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Vampire Kisses: Blood Relatives #1
Vampire Kisses: Blood Relatives, Volume I
The absolute last thing goth-girl Raven and her vampire boyfriend, Alexander, need is another hitch in their nighttime-only romance, but dark trouble hovers on the horizon when Raven and Alexander discover four freshly dug graves filled with empty coffins. When a crew of sketchy vampires takes up residence in Dullsville's lonely graveyard, Alexander finds this motley bunch led by his very own blood-sucking cousin, Claude Sterling. Shocking! Claude and his creepy crew can only spell out more problems for the pair, especially when Raven finds them in daylight in the very last place she could ever imagine. What could Claude and his invaders be doing or searching for in Dullsville?
Paperback
First published September 25, 2007
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About the author
Ellen Schreiber
53 books4,202 followersBefore I took pen to paper, I was an actress. I attended a local university majoring in theatre and spent a summer in London at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts where I learned about the “Old Bard” from amazingly talented teachers.
When I returned from London, I relocated to Chicago where I lived for five years. There, I graduated from the Second City Training Center and performed improv, Shakespeare, comedies and dramas--I even sang and danced on a cruise boat--without falling in Lake Michigan! A classmate of mine from Second City and I created and performed a two woman show for a year before I braved it alone doing stand-up comedy. It was during this time I began to write an adult novel about a rock star--I had always enjoyed writing...
Fast forward a couple of years along with a move home where I was performing “stand-up” at comedy clubs in the area. On a plane to LA to decide my fate-- “to move to LA or not to move to LA” that is the question, my big bro, Mark, coincidentally with the same last name as mine (author of PRINCES IN EXILE, DREAMS OF THE SOLO TRAPEZE and STARCROSSED) handed me a young adult book he found at the library he thought I’d like to read during the flight.
As I read the book, I thought, ‘I can do this!’
I returned from LA, and instead of moving there, I wrote my story about the rock star as a young adult novel and called it JOHNNY LIGHTNING.
Mark, my writing mentor, edited JL for me. He was kind enough to send the manuscript to his publisher in Belgium--Facet--and they published it! In Dutch!
I was now on a new life path!
In 2001 HarperCollins made me an offer I couldn’t refuse! Not only was HarperCollins going to publish TEENAGE MERMAID, but it was in a language I could read and book stores I could walk into! HarperCollins also bought VAMPIRE KISSES and COMEDY GIRL.
It was a dream come true!
Since beginning my new life path, VAMPIRE KISSES, TEENAGE MERMAID, and MY MOTHER, THE CLOWN have been published by Facet in Belgium and JOHNNY LIGHTNING has been published in Germany by Ravensburger.
Then my fabulous editor at HarperCollins asked me for a sequel to VAMPIRE KISSES!
HarperCollins published VAMPIRE KISSES 2--KISSING COFFINS and now the soon to be released VAMPIRE KISSES 3--VAMPIREVILLE. I am currently writing VAMPIRE KISSES 4!
When I'm not writing about the love affair between vampire obsessed, goth girl Raven and my favorite mysterious dark-eyed hottie, Alexander Sterling, I enjoy working on my other novels, shopping for Hello Kitty items, and attempting to gain control of the remote from my boyfriend.
When I returned from London, I relocated to Chicago where I lived for five years. There, I graduated from the Second City Training Center and performed improv, Shakespeare, comedies and dramas--I even sang and danced on a cruise boat--without falling in Lake Michigan! A classmate of mine from Second City and I created and performed a two woman show for a year before I braved it alone doing stand-up comedy. It was during this time I began to write an adult novel about a rock star--I had always enjoyed writing...
Fast forward a couple of years along with a move home where I was performing “stand-up” at comedy clubs in the area. On a plane to LA to decide my fate-- “to move to LA or not to move to LA” that is the question, my big bro, Mark, coincidentally with the same last name as mine (author of PRINCES IN EXILE, DREAMS OF THE SOLO TRAPEZE and STARCROSSED) handed me a young adult book he found at the library he thought I’d like to read during the flight.
As I read the book, I thought, ‘I can do this!’
I returned from LA, and instead of moving there, I wrote my story about the rock star as a young adult novel and called it JOHNNY LIGHTNING.
Mark, my writing mentor, edited JL for me. He was kind enough to send the manuscript to his publisher in Belgium--Facet--and they published it! In Dutch!
I was now on a new life path!
In 2001 HarperCollins made me an offer I couldn’t refuse! Not only was HarperCollins going to publish TEENAGE MERMAID, but it was in a language I could read and book stores I could walk into! HarperCollins also bought VAMPIRE KISSES and COMEDY GIRL.
It was a dream come true!
Since beginning my new life path, VAMPIRE KISSES, TEENAGE MERMAID, and MY MOTHER, THE CLOWN have been published by Facet in Belgium and JOHNNY LIGHTNING has been published in Germany by Ravensburger.
Then my fabulous editor at HarperCollins asked me for a sequel to VAMPIRE KISSES!
HarperCollins published VAMPIRE KISSES 2--KISSING COFFINS and now the soon to be released VAMPIRE KISSES 3--VAMPIREVILLE. I am currently writing VAMPIRE KISSES 4!
When I'm not writing about the love affair between vampire obsessed, goth girl Raven and my favorite mysterious dark-eyed hottie, Alexander Sterling, I enjoy working on my other novels, shopping for Hello Kitty items, and attempting to gain control of the remote from my boyfriend.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 360 reviews
July 11, 2014
While I was reading this I encountered a problem that I did not foresee. I knew to expect all the normal plot, character, and story elements that this type of story would willingly provide, but I didn't realize I was going so soft.
I wanted to give this book a pass, despite the fact that it offered absolutely nothing to earn that pass. My reason for wanting to pat this poor little manga on the head and just send it on it's marry way was that for all extensive purposes, this is a cash grab.
Should I judge this as a legitimate manga trying its darnedest or should I judge this as some publisher trying to scrap the bottom of the well of a successful vampire series with the least amount of effort possible?
This book is based off of the Vampire Kisses: The Beginning novels. The story being told here isn't a exact retelling either, instead it is creating a new story completely separate from the novels.
I would be lying if I didn't say I felt sorry for the poor thing. Who is it kidding! It is not a work of considerable thought. There was no one in its production who gave it the care and attention it needed to be anything beyond mildly forgettable, almost close to decent.
This is not the first time I've read one of these vampire YA novels adapted to manga style retelling either. There was this thing: Twilight: The Graphic Novel, Vol. 1 that I rated three stars. (The art was very pretty and on these nice glossy pages, I love me some high gloss!) Overall, I'm a fan of vampires more often then I'm not. I like the mythology and novels like, Drink, Slay, Love have rejuvenated my faith in the sub-creature-paranormal-genre. But this little, tiny, baby of a book doesn't stand a chance out in the real world. I could never compare it to any of the other manga I read, because it would just be unfair. It couldn't compete in anyway, even against its brethren like Twilight: The Graphic Novel, Vol. 1 because there just isn't anything there.
The story itself is simple. There's this girl who likes vampires and happens to have landed her perfect vampire boyfriend. Then all of a sudden his cousin from days of yore comes traipsing along with his vampire crew who want to be real vampires and not half bloods. And that's it. I just spoiled this entire volume for you in two sentences. Your welcome. I just saved you the 10 minuets it would take to read this. The book ends barley after it begins.
For some undeserable reason this was broken up into three books. It's hardly half the size of a regular manga. Actually, the content is so lacking that they had to tack on an additional 20 pages of content that isn't story, just to reach the minimum of what would be acceptable to print. There's 14 pages of character sketches, a 3 page "what to expect next time" write up, and 9 pages of written text from book four of the novels. That's 26 pages of a 128 page manga. To compare, the minimum of most manga is around 200 pages without counting advertisements or write ups. Because it is sooooo short the little things stand out. Like the complete flaws in logic, even by manga-verse standards. A "cool pak" that magically sticks floats mid-air without needing to be held or fastened. A "cool pak", that isn't a spelling mistake.
Then the very last scene of the book has an argument. Only the writers seem to have continently forgotten that the setting that this entire scene takes place (as established milliseconds earlier) is a high school hallway, full of people. And here's this guy abusing her, in a pretty serious manner, and no one seems to be the wiser. It's this sort of thing that defines poor quality.
Why create something if you're not even going to create it well? Why put something out into the world that doesn't look like you've put any thought into it? Is this something you would really want associated with your work as a creator? With such a basic concept this had the potential to be a good series if someone had put the time, effort, and commitment into doing it right.
I wanted to give this book a pass, despite the fact that it offered absolutely nothing to earn that pass. My reason for wanting to pat this poor little manga on the head and just send it on it's marry way was that for all extensive purposes, this is a cash grab.
Should I judge this as a legitimate manga trying its darnedest or should I judge this as some publisher trying to scrap the bottom of the well of a successful vampire series with the least amount of effort possible?
This book is based off of the Vampire Kisses: The Beginning novels. The story being told here isn't a exact retelling either, instead it is creating a new story completely separate from the novels.
I would be lying if I didn't say I felt sorry for the poor thing. Who is it kidding! It is not a work of considerable thought. There was no one in its production who gave it the care and attention it needed to be anything beyond mildly forgettable, almost close to decent.
This is not the first time I've read one of these vampire YA novels adapted to manga style retelling either. There was this thing: Twilight: The Graphic Novel, Vol. 1 that I rated three stars. (The art was very pretty and on these nice glossy pages, I love me some high gloss!) Overall, I'm a fan of vampires more often then I'm not. I like the mythology and novels like, Drink, Slay, Love have rejuvenated my faith in the sub-creature-paranormal-genre. But this little, tiny, baby of a book doesn't stand a chance out in the real world. I could never compare it to any of the other manga I read, because it would just be unfair. It couldn't compete in anyway, even against its brethren like Twilight: The Graphic Novel, Vol. 1 because there just isn't anything there.
The story itself is simple. There's this girl who likes vampires and happens to have landed her perfect vampire boyfriend. Then all of a sudden his cousin from days of yore comes traipsing along with his vampire crew who want to be real vampires and not half bloods. And that's it. I just spoiled this entire volume for you in two sentences. Your welcome. I just saved you the 10 minuets it would take to read this. The book ends barley after it begins.
For some undeserable reason this was broken up into three books. It's hardly half the size of a regular manga. Actually, the content is so lacking that they had to tack on an additional 20 pages of content that isn't story, just to reach the minimum of what would be acceptable to print. There's 14 pages of character sketches, a 3 page "what to expect next time" write up, and 9 pages of written text from book four of the novels. That's 26 pages of a 128 page manga. To compare, the minimum of most manga is around 200 pages without counting advertisements or write ups. Because it is sooooo short the little things stand out. Like the complete flaws in logic, even by manga-verse standards. A "cool pak" that magically sticks floats mid-air without needing to be held or fastened. A "cool pak", that isn't a spelling mistake.
Then the very last scene of the book has an argument. Only the writers seem to have continently forgotten that the setting that this entire scene takes place (as established milliseconds earlier) is a high school hallway, full of people. And here's this guy abusing her, in a pretty serious manner, and no one seems to be the wiser. It's this sort of thing that defines poor quality.
Why create something if you're not even going to create it well? Why put something out into the world that doesn't look like you've put any thought into it? Is this something you would really want associated with your work as a creator? With such a basic concept this had the potential to be a good series if someone had put the time, effort, and commitment into doing it right.
October 20, 2009
I think this series translates much better as manga and should have probably been release like this in the first place.
July 22, 2016
This was like Fifty Shades and Twilight combined into one.
November 3, 2020
In my attempts to find older manga, manhwa and American-made manga titles that were released, I recall stumbling across the second volume for this series, and then waiting for ages for copies of the first and third volumes to become available on Thriftbooks. Suffice to say, I'm happy that I finally own all three and was able to start reading this for the first time.
Something I found out prior to actually starting this was that this trilogy is based off a pre-existing set of YA paranormal/vampire romance novels that also fall under the Vampire Kisses umbrella. And now I feel like I'm going to need to, at some point, pick up those books to read just to gain some further context and I'm a bit annoyed about it. I don't think it's entirely necessary, mind you. This first volume does a fairly good job of introducing the characters, their relationships and their histories without necessarily needing to have read the original books, I would say. (Obviously I've not read them myself, but I don't feel particularly lost going into this and finishing this first installment.)
For what its worth, I get the sense from reading this manga that the books themselves might be extremely trope-heavy to an exhaustive and awkward level, but what I think might be cause for reflexive cringe actually works here, in a fun, hilariously charming sort of way. It's like eating a stack M&M Chips Ahoy! cookies, is the best way I can describe the feeling this volume gave me. My only other major complaint is how short this volume is, especially when lined up with the other two installments. It makes 2 and 3 look chunky by comparison, that's how dinky this first volume is.
I suppose my final thought for now is that you should expect some level of cheesy cringe from this, so don't go into it if you're looking for something that is deep and takes itself seriously. If you want something fun that's easy to escape into, a fast read, and has the quality of prepackaged cookies with M&Ms and chocolate chips, then definitely give this a shot.
Something I found out prior to actually starting this was that this trilogy is based off a pre-existing set of YA paranormal/vampire romance novels that also fall under the Vampire Kisses umbrella. And now I feel like I'm going to need to, at some point, pick up those books to read just to gain some further context and I'm a bit annoyed about it. I don't think it's entirely necessary, mind you. This first volume does a fairly good job of introducing the characters, their relationships and their histories without necessarily needing to have read the original books, I would say. (Obviously I've not read them myself, but I don't feel particularly lost going into this and finishing this first installment.)
For what its worth, I get the sense from reading this manga that the books themselves might be extremely trope-heavy to an exhaustive and awkward level, but what I think might be cause for reflexive cringe actually works here, in a fun, hilariously charming sort of way. It's like eating a stack M&M Chips Ahoy! cookies, is the best way I can describe the feeling this volume gave me. My only other major complaint is how short this volume is, especially when lined up with the other two installments. It makes 2 and 3 look chunky by comparison, that's how dinky this first volume is.
I suppose my final thought for now is that you should expect some level of cheesy cringe from this, so don't go into it if you're looking for something that is deep and takes itself seriously. If you want something fun that's easy to escape into, a fast read, and has the quality of prepackaged cookies with M&Ms and chocolate chips, then definitely give this a shot.
March 27, 2012
The Vampire Kisses series has always been a bit of pointless fluff for me. It has no plot to speak of and the romance and characters are complete cliques and yet... it's just so freaking cute I don't know what to do with myself. I also love manga so I was very excited to check this out.
The main cast is the same and both their looks and personalities are transferred nicely. Having said that, this is thankfully not just a retelling of any of the books but a new story featuring a group of half vampires lead by Alexander's cousin, Claude. Claude's a new character who moved to Dullsvile. He didn't come just for jollies, but rather in search of something Alexander might know about.
Like the novels, this book is really just cutesy fun fluff but it actually manages to have more of a plot. I absolutely love the art! It's very well done and captures the atmosphere of the series. The character designs are fantastic and the clothing very appealing.
I think it's just precious to see Raven with skull hair pins, bat necklaces, and combat boots. Alexander in a frayed blazer adorned with safety pins over his torso and Raven's spider ring on his finger. Claude in ripped shirts and pants with a choker around his neck. Kat in her cool but adorable gothic lolita - Really the list could go on. I think Raven looks really cute and both Alexander and Claude are very easy on the eyes in very different ways!
To tell the truth... I might like this more than the books. Maybe that's just the newness of it. I'm actually thinking of getting the whole series in manga.
The main cast is the same and both their looks and personalities are transferred nicely. Having said that, this is thankfully not just a retelling of any of the books but a new story featuring a group of half vampires lead by Alexander's cousin, Claude. Claude's a new character who moved to Dullsvile. He didn't come just for jollies, but rather in search of something Alexander might know about.
Like the novels, this book is really just cutesy fun fluff but it actually manages to have more of a plot. I absolutely love the art! It's very well done and captures the atmosphere of the series. The character designs are fantastic and the clothing very appealing.
I think it's just precious to see Raven with skull hair pins, bat necklaces, and combat boots. Alexander in a frayed blazer adorned with safety pins over his torso and Raven's spider ring on his finger. Claude in ripped shirts and pants with a choker around his neck. Kat in her cool but adorable gothic lolita - Really the list could go on. I think Raven looks really cute and both Alexander and Claude are very easy on the eyes in very different ways!
To tell the truth... I might like this more than the books. Maybe that's just the newness of it. I'm actually thinking of getting the whole series in manga.
May 22, 2019
Sigh...
Oh, BOY, does THIS take me back.
Read this manga series when I was in high school and it's giving me major nostalgia vibes. The art is beautiful and I love the storyline in this. It's a different plot than the novels that this is based off of. I actually prefer it. (I've only read the first 3 novels in the series, so maybe it's in later? Or this could be a whole different concept not introduced into the novels. I don't know yet.)
And, I mean... c'mon. Alexander Sterling?
Mysterious, protective and easy on the eyes?
I also don't care how cliche the romance is. It freaking works for me. It's very simplistic lovey, dovey feelings...like most anime/manga romances.
Oh, BOY, does THIS take me back.
Read this manga series when I was in high school and it's giving me major nostalgia vibes. The art is beautiful and I love the storyline in this. It's a different plot than the novels that this is based off of. I actually prefer it. (I've only read the first 3 novels in the series, so maybe it's in later? Or this could be a whole different concept not introduced into the novels. I don't know yet.)
And, I mean... c'mon. Alexander Sterling?
Mysterious, protective and easy on the eyes?
I also don't care how cliche the romance is. It freaking works for me. It's very simplistic lovey, dovey feelings...like most anime/manga romances.
February 20, 2011
* LISSON EVERYONE!!! READ THIS!!!
Everyone this is cool becuse Vampire Kisses is the first Manga book I have ever read in Manga world. I bought this in Barns and Nobal that was my favorit store at the time. (My second favorit book store)
I Got it with my Unkl Josph, (Mom's little bro) I read this book in one day and it was amazing to me!
Vampire Kisses have the best Vampire romans I have ever read and the Charactor girl Raven had every thing incomon and the same wishes (Not anymore now im older)
I loves this book so much that I wanted to be exacly like Raven, so I turned gothic and cut my long Burnet hair (So long it went to my hips)off short like Raven's.
Now im older I regret it! (Thanks a lot Raven) Now my hair is below my chests and I happy that it will soon come to my hips.
Ellen Schreiber, you did a grate job on Vampire Kisses, (At the time)and to cut my hair for your Charactor. (^.^)
October 3, 2016
The art is fine, and I'm sure lots of teens will like this, but I thought it was lame.
August 11, 2019
Plot - 4
Character - 4
Writing Style - 4
World Building - 4
Art - 4
Cover - 4
Rating - 4 🌟/ 5 🌟
Character - 4
Writing Style - 4
World Building - 4
Art - 4
Cover - 4
Rating - 4 🌟/ 5 🌟
May 29, 2019
Дуже наївно, місцями очі закочувались до потилиці і автор американка. А хочеться все таки оригінального підходу, але тепер з мангою буду знайомиться поглибленіше і серйозніше, як з окремим унікальним жанром із своїми правилами.
Для мене це новий і цікавий досвід.
Для мене це новий і цікавий досвід.
January 5, 2025
Es ist so wundervoll klischegeladen, ich liebe es🖤 (4,5✨)
April 9, 2023
when i found out a book series i read in middle school that i loved (so much that my cousin and i made the characters in sims 2) was also a graphic novel series i had to check it out lmfao. i don’t think this series is particularly good by any means, but god damn do i enjoy it. raven i love you so much. you are everything i wanted to be in 2009
October 29, 2014
This is a cute little series.
January 12, 2016
Definitely meant for someone who has read the books because the story picks up into the book series. Lost me for a bit.
January 5, 2025
The romance between Raven and Alexander is so sweet and Ellen Schreiber's world has such a cool Addams Family vibe. It will be intriguing to see how the Alexander-Claude dynamic develops. The artwork is top-notch, the faces so expressive, and the gothic atmosphere just pulled me into the story, sank its fangs into me (pun intended) and never let go. Highly recommended for anyone in the mood for some paranormal romance, entertaining teen drama, and mysterious immortals.
September 27, 2025
i know 12-year-old me would've eaten this series up!!! i would've wanted to be like raven soooo bad and steal her and claude's wardrobes. also, very obsessed with rem's art style! wishing i could eat it fr.
i don't give full stars only because i feel like there's some info missing—or maybe i'm missing something from the books. but the characters are cute and everything else is pretty much straightforward. cliche but nostalgic of 2000-2010s vampire media for sure (hence why i know my middle school self would've LOVED this).
will continue with the subsequent volumes!!!
i don't give full stars only because i feel like there's some info missing—or maybe i'm missing something from the books. but the characters are cute and everything else is pretty much straightforward. cliche but nostalgic of 2000-2010s vampire media for sure (hence why i know my middle school self would've LOVED this).
will continue with the subsequent volumes!!!
February 15, 2020
3.75/5 ⭐️
J’aime bien l’histoire même si ça reste très prévisible. On verra la suite 😉
J’aime bien l’histoire même si ça reste très prévisible. On verra la suite 😉
June 26, 2020
The story is 3 stars at best, but Rem's wonderful artwork is worth 5+ so I call this rating a compromise. 🦇🖤✨
February 3, 2024
If you read the books first, this is a cute addition. If I was just reading this, it doesn't warrant a space on my bookshelf.
June 26, 2025
Revisiting a lot of old books I used to love to try to get out of this reading slump
I wanted to beeeee her, I wanted to dress like her, I wanted her hair and makeup UGH
I wanted to beeeee her, I wanted to dress like her, I wanted her hair and makeup UGH
June 7, 2023
It has a lot of cool ideas, I hope they will develop in future volumes
March 15, 2022
When I first read this, I was in 8th grade and totally obsessed with this series. As I've decided to go back and re-read all of my manga, I realized that, while I have a ton of nostalgia for this series, the only thing I like nowadays is the art style.
Second reread, March of 2022: I’m in a reading slump & knew this series would pull me out of it. Even though it’s not good (arguably, it’s terrible) the characters are nostalgic for me. Also how does Alexander have more personality in a 100-page manga than the entire book series???
Second reread, March of 2022: I’m in a reading slump & knew this series would pull me out of it. Even though it’s not good (arguably, it’s terrible) the characters are nostalgic for me. Also how does Alexander have more personality in a 100-page manga than the entire book series???
September 26, 2019
I read this due to a parent complaint in the library. It is a story of a goth girl who wants nothing more than to date a hot vampire. Ta da! She accomplishes it but halfway through the love story a gang of part vampire/humans show up and stir up trouble. There are two pictures of kissing, no swears, no violence. It feels like Twilight manga style. I am not a fan but lots of middle school vampire fans seem to be. 6th grade and up.
December 14, 2018
Zum Inhalt:
Gothic-Girl Raven ist glücklich mit dem Vampir Alexander liiert, kein Wunder also, dass sie auf Wolke sieben schwebt. Doch als plötzlich Alexanders Cousin Claude mit seiner Gang in Dullsville auftaucht, ist es mit der nächtlichen Friedhofs-Romantik vorbei. Denn Claude ist auf der Suche nach den Blutampullen seiner verstorbenen Großmutter, durch die er zum Vollblutvampir werden will! Können Raven und Alexander seinen Plan vereiteln?
Cover:
Als Vampirfan war ich für dieses Cover sofort Feuer und Flamme. Genau wie bei dem Roman, auf dessen Vorlage dieser Manga beruht, sieht man hier als Animefigur die Protagonistin Raven, welche im Gothicstyle gekleidet ist. Wäre der Titel nicht, würde trotzdem alles an diesem Cover „Vampir“ schreien. Es ist einfach stimmig und passt sehr gut zu der Geschichte. Absolut grandios gemacht.
Eigener Eindruck:
Raven könnte glücklicher nicht sein. Nicht nur, dass das Gothicgirl auf Wolke sieben schwebt, nein, ihr Traumtyp Alexander ist genau das, was sie sich immer gewünscht hat, ein waschechter Vampir. Doch als die beiden sich an diesem Tag auf dem Friedhof für ein romantisches Date treffen, geschehen eigenartige Dinge. Als die beiden danach eine Soldatenfigur finden ist für Alexander klar, dass es sich bei dem nächtlichen Friedhofsbesucher nur um seinen Cousin und Halbvampir Claude handeln kann. Schnell kommt Raven dahinter, dass es sich wirklich um Claude handelt. Er ist auf der Suche nach Blutampullen, die ihn zu einem echten Vampir machen sollen. Er bemerkt Raven und fortan muss sie sich vorsehen, denn Claude muss nicht wie sein Cousin tagsüber schlafen und taucht mit seiner Gang in der Schule auf…
Dieser Manga ist dem gleichnamigen Roman "Vampire Kisses" von Ellen Schreiber nachempfunden. Mit wirklich herzlich niedlichen Zeichnungen und einer Mischung aus Gothicelementen - Gott was liebe ich Ravens Klamotten - wurde der Roman in diesem Manga zum Leben erweckt. In meinen Augen ist der Manga leider ein bisschen zu kurz geraten, aber im Großen und Ganzen gefällt mir der Aufbau. Zu Beginn bekommt man Raven und Alexander vorgestellt und wie sie zueinander stehen. Sofort wird man dann in die Geschichte hinein geworfen und darf die beiden bei einem Date auf dem Friedhof begleiten, wobei wir auch erfahren wie die beiden zueinander gefunden haben. Die Geschichte beginnt sehr schnell Fahrt aufzunehmen und endet im ersten Band natürlich mit einem Cliffhänger. Das macht die ganze Sache aber noch spannender und man möchte unbedingt wissen wie es weiter geht.
Fazit:
Empfehlen möchte ich den Manga allen Vampirfans und Fans von romantisch süßen Mangas. Dieser Manga ist zwar niedlich aber nicht total überkitscht. Er hat Humor, Liebe und Spannung. Durchaus eine kleine Investition wert und ein Muss bei allen Fans von Vampiren.
Idee: 5/5
Zeichnungen: 5/5
Emotionen: 5/5
Spannung: 5/5
Humor: 5/5
Gesamt: 5/5
Daten:
· Taschenbuch: 128 Seiten
· Verlag: TOKYOPOP; Auflage: 1 (21. August 2008)
· Sprache: Deutsch
· ISBN-10: 3867194785
· ISBN-13: 978-3867194785
· Vom Hersteller empfohlenes Alter: 13 - 16 Jahre
· Verpackungsabmessungen: 18,6 x 12,4 x 1 cm
Gothic-Girl Raven ist glücklich mit dem Vampir Alexander liiert, kein Wunder also, dass sie auf Wolke sieben schwebt. Doch als plötzlich Alexanders Cousin Claude mit seiner Gang in Dullsville auftaucht, ist es mit der nächtlichen Friedhofs-Romantik vorbei. Denn Claude ist auf der Suche nach den Blutampullen seiner verstorbenen Großmutter, durch die er zum Vollblutvampir werden will! Können Raven und Alexander seinen Plan vereiteln?
Cover:
Als Vampirfan war ich für dieses Cover sofort Feuer und Flamme. Genau wie bei dem Roman, auf dessen Vorlage dieser Manga beruht, sieht man hier als Animefigur die Protagonistin Raven, welche im Gothicstyle gekleidet ist. Wäre der Titel nicht, würde trotzdem alles an diesem Cover „Vampir“ schreien. Es ist einfach stimmig und passt sehr gut zu der Geschichte. Absolut grandios gemacht.
Eigener Eindruck:
Raven könnte glücklicher nicht sein. Nicht nur, dass das Gothicgirl auf Wolke sieben schwebt, nein, ihr Traumtyp Alexander ist genau das, was sie sich immer gewünscht hat, ein waschechter Vampir. Doch als die beiden sich an diesem Tag auf dem Friedhof für ein romantisches Date treffen, geschehen eigenartige Dinge. Als die beiden danach eine Soldatenfigur finden ist für Alexander klar, dass es sich bei dem nächtlichen Friedhofsbesucher nur um seinen Cousin und Halbvampir Claude handeln kann. Schnell kommt Raven dahinter, dass es sich wirklich um Claude handelt. Er ist auf der Suche nach Blutampullen, die ihn zu einem echten Vampir machen sollen. Er bemerkt Raven und fortan muss sie sich vorsehen, denn Claude muss nicht wie sein Cousin tagsüber schlafen und taucht mit seiner Gang in der Schule auf…
Dieser Manga ist dem gleichnamigen Roman "Vampire Kisses" von Ellen Schreiber nachempfunden. Mit wirklich herzlich niedlichen Zeichnungen und einer Mischung aus Gothicelementen - Gott was liebe ich Ravens Klamotten - wurde der Roman in diesem Manga zum Leben erweckt. In meinen Augen ist der Manga leider ein bisschen zu kurz geraten, aber im Großen und Ganzen gefällt mir der Aufbau. Zu Beginn bekommt man Raven und Alexander vorgestellt und wie sie zueinander stehen. Sofort wird man dann in die Geschichte hinein geworfen und darf die beiden bei einem Date auf dem Friedhof begleiten, wobei wir auch erfahren wie die beiden zueinander gefunden haben. Die Geschichte beginnt sehr schnell Fahrt aufzunehmen und endet im ersten Band natürlich mit einem Cliffhänger. Das macht die ganze Sache aber noch spannender und man möchte unbedingt wissen wie es weiter geht.
Fazit:
Empfehlen möchte ich den Manga allen Vampirfans und Fans von romantisch süßen Mangas. Dieser Manga ist zwar niedlich aber nicht total überkitscht. Er hat Humor, Liebe und Spannung. Durchaus eine kleine Investition wert und ein Muss bei allen Fans von Vampiren.
Idee: 5/5
Zeichnungen: 5/5
Emotionen: 5/5
Spannung: 5/5
Humor: 5/5
Gesamt: 5/5
Daten:
· Taschenbuch: 128 Seiten
· Verlag: TOKYOPOP; Auflage: 1 (21. August 2008)
· Sprache: Deutsch
· ISBN-10: 3867194785
· ISBN-13: 978-3867194785
· Vom Hersteller empfohlenes Alter: 13 - 16 Jahre
· Verpackungsabmessungen: 18,6 x 12,4 x 1 cm
July 30, 2025
📘 Vampire Kisses: Blood Relatives, Vol. 1 by Ellen Schreiber
⭐ Rating: 4/5 🦇💋🖤
📖 Summary:
This manga-style graphic novel is set in the world of Vampire Kisses — continuing the darkly sweet romance of Raven, your fave goth girl-next-door, and Alexander Sterling, the mysterious vampire boyfriend every Hot Topic teen once dreamed of.
But things get complicated when a new vampire — Claude, Alexander’s troublemaking blood relative — shows up in town with bad vibes and worse intentions.
Now Raven isn’t just dealing with awkward PDA and vampire curfews… she’s got to:
Uncover Claude’s secret plan
Protect Alexander (even if he insists on doing it himself)
And look fabulous doing it in fishnets and combat boots
This is paranormal-lite fun with heavy eyeliner and feathered bangs. 💀
💖 Character Reactions:
🦇 Raven — Our goth heroine is still iconic.
Snarky, fearless, and rocking a wardrobe that screams mall goth royalty.
She’s determined, dramatic, and absolutely done with vampire politics.
🖤 Alexander — Sensitive, artistic vampire boyfriend™.
He’s broody, polite, and 100% not built for villain fights. But he's trying. For her.
💢 Claude — The new vamp on the block. Messy. Petty. Chaos in a leather jacket.
You immediately want to stake him — which means he’s a great antagonist.
🎨 Art & Vibes:
Manga-style illustrations (western-made but anime-inspired)
Dramatic expressions, stylish outfits, lots of shadowy panels
Reads like a graphic novel version of a CW show from the early 2000s — and we love it
🔥 Smut Level:
Very tame. PG swoon vibes with some intense eye contact and a romantic neck-nuzzle or two.
#SmutTags: #VampireBoyfriendEnergy #NeckingNotSpicyYet #GothKissesOnly #DarkRomanceJuniorEdition
⚠️ Trigger Warnings:
Vampire violence (mild), emotional manipulation, light blood imagery, comic-level peril
🏷️ Tags:
#VampireKissesBloodRelatives #GothGirlGetsTheVamp #ComicBookRomance #ClaudeNeedsToChill #MallGothManga #ParanormalDrama #RavenAndAlexanderForever #YAThrowback #StakeTheDrama #HotTopicAesthetic
⭐ Rating: 4/5 🦇💋🖤
📖 Summary:
This manga-style graphic novel is set in the world of Vampire Kisses — continuing the darkly sweet romance of Raven, your fave goth girl-next-door, and Alexander Sterling, the mysterious vampire boyfriend every Hot Topic teen once dreamed of.
But things get complicated when a new vampire — Claude, Alexander’s troublemaking blood relative — shows up in town with bad vibes and worse intentions.
Now Raven isn’t just dealing with awkward PDA and vampire curfews… she’s got to:
Uncover Claude’s secret plan
Protect Alexander (even if he insists on doing it himself)
And look fabulous doing it in fishnets and combat boots
This is paranormal-lite fun with heavy eyeliner and feathered bangs. 💀
💖 Character Reactions:
🦇 Raven — Our goth heroine is still iconic.
Snarky, fearless, and rocking a wardrobe that screams mall goth royalty.
She’s determined, dramatic, and absolutely done with vampire politics.
🖤 Alexander — Sensitive, artistic vampire boyfriend™.
He’s broody, polite, and 100% not built for villain fights. But he's trying. For her.
💢 Claude — The new vamp on the block. Messy. Petty. Chaos in a leather jacket.
You immediately want to stake him — which means he’s a great antagonist.
🎨 Art & Vibes:
Manga-style illustrations (western-made but anime-inspired)
Dramatic expressions, stylish outfits, lots of shadowy panels
Reads like a graphic novel version of a CW show from the early 2000s — and we love it
🔥 Smut Level:
Very tame. PG swoon vibes with some intense eye contact and a romantic neck-nuzzle or two.
#SmutTags: #VampireBoyfriendEnergy #NeckingNotSpicyYet #GothKissesOnly #DarkRomanceJuniorEdition
⚠️ Trigger Warnings:
Vampire violence (mild), emotional manipulation, light blood imagery, comic-level peril
🏷️ Tags:
#VampireKissesBloodRelatives #GothGirlGetsTheVamp #ComicBookRomance #ClaudeNeedsToChill #MallGothManga #ParanormalDrama #RavenAndAlexanderForever #YAThrowback #StakeTheDrama #HotTopicAesthetic
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 14, 2022
Vampire kiss parte in quinta dopo poche pagine con un colpo di scena ma partiamo dalla nostra protagonista.
Raven un ragazza dal gotich style simpatica e impavida con un piccolo sogno, stare con un vampiro. Alexander è il suo fidanzato, un vampiro gentile dolce e che condivide le sue stesse passioni.
Una sera ci troviamo nel cimitero insieme ai due e ad una sorpresa inaspettata che porta guai, Claude il cugino di Alex appere inisieme a un gruppetto di amici in cerca di vendetta.
La storia è fresca e decisa, a tratti avventurosa e divertente, molto scorrevole e buona anche nei botta e risposta dei dialoghi.
Per essere il primo volume ha aperto molto bene le danze con un modo veloce e coinvolgente, lo trovo adatto ad un pubblico adolescenti che sogna il principe vampire... come se poi non lo sognano tutti.
Le tavole mi sono piaciute moltissimo, assomigliano molto allo stile nipponico ma mantiene comunque la sua unicità, dalle tinte dark ma molto pulite e dettagliate. lo studio dei personaggi sono ciò che amo di più e quando li ritrovo nei volumi io sono troppo contenta, riguardo al carattere li trovo fatti bene anche sotto quel punto di vista.
Non mi sbilancio più di tanto perché sono curiosa di leggere gli altri e vedere come si evolve la storia, ma posso dire che per orami piace tanto, poi ci sono i vampiri... cosa c'è di meglio?
Raven un ragazza dal gotich style simpatica e impavida con un piccolo sogno, stare con un vampiro. Alexander è il suo fidanzato, un vampiro gentile dolce e che condivide le sue stesse passioni.
Una sera ci troviamo nel cimitero insieme ai due e ad una sorpresa inaspettata che porta guai, Claude il cugino di Alex appere inisieme a un gruppetto di amici in cerca di vendetta.
La storia è fresca e decisa, a tratti avventurosa e divertente, molto scorrevole e buona anche nei botta e risposta dei dialoghi.
Per essere il primo volume ha aperto molto bene le danze con un modo veloce e coinvolgente, lo trovo adatto ad un pubblico adolescenti che sogna il principe vampire... come se poi non lo sognano tutti.
Le tavole mi sono piaciute moltissimo, assomigliano molto allo stile nipponico ma mantiene comunque la sua unicità, dalle tinte dark ma molto pulite e dettagliate. lo studio dei personaggi sono ciò che amo di più e quando li ritrovo nei volumi io sono troppo contenta, riguardo al carattere li trovo fatti bene anche sotto quel punto di vista.
Non mi sbilancio più di tanto perché sono curiosa di leggere gli altri e vedere come si evolve la storia, ma posso dire che per orami piace tanto, poi ci sono i vampiri... cosa c'è di meglio?
September 26, 2021
Chi non si è mai preso una cotta per un vampiro? Almeno una volta nella vita penso sia capitato a tutti di guardare attentamente un vampiro: sono affascinanti, misteriosi e tantissimi scrittori ci hanno ricamato moltissime storie diverse su di loro. Disegni magnifici con una varietà di vestiti veramente bella infatti i nostri personaggi non sono sempre vestiti uguali. La varietà dei vestiti, personalizzata per ogni personalità e caratterizzazione dei personaggi, non l'ho mai vista. Questa serie di fumetti è tratta dai romanzi di Ellen Schreiber, ci sono diverse collezioni dove i romanzi vengono raccontati sottoforma di immagini. Nonostante ci sia un'altra collezione prima di questa, la lettura è godibile e divertente. La trama è interessante e questa serie è particolarmente adatta per adolescenti, sia nel corpo che nell'anima, come me, che lo sono solo nell'anima ormai. Seguire le vicende dei due ragazzi, ma soprattutto di Raven, è emozionante ed intrigante. L'unico neo che posso trovare in questa vicenda a fumetti è che in alcuni tratti la storia sembra un po' sbrigativa. Non perdetevi quest'avventura magnifica, vampiresca, goth e tutta da leggere e sfogliare.
Recensione completa sul blog noi_leggiamo, anche su instagram e facebook.
Ari
Recensione completa sul blog noi_leggiamo, anche su instagram e facebook.
Ari
September 12, 2021
In my life so far i have read a lot of mangas. I am no stranger to unusual, not well-known or even really trashy ones. It is just what happens when most of the mangas you've read come from your local, small-town library and yet I haven't read any other manga that was as bad as this one.
I could go on and on about how lackluster and two-dimensional the characters are or about the empty world-building in which it seems our protagonists are the only people left on earth! How the non-existent plot is streched out so much that by the end of this installment, nothing has happened at all and the storytelling does exactly what it's not supposed to: Confuse and be unnessecary. The author tries to convey stereotypical shoujo-manga tropes in a self-aware way but ends up failing in creating a joke, leaving you with nothing but unintensional, but bad camp.
TLDR: The ultimate example of what not to do when making a manga.
I could go on and on about how lackluster and two-dimensional the characters are or about the empty world-building in which it seems our protagonists are the only people left on earth! How the non-existent plot is streched out so much that by the end of this installment, nothing has happened at all and the storytelling does exactly what it's not supposed to: Confuse and be unnessecary. The author tries to convey stereotypical shoujo-manga tropes in a self-aware way but ends up failing in creating a joke, leaving you with nothing but unintensional, but bad camp.
TLDR: The ultimate example of what not to do when making a manga.
August 18, 2025
I love this manga, definitely for nostalgic reason but revisiting the series I fell in love all over again. I was in middle school when the series came out and at the time Vampire Knights was a big deal so this manga came as a breath of fresh air back then. Sadly, back then I didn't have the resources to get the rest of the books but now Im an adult so I do.
Anyways, I actually did a review on YouTube about this manga so I'll keep it short here.
Raven lives in Dullsville, has a vampire bf, and has to figure out who inhabits the 4 fresh graves in the middle of the cemetery.
I really enjoyed the dynamic between Raven and Alexander, he's such a a sweetie pie. I feel like the name of the town is very cliche but I can overlook it in the grand scheme of things.
As a person into gothic fashion, music, and literature I think Raven is a cute goth character. I love the art by REM, the fashion is to die for (pun was a given).
Anyways, I actually did a review on YouTube about this manga so I'll keep it short here.
Raven lives in Dullsville, has a vampire bf, and has to figure out who inhabits the 4 fresh graves in the middle of the cemetery.
I really enjoyed the dynamic between Raven and Alexander, he's such a a sweetie pie. I feel like the name of the town is very cliche but I can overlook it in the grand scheme of things.
As a person into gothic fashion, music, and literature I think Raven is a cute goth character. I love the art by REM, the fashion is to die for (pun was a given).
June 3, 2020
I am giving this 4.5 stars. ☺
I haven't read this on so long, and I missed this world! I own all the graphic novels, and the series . ( I think there are 9 books total in the original series)
Rem is such an amazing artist, and she really captured the characters and settings.
Raven and Alexander's relationship is so freaking cute. They both very witty, and love each other. Alexander is very protective of Raven, as she tends to get herself into sticky situations, and he is the first to rescue her.
I wanted to add this into my challenge this year, as I am doing quite a few rereads.
Loved revisiting it! 💖🖤
I haven't read this on so long, and I missed this world! I own all the graphic novels, and the series . ( I think there are 9 books total in the original series)
Rem is such an amazing artist, and she really captured the characters and settings.
Raven and Alexander's relationship is so freaking cute. They both very witty, and love each other. Alexander is very protective of Raven, as she tends to get herself into sticky situations, and he is the first to rescue her.
I wanted to add this into my challenge this year, as I am doing quite a few rereads.
Loved revisiting it! 💖🖤
Displaying 1 - 30 of 360 reviews