the second story arc started).
There is a giant scroll of massive plot holes that I could go into. For a notable not-too-spoilery example the one dude has oil in his blood... how? I doubt anyone actually has oil in their blood despite how commonly used it is and how would common use get something into somebody’s bloodstream and why does apparently nobody else have the oil in their blood (which is ignored) and even if they did it would be too late and the blood would already be ruined by oil and FUCK, THIS COMIC IS STUPID!
The political and social commentary: it’s bad. Okay so first of all, the most important thing is execution and writing and neither one of those is done well... as in I wondered if it was a pro-eco commentary or trolling. The other thing is a lot of it is inaccurate, I’ve done research on the scientific stuff and even talked to someone who is a scientist about this and while climate change is real... it’s a constant thing that won’t end the world, it’s 99% natural and people aren’t really doing shit to cause or help it and the news media actually lies about a lot of the data. I also really dislike how this book goes about the message: so it’s better to destroy people’s lives and lifestyles than have conveniences that we were meant to use? I mean I know not to take horror violence seriously and I highly doubt this book is encouraging violence but even when thinking of metaphors, this almost seems like a book encouraging the destruction of people’s livelihoods and ways of living in the modern world.
The ending. Basically multiple easy solutions could happen but instead it just decides to go for a lame cliffhanger that doesn’t even make any sense.
Overall:
This comic is stupid as hell. Don’t get me wrong it’s far from being the worst I’ve read, the art and humor are both wonderful but goddamn it, everything else here kinda sucks.
A propaganda-esque, nonsensical story with weak action and weak horror. There are several better vampire stories and even things that I don’t necessarily 100% agree with that execute this message much better.
My advice? Read Vampirella while adding Billie Eilish’s song All The Good Girls Go To Hell and Poppy’s Time Is Up to a playlist. Better executed commentary from the songs (love both songs from fantastic artists) and a bad-ass vampiric antihero to read. This comic however, skip.
2/5
August 30, 2023
2.5 ✮
this was wild and kinda fun but I felt like the messaging was too heavy handed. the art is so beautiful though and Valla seems to be a mix between a vampire and a mermaid which is cool lol. it just had too much going on and didn’t really have a clear direction plot wise.
this was wild and kinda fun but I felt like the messaging was too heavy handed. the art is so beautiful though and Valla seems to be a mix between a vampire and a mermaid which is cool lol. it just had too much going on and didn’t really have a clear direction plot wise.
October 16, 2020
She Dracula Meet Mermaid Meet Warrior of the Planet... and probably aliens. Is there is anything to add to this strange mess?
January 23, 2021
do you want a book about a vampire who turns into a shark and gets tortured not as a shark but as a vampire lady....thing idk this would be your jam...
Read
May 11, 2018A vampire has been perfectly happy frolicking beneath the ocean with her shark companion for a century or more, when he's killed by an oil slick. She heads up to the surface to investigate, where she quickly accumulates a fortune by becoming a camgirl (turns out vampire domination powers work just fine through a screen too) and declares inventively brutal war on the petrochemical industry and its enablers. Which goes quite well, given nobody seems able to stand against her - until the Establishment call in their own supernatural help, who outguns her as totally as she does everyone else (although she has an excellent line in taking the piss out of him even as he's maiming her). Oh, and also, one of her fangs is blackening, which is probably to do with pollution as well, hence the name of the book. And the whole thing is drawn in a bright, faintly Disney style reminiscent more than anything of Ralph Bakshi's Cool World, a film I've never seen but which used to be advertised a lot in nineties comics (among its top Google results now: http://www.dazeddigital.com/artsandcu... ). I don't normally lead with a plot summary in that sort of plain, and-then-this-happened detail, because that's not generally the sort of review I find interesting or useful, but I'm not sure how else to convey the teetering experience of reading this utterly batshit comic, in which each new development more than anything inspires the response of a furrowed brow, an intake of breath and an eventual "...OK." I genuinely don't even know whether it's any good or not. But it certainly isn't boring.
(Edelweiss ARC)
(Edelweiss ARC)
May 17, 2018
Review courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy
DARK FANG was sexy, gory and fun. It tackles a serious subject with levity, if you consider bloodbaths and exploding heads light reading. Our heroine, Valla, is adorable, ruthless and out to save the world, whether the world wants saving or not!
The strange thing about Valla is how human she is, for a bloodthirsty vampire who has been living at the bottom of the ocean for the last hundred years. The ocean scenes are wonderful, and Valla lives it up the way you’d expect an all powerful vampire to. She has fun, gets confused, and when she decides to go on her crusade, she cuts a fun, fast path through corporate America.
There have been lots of comics about humans destroying the planet, but few have had such a camp feel to it. She takes out industry leaders, hypnotises others into conserving the environment and even decapitates heads of state on live television. As her efforts ramp up, the efforts of those who oppose her ramp up too, with more and more ridiculous and over the top attempts to kill her.
The cartoony art style fits the tone of the story. For someone who has never read a vampire story this might be called horror, but I see it more as eco-humour with a bloody side. It’s more entertaining than preachy, more amusing than scary. The excellent characterisation and the over the top plot and violence make you want more. With a wicked end to the first volume, I want more DARK FANG and I want it soon!
DARK FANG was sexy, gory and fun. It tackles a serious subject with levity, if you consider bloodbaths and exploding heads light reading. Our heroine, Valla, is adorable, ruthless and out to save the world, whether the world wants saving or not!
The strange thing about Valla is how human she is, for a bloodthirsty vampire who has been living at the bottom of the ocean for the last hundred years. The ocean scenes are wonderful, and Valla lives it up the way you’d expect an all powerful vampire to. She has fun, gets confused, and when she decides to go on her crusade, she cuts a fun, fast path through corporate America.
There have been lots of comics about humans destroying the planet, but few have had such a camp feel to it. She takes out industry leaders, hypnotises others into conserving the environment and even decapitates heads of state on live television. As her efforts ramp up, the efforts of those who oppose her ramp up too, with more and more ridiculous and over the top attempts to kill her.
The cartoony art style fits the tone of the story. For someone who has never read a vampire story this might be called horror, but I see it more as eco-humour with a bloody side. It’s more entertaining than preachy, more amusing than scary. The excellent characterisation and the over the top plot and violence make you want more. With a wicked end to the first volume, I want more DARK FANG and I want it soon!
May 10, 2018
I do my reviews in the form of questions
What made me pick this book up:
I saw it on Edelweiss and the cover definitely caught my eye.
What did I like about the cover:
The colors are absolutely amazing. I love the contrast between the blues and purples and the oranges and yellows of the sunset.
What made me read this book:
It was a graphic novel about a vampire. I love graphic novels and I'm always trying to find more of them. And I like vampires, so it was perfect.
What did I like the most:
I'd have to say that I like the art the most, it was absolutely beautiful and really well done.
The story itself is just a little weird. Of course there are 5 issues in this volume, and the first one the vampire makes money as a cam girl, which is odd. At one point she turns into a shark. Also odd. The entire story was just a mashup of... odd vampireness.
The vampire herself was really pretty and had a badass I don't give a rats ass attitude, so that was kind of cool.
What didn't I like:
Like I said, it was an odd mashup of just odd vampireness. It didn't make much sense to me, and though it only took me about an hour to read it, I was so confused by the end of the book.
Would I read the rest of the series/more from this author?
I don't think there is more, but no I wouldn't read anymore.
Just weird...
What made me pick this book up:
I saw it on Edelweiss and the cover definitely caught my eye.
What did I like about the cover:
The colors are absolutely amazing. I love the contrast between the blues and purples and the oranges and yellows of the sunset.
What made me read this book:
It was a graphic novel about a vampire. I love graphic novels and I'm always trying to find more of them. And I like vampires, so it was perfect.
What did I like the most:
I'd have to say that I like the art the most, it was absolutely beautiful and really well done.
The story itself is just a little weird. Of course there are 5 issues in this volume, and the first one the vampire makes money as a cam girl, which is odd. At one point she turns into a shark. Also odd. The entire story was just a mashup of... odd vampireness.
The vampire herself was really pretty and had a badass I don't give a rats ass attitude, so that was kind of cool.
What didn't I like:
Like I said, it was an odd mashup of just odd vampireness. It didn't make much sense to me, and though it only took me about an hour to read it, I was so confused by the end of the book.
Would I read the rest of the series/more from this author?
I don't think there is more, but no I wouldn't read anymore.
Just weird...
August 11, 2018
Dark Fang by Miles Gunter
With a title like Dark Fang, this graphic novel is obviously about vampires, but not the sparkly kind. Valla, a reluctant vampire, has been residing in the bottom of the ocean, eating sushi, creating fashion with the help of a jellyfish, and cavorting with her shark bestie. Valla’s playtime in her ocean sanctuary comes to an abrupt end when an oil slick kills her shark friend and other ocean life. Vowing revenge, Valla heads to the surface, but what is a vampire to do? The answer will shock and seduce you!
Watch out world, Valla is on her way to save the day! Dark Fang, while grisly and fun, manages to tackle a serious subject (environmental protection) with humor. If Dracula and an eco-terrorist were to have a baby, Valla would be the result. I loved that Miles Gunter brought something new to the vampire genre. I particularly enjoyed how bloodthirsty Valla was – decapitation on live television… yes, please! With an over the top plot and stunning artwork, this series sunk its fangs in me from beginning to end and I cannot wait for the next volume.
With a title like Dark Fang, this graphic novel is obviously about vampires, but not the sparkly kind. Valla, a reluctant vampire, has been residing in the bottom of the ocean, eating sushi, creating fashion with the help of a jellyfish, and cavorting with her shark bestie. Valla’s playtime in her ocean sanctuary comes to an abrupt end when an oil slick kills her shark friend and other ocean life. Vowing revenge, Valla heads to the surface, but what is a vampire to do? The answer will shock and seduce you!
Watch out world, Valla is on her way to save the day! Dark Fang, while grisly and fun, manages to tackle a serious subject (environmental protection) with humor. If Dracula and an eco-terrorist were to have a baby, Valla would be the result. I loved that Miles Gunter brought something new to the vampire genre. I particularly enjoyed how bloodthirsty Valla was – decapitation on live television… yes, please! With an over the top plot and stunning artwork, this series sunk its fangs in me from beginning to end and I cannot wait for the next volume.
November 30, 2018
The artwork could honestly be a lot better, this is like low-tier comic book kind of art. But I just can't resist an environmentalist vampire ready to take revenge on the corporations destroying the Earth!
I really loved how she lived for so long in the ocean; so jelly.
I really loved how she lived for so long in the ocean; so jelly.
May 20, 2018
Just when you thought there wasn't anything new to say in the vampire genre. This book was surprisingly original, and went in a lot of directions I wasn't expecting.
May 16, 2018
I read Dark Fang Vol. 1 as single issues.
Dark Fang is about a vampire trying to save the world, but not for the reasons you’d expect. Valla is aware that the world is going to hell; and while she doesn’t understand terms like ‘environmental protection’ she certainly has taken up the cause. This is a different twist on vampire priorities, and it makes for a fun read while also giving the reader lots of food for thought.
For more reviews, check out Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
Dark Fang is about a vampire trying to save the world, but not for the reasons you’d expect. Valla is aware that the world is going to hell; and while she doesn’t understand terms like ‘environmental protection’ she certainly has taken up the cause. This is a different twist on vampire priorities, and it makes for a fun read while also giving the reader lots of food for thought.
For more reviews, check out Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
April 9, 2022
En väldigt bra spinn på det mer traditionella (och ofta uttjatade) vampyr-mythos som vi är vana vid. Här korsbefruktat med en tydlig miljömedvetenhet som inte bara är passande utan också bra och beundransvärd. Det ligger på en nivå som man lätt kan ta till sig och kommer aldrig i närheten av en viss Greta Ts smått odrägliga "in-your-face" predikningar. Det hela även kryddat med en dos humor som kanske inte alltid är rolig men som ofta roar och får mig, läsaren, att le. Det här samlingsalbumet var ett fynd på årets bokrea hos SF-Bokhandeln och återigen så kan jag konstatera att jag hittills har haft tur att hitta riktigt bra sådana i år. Detta album samlar dom 5 första numren och i slutet av detta album så står det att nummer 6 släpps i juni (eller om det var juli) 2018, men om så blev fallet vet jag inte. Jag har aldrig hört talas om den här serien innan jag köpte den, men jag hoppas att den fick den fortsättning som det var tänkt för jag vill definitivt läsa mera. Jag hoppas kunna forska lite i frågan och kanske hitta mera att läsa. Rekommenderas om man vill ha en riktigt bra story med riktigt intressanta karaktärer, som är snyggt tecknad och som både har ett tydligt, fint och lite annorlunda budskap, men som också skiljer sig åt från det du har lärt dig om vampyrer tidigare. --- Tillägg: Efter lite efterforskning så kan jag konstatera att Dark Fang officiellt blev nedlagd trots att man hade gett den grönt ljus för i alla fall nummer 6 och 7. Trist.
December 26, 2018
I looooved it! Valla is charismatic as hell. You are rooting for her straight from the beginning.
The plot was captivating, had to read it in one go! The art is a pleasure to discover, same goes for the coloring. The only cons are the lettering choice, especially the red boxes for Valla's narration, they are too bright.
It was delightful, now I'm dying to read the next volume :)
Unto new adventures Dark Fang!
The plot was captivating, had to read it in one go! The art is a pleasure to discover, same goes for the coloring. The only cons are the lettering choice, especially the red boxes for Valla's narration, they are too bright.
It was delightful, now I'm dying to read the next volume :)
Unto new adventures Dark Fang!
November 1, 2020
2.5
Dark Fang follows a vampire on a mission to save the earth from environmental degradation. The synopsis caught my attention, but this story is more imaginative than I expected it to be. This was wild and ridiculous, but I definitely couldn't look away. I read this in one sitting and I appreciated most of the art. I'm just not sure what the intentions behind this comic were. So many random things seemed thrown together.
If you're looking for an interesting, quick read, or something you don't necessarily want to think too hard about, this might be a good choice?
Dark Fang follows a vampire on a mission to save the earth from environmental degradation. The synopsis caught my attention, but this story is more imaginative than I expected it to be. This was wild and ridiculous, but I definitely couldn't look away. I read this in one sitting and I appreciated most of the art. I'm just not sure what the intentions behind this comic were. So many random things seemed thrown together.
If you're looking for an interesting, quick read, or something you don't necessarily want to think too hard about, this might be a good choice?
August 2, 2018
A nice surprise. Fairly interesting.
May 25, 2022
i get the point, but it still feels very heavy handed and just...meh. art styles ok, but this is mostly just an example of 'this is not for me, I am not the proper audience'
May 23, 2018
I like the premise but I'm feeling very meh overall.
March 13, 2025
A very unique premise for an anti-oil vampire. Story was wacky, perhaps too much so. But it was a nice palette cleanser given the books I’ve been reading recently, to be sure.
February 20, 2023
If it was just the first half it would be 3/5, if it wasn't the ending it would be a 2.5 rounded up to 3/5. But the combo of the second half and the ending just dropped this series to 2.5/5 rounded down to 2/5.
The story started out very strong. I enjoy how Miles Gunter mixed part of the vampire mythos with a siren/mermaid element. The first half was pretty good barring the art (which I'll get onto later). The MC is moreso a force of nature than an actual character. She's been away from humanity for so long and is coming to get revenge on those who have destroyed the Earth and its resources as well as those whose apathy have let it happen.
In that sense the first half feels like a revenge story like Kill Bill but instead of getting revenge on the piece of shit that is Bill it's those who have a hand in destroying nature both those oding it and the rest of humanity that mostly allows it to happen. And the catharsis of watching this vampire kill and ruthlessly attack those who destroy the planet is good. It's a simple revenge story and delivers to the readers the catharsis such revenge stories need. The story and narrative meat doesn't need to strong. And it isn't. It's okay. But for what it starts as that's okay.
But then the second half kicks in and the scope widens. They try to add narrative meat but the "bone" that the story started as is too thin and it just falls off. We get way too much new stuff such as . Like a lot of revenge story the MC realizes the error of her ways and figures out she could've handled it way better. Considering the ecoterorrist actions and recent events (namely the oil heiress daughter funding organizations to make environmentalists look crazy but wrapping individuals to do insane actions in the name of conservation) it's a good message. Use positivity not negativity to enact environmental change.
And then the ending occurs and it ends on a cliffhanger for a second volume which seems will never materialize. The ending is also super fast paced. The second half of the volume just comes up and blazes through its material to arrive at the cliffhanger. And some of the ways it gets there feels like campy cartoon logic. This story felt like it could have been a single oneshot volume. No frills, no continued story, no larger scope to shove in more story. It could've been a simple revenge story with an ecoterrorist bend and a realization about how to save the environment a better way.
And I didn't really feel the artstyle. It had its moments of impressiveness but usually just felt "eh."
The story started out very strong. I enjoy how Miles Gunter mixed part of the vampire mythos with a siren/mermaid element. The first half was pretty good barring the art (which I'll get onto later). The MC is moreso a force of nature than an actual character. She's been away from humanity for so long and is coming to get revenge on those who have destroyed the Earth and its resources as well as those whose apathy have let it happen.
In that sense the first half feels like a revenge story like Kill Bill but instead of getting revenge on the piece of shit that is Bill it's those who have a hand in destroying nature both those oding it and the rest of humanity that mostly allows it to happen. And the catharsis of watching this vampire kill and ruthlessly attack those who destroy the planet is good. It's a simple revenge story and delivers to the readers the catharsis such revenge stories need. The story and narrative meat doesn't need to strong. And it isn't. It's okay. But for what it starts as that's okay.
But then the second half kicks in and the scope widens. They try to add narrative meat but the "bone" that the story started as is too thin and it just falls off. We get way too much new stuff such as . Like a lot of revenge story the MC realizes the error of her ways and figures out she could've handled it way better. Considering the ecoterorrist actions and recent events (namely the oil heiress daughter funding organizations to make environmentalists look crazy but wrapping individuals to do insane actions in the name of conservation) it's a good message. Use positivity not negativity to enact environmental change.
And then the ending occurs and it ends on a cliffhanger for a second volume which seems will never materialize. The ending is also super fast paced. The second half of the volume just comes up and blazes through its material to arrive at the cliffhanger. And some of the ways it gets there feels like campy cartoon logic. This story felt like it could have been a single oneshot volume. No frills, no continued story, no larger scope to shove in more story. It could've been a simple revenge story with an ecoterrorist bend and a realization about how to save the environment a better way.
And I didn't really feel the artstyle. It had its moments of impressiveness but usually just felt "eh."
April 29, 2018
In Your Face Plot; Some Funny Lines and Bits
This is supposed to be an "ecological action horror thrill ride". I got a kick out of it, but almost in spite of the author's efforts.
The idea is that the vampire Valla is drawn from her peaceful underwater home by the imminent destruction of all life on Earth, (and hence her food supply), because of the Earth-unfriendly behavior of "the fossil fuel industry". So, she starts to systematically kill every person involved in the fossil fuel business, from the President and oil-friendly Senators all the way down, presumably to meter readers and LP gas tank deliverymen. Really? Needless to say the gubbermint fights back, and it's on. So, in terms of plot, action, suspense, and "storytelling", this was a non-starter.
But, that said, if you just skip the actual story, this had some very nice scenes and bits. Valla has a sidekick whose head she keeps with her in a bucket, and he is very funny. I've read a couple of books now in which the hero or heroine has a skull as a sidekick, and I've yet to meet one who didn't steal all his/her/its scenes. Same thing here. Valla also has runins with other characters that never end well for those other characters, but their demises are always gruesomely clever and often deadpan funny. And there's an extended scene in which Valla battles some angel guy who's a total preening dick, and I was with Valla all the way on that one.
Valla is often drawn to look like the Jessica Rabbit, or maybe Little Annie Fanny, version of a Disney Princess, and that pale watercolory style nicely offsets scenes of violent mayhem. The blood soaked Snow White thing actually sort of complemented the whole spacey plot.
My upshot is that I didn't buy the story for a moment, but I didn't care or regret that for a moment, either. Valla, a psychotic murdering goody-goody, was just fun to watch.
(Please note that I had a chance to read a free ecopy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
This is supposed to be an "ecological action horror thrill ride". I got a kick out of it, but almost in spite of the author's efforts.
The idea is that the vampire Valla is drawn from her peaceful underwater home by the imminent destruction of all life on Earth, (and hence her food supply), because of the Earth-unfriendly behavior of "the fossil fuel industry". So, she starts to systematically kill every person involved in the fossil fuel business, from the President and oil-friendly Senators all the way down, presumably to meter readers and LP gas tank deliverymen. Really? Needless to say the gubbermint fights back, and it's on. So, in terms of plot, action, suspense, and "storytelling", this was a non-starter.
But, that said, if you just skip the actual story, this had some very nice scenes and bits. Valla has a sidekick whose head she keeps with her in a bucket, and he is very funny. I've read a couple of books now in which the hero or heroine has a skull as a sidekick, and I've yet to meet one who didn't steal all his/her/its scenes. Same thing here. Valla also has runins with other characters that never end well for those other characters, but their demises are always gruesomely clever and often deadpan funny. And there's an extended scene in which Valla battles some angel guy who's a total preening dick, and I was with Valla all the way on that one.
Valla is often drawn to look like the Jessica Rabbit, or maybe Little Annie Fanny, version of a Disney Princess, and that pale watercolory style nicely offsets scenes of violent mayhem. The blood soaked Snow White thing actually sort of complemented the whole spacey plot.
My upshot is that I didn't buy the story for a moment, but I didn't care or regret that for a moment, either. Valla, a psychotic murdering goody-goody, was just fun to watch.
(Please note that I had a chance to read a free ecopy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
March 8, 2020
Dark Fang
was an unexpected last moment decision while leaving the library and how wrong of a decsion that was I glance over seen the word fang in the title but there also was something so nostalgic about the entire cover which always appeals to me so I figure why not it's been a long while sinse I read anything about vampires This will at least be a fun and entertaining like The Vampire Stalker I didn't even find it humorous This was just so rediculous to even enjoy it I did like how violent this book was after all it is a vampire story if you can even call it that as I already mentioned this was oh heck, I'm not sure what this was it would have made a bit more sense maybe if our main character wasn't a vampire I mean all kind strange at it's absolute worst first off she's living under water then becomes best friends with a shark she's wearing a jellyfish as clothing Yes, I know insert eye roll now later that same jellyfish helps her fight and on land (mind you) And I don't want to say anything about Dracula cast being involved for whatever reason like really why? and wait it gets better there's actually a moment were she turn into a shark WTF I was beyond done Just one silly disaster after another
I do appreciate the fact this tried to take vampires in a new unique direction perhaps the author should of tried alittle ALOT less or went about it the wrong way it was all over the place
I do appreciate the fact this tried to take vampires in a new unique direction perhaps the author should of tried a
May 24, 2018
A product of the true Count Dracula, Valla is a reluctant vampire. To prevent succumbing to her blood lust, Valla decides to reside in the deepest depths of the ocean where she partakes of some of the freshest sushi on planet earth. A man eater, Valla befriends the other predator of the sea- the shark.
For decades, her life is far from perfect, but it is sustainable. However, one day, a mysterious black entity invades Valla's sanctuary, killing her shark friends. Enraged, Valla heads to the surface, vowing revenge of those who destroyed her ecosystem.
The vampire discovers that over a century has passed. The black death was the result of an oil spill. But oil is a big money business. To destroy the industry will cost money! What can a alluring vampire do to raise the funds to become a feared eco-terrorist?
The answer will surprise and seduce you!
This Image series by Miles Gunter and Kelsey Shannon (Scooby Apocalypse) was great. It takes the classic vampire trope and updates it for the technology heavy 21st century.
Bastard Samurai's Mile Gunter adds ecology to the story. But he while he makes the issue thought provoking, Gunter does a great job not making it preachy. Plus the insane twists he adds to the lobbyists funding the oil industry and manipulating the governments of the world are brilliant! I'm hooked on this series! It's like Image got it's fangs in me and won't let go!
A horror story that entices with stunning artwork and unimaginable creativity; this is a series not to be missed!
For decades, her life is far from perfect, but it is sustainable. However, one day, a mysterious black entity invades Valla's sanctuary, killing her shark friends. Enraged, Valla heads to the surface, vowing revenge of those who destroyed her ecosystem.
The vampire discovers that over a century has passed. The black death was the result of an oil spill. But oil is a big money business. To destroy the industry will cost money! What can a alluring vampire do to raise the funds to become a feared eco-terrorist?
The answer will surprise and seduce you!
This Image series by Miles Gunter and Kelsey Shannon (Scooby Apocalypse) was great. It takes the classic vampire trope and updates it for the technology heavy 21st century.
Bastard Samurai's Mile Gunter adds ecology to the story. But he while he makes the issue thought provoking, Gunter does a great job not making it preachy. Plus the insane twists he adds to the lobbyists funding the oil industry and manipulating the governments of the world are brilliant! I'm hooked on this series! It's like Image got it's fangs in me and won't let go!
A horror story that entices with stunning artwork and unimaginable creativity; this is a series not to be missed!
June 1, 2018
When I first read an Amazon summary of this book I expected it to have a more straight forward plot about underwater vampires attacking evil polluting surface dwellers. Kind of an Aquaman with vampire fangs story. I ordered the book for my library. However, I was happily surprised that the story was not so linear.
I really liked the fresh idea of a vampiress living in the ocean so that she can live without the deadly rays of sunlight. I also like the environmental issues being the reason for her leaving the safety of her ocean home. I Loved that she can turn into a shark! How cool is this? Super cool!
The plot of Valla discovering and creating an adult webcam website to make money was humors. I would have liked her to go after more of the oil tycoons. This area of the story seems to short, because a few more creative killings would have added some more action and humor to the book.
The ending of the book is silly, rushed, and leaves on a weird cliff hanger. Not what I was expecting and that makes this story unique, interesting, and strange.
The art style is cartoony and enjoyable. A fun and unique take on the vampire story.
I really liked the fresh idea of a vampiress living in the ocean so that she can live without the deadly rays of sunlight. I also like the environmental issues being the reason for her leaving the safety of her ocean home. I Loved that she can turn into a shark! How cool is this? Super cool!
The plot of Valla discovering and creating an adult webcam website to make money was humors. I would have liked her to go after more of the oil tycoons. This area of the story seems to short, because a few more creative killings would have added some more action and humor to the book.
The ending of the book is silly, rushed, and leaves on a weird cliff hanger. Not what I was expecting and that makes this story unique, interesting, and strange.
The art style is cartoony and enjoyable. A fun and unique take on the vampire story.
April 20, 2021
I will keep this short and sweet.
Valla definitely seems OP and it moves quite quickly (easily could have been spread out among 10, not just 5). But she turns into a shark and loves the ocean and earth. So I love it.
I would recommend it to anyone looking for a quick read. Who wouldn't love an environmentalist vampire looking to take down the crooks of the world?
4 stars because the story was rushed and it felt like another round of edits would have been beneficial. Can't wait to read more though!
Valla definitely seems OP and it moves quite quickly (easily could have been spread out among 10, not just 5). But she turns into a shark and loves the ocean and earth. So I love it.
I would recommend it to anyone looking for a quick read. Who wouldn't love an environmentalist vampire looking to take down the crooks of the world?
4 stars because the story was rushed and it felt like another round of edits would have been beneficial. Can't wait to read more though!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2023
Does it really deserve the four stars I gave? I don't know, but the first two comics that I read this month, Dejah Thoris and the White Apes of Mars and Underwinter Vol. 1, were so horrible that Dark Fang was a joy to read.
An age-old vampire, who sought refuge in the depths of the ocean, resurfaces after her pet shark was killed by some dark matter. In need of money she becomes a camgirl, gets filthy rich, and turns eco-warrior. Or eco-terrorist, depending on which side you are on.
An age-old vampire, who sought refuge in the depths of the ocean, resurfaces after her pet shark was killed by some dark matter. In need of money she becomes a camgirl, gets filthy rich, and turns eco-warrior. Or eco-terrorist, depending on which side you are on.
August 3, 2018
I really grooved on 'Dark Fang'.
Is it for everyone? Um. No. Nope. Nopers.
It's really just a polemic, and a vitriolic parable that more than likely provided a cathartic release for the author.
As it turns out, it's also a story line that provided some catharsis for me as well. There is nothing deep going on here, no slight of hand. And the art is great. Read the first half of volume one and you'll know if you're going to like it.
Is it for everyone? Um. No. Nope. Nopers.
It's really just a polemic, and a vitriolic parable that more than likely provided a cathartic release for the author.
As it turns out, it's also a story line that provided some catharsis for me as well. There is nothing deep going on here, no slight of hand. And the art is great. Read the first half of volume one and you'll know if you're going to like it.
July 13, 2018
The art was good, vibrant, reminded me of modern Western animation. It wasn't quite what I expected. Valla is good fun. She's an ecowarrior vampire who lived in the sea for a century and made ocean friends. And her ocean friends are precious. Her entire posse is precious in the book. The villains aren't nearly as endearing or enjoyable as she is. But Valla--she's cathartic.
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