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The Accursed Vampire #1
The Accursed Vampire
In this spooky and funny middle grade graphic novel debut, a trio of vampire kids embarks on a quest that takes them to a mysterious small town, where they’ll find an unexpected sense of adventure—and belonging.
Dragoslava is a vampire kid. And that’s not even the worst part. A few centuries ago, Drago was cursed by a witch, and now they must complete every task the witch gives them, or they will be turned into worms.
When the witch tells Drago to bring her a spellbook from Baneberry Falls, they set off with their immortal friends, Eztli and Quintus. But mysteries await in this sleepy midwestern town. Are the keepers of the spellbook, Sara, a vampire, and Ayesha, a witch, as friendly as they seem? Or do they have a hidden agenda, like everyone else Drago has ever known?
One thing’s for sure: after this accursed mission, Drago’s immortal life will never be the same again!
In her debut graphic novel, Madeline McGrane tells a charming and compelling story about the worst vampires who finally have the chance to do something good.
Dragoslava is a vampire kid. And that’s not even the worst part. A few centuries ago, Drago was cursed by a witch, and now they must complete every task the witch gives them, or they will be turned into worms.
When the witch tells Drago to bring her a spellbook from Baneberry Falls, they set off with their immortal friends, Eztli and Quintus. But mysteries await in this sleepy midwestern town. Are the keepers of the spellbook, Sara, a vampire, and Ayesha, a witch, as friendly as they seem? Or do they have a hidden agenda, like everyone else Drago has ever known?
One thing’s for sure: after this accursed mission, Drago’s immortal life will never be the same again!
In her debut graphic novel, Madeline McGrane tells a charming and compelling story about the worst vampires who finally have the chance to do something good.
176 pages, Hardcover
First published July 27, 2021
13 people are currently reading
3184 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 230 reviews
September 17, 2021
Imagine my delight when I opened this middle grade graphic novel not expecting it to be hella queer, and it was! A cute kid vampire whose pronouns are they/them and nobody blinks! An F/F vampire-witch couple! Surprise positive queer content in kids' comics is always my favorite thing. It was a pleasant read, as well, so I feel my time was well spent. Also it's coming up on October so I know y'all are looking for spooky reads. :)
September 8, 2021
I've been following Madeline McGrane's work for several years, enjoying the Little Vampire comics via zines and tumblr posts. I was extremely excited when this book was announced! I read it all in one day, and enjoyed it, but I have different feelings about it than my pure delight over the mini-comics that it grew out of.
The story opens with vampire friends Dragoslava, Eztli and Quintus hanging in a graveyard, enjoying the vibes of fall. Then Drago receives an ominous missive: someone has stolen a spell book from a witch he is indentured to. She demands he retrieves it or there will be consequences. So the three undead children set out towards the little Michigan town of Baneberry Falls. There they encounter a grown up vampire and her witch girlfriend, who end up taking the trio under their wing. The mini-comics often just tell quiet, introspective slice-of-life moments of this queer found family going about their day. The graphic novel, to add excitement, throws in a vampire hunter and a few cursed items. I understand that a book for young readers should probably include some excitement and plot, but part of me wished the book was really just about Dragoslava quietly learning to handle their periods of melancholy and beginning to release their feelings of martyrdom and abandonment to enjoy the simple pleasures of warm blood and friendship. As odd as this may sound, I sort of wish the book had... less plot?
All that said, the art is very gorgeous, and I did love seeing these characters in full color (the mini-comics were in black and white). It seems like there will be a second book in this series, so I will look forward to it, hoping for some more slice-of-life scenes in the sequel.
The story opens with vampire friends Dragoslava, Eztli and Quintus hanging in a graveyard, enjoying the vibes of fall. Then Drago receives an ominous missive: someone has stolen a spell book from a witch he is indentured to. She demands he retrieves it or there will be consequences. So the three undead children set out towards the little Michigan town of Baneberry Falls. There they encounter a grown up vampire and her witch girlfriend, who end up taking the trio under their wing. The mini-comics often just tell quiet, introspective slice-of-life moments of this queer found family going about their day. The graphic novel, to add excitement, throws in a vampire hunter and a few cursed items. I understand that a book for young readers should probably include some excitement and plot, but part of me wished the book was really just about Dragoslava quietly learning to handle their periods of melancholy and beginning to release their feelings of martyrdom and abandonment to enjoy the simple pleasures of warm blood and friendship. As odd as this may sound, I sort of wish the book had... less plot?
All that said, the art is very gorgeous, and I did love seeing these characters in full color (the mini-comics were in black and white). It seems like there will be a second book in this series, so I will look forward to it, hoping for some more slice-of-life scenes in the sequel.
October 23, 2021
A nonbinary child vampire drags their child vampire friends along as they run errands for an evil witch for centuries and centuries until one day they meet a friendly gay witch in Michigan (the upper peninsula, I believe) and finally start to question their status quo. The oddness of the main character and the randomness in the way the story was structured was just a bit too much for me.
It may amuse children, but they might get confused by the many flashbacks.
It may amuse children, but they might get confused by the many flashbacks.
August 31, 2021
"Ha! That was pretty fun.
It would've been funnier if we had drunk all their blood."
I really enjoyed the illustrations but not so much the story. There wasn't anything to pull me into the story. I felt this continuous loop of nothing happening and then Dragoslava acting like a child. That seemed to happen over and over again. I was not a fan of that.
Besides liking the illustrations, I also liked that the female vampire, Sara, and the female witch, Ayesha, were a couple. And let me add the cutest couple! You don't see many queer couples in young children's graphic novels and it was fantastic to see that here.
The Accursed Vampire just wasn't to my liking. I think young kids will enjoy the childish humor and the story.
It would've been funnier if we had drunk all their blood."
I really enjoyed the illustrations but not so much the story. There wasn't anything to pull me into the story. I felt this continuous loop of nothing happening and then Dragoslava acting like a child. That seemed to happen over and over again. I was not a fan of that.
Besides liking the illustrations, I also liked that the female vampire, Sara, and the female witch, Ayesha, were a couple. And let me add the cutest couple! You don't see many queer couples in young children's graphic novels and it was fantastic to see that here.
The Accursed Vampire just wasn't to my liking. I think young kids will enjoy the childish humor and the story.
January 9, 2022
Stumbled upon this on my library app and went, "Oh!!! The Vampire Kids have a book!!!" That stupid, stupid comic that makes me cry over a little vampire who hates spring because it reminds them they're not alive and will never grow up now has a published book, and I am honestly so happy for the artist, because everything I've read with these characters has been a delight.
Anyway, yeah. A really cute story with really cute characters in a really cute art style. It manages to tastefully talk about adult figures not always having a child's best interest at heart and not always being a paragon of right and wrong in a way that it's reachable for a younger audience. Drago wants the witch to maybe start caring about them the way their parents once cared, so they do what they're told and wait for her approval even when other people who care about them get hurt. They think there's something wrong with them that the witch keeps threatening them and never offers a word of approval. And it's not. And they have to learn to recognize that. It's a lesson that stinks, but it's an honest one, and The Accursed Vampire handles it extremely well.
(Side note, Sara the Constantly Exhausted Vampire is a mood and a half. And A-plus use of this meme, I see you McGrane.)
Anyway, yeah. A really cute story with really cute characters in a really cute art style. It manages to tastefully talk about adult figures not always having a child's best interest at heart and not always being a paragon of right and wrong in a way that it's reachable for a younger audience. Drago wants the witch to maybe start caring about them the way their parents once cared, so they do what they're told and wait for her approval even when other people who care about them get hurt. They think there's something wrong with them that the witch keeps threatening them and never offers a word of approval. And it's not. And they have to learn to recognize that. It's a lesson that stinks, but it's an honest one, and The Accursed Vampire handles it extremely well.
(Side note, Sara the Constantly Exhausted Vampire is a mood and a half. And A-plus use of this meme, I see you McGrane.)
October 28, 2024
(3.9) On my to read list for awhile, mainly for the cutesy yet grim/gothic inspired artwork. But this lighthearted romp also carried heavier themes. Especially in the latter chapters, where the vampire children’s backgrounds are revealed.
October 6, 2021
this graphic novel has:
- POC vampires
- nonbinary children vampires
- sapphic vampires
- sapphic POC witches
- adorableness
- adventure
- found family
you’re welcome.
- POC vampires
- nonbinary children vampires
- sapphic vampires
- sapphic POC witches
- adorableness
- adventure
- found family
you’re welcome.
February 18, 2022
Can’t believe how expressive the artwork was! Very cute and touching story.
February 27, 2025
it’s nice seeing myself represented in literature (Dragoslava the bald they/them vampire)
September 21, 2022
Rep: nonbinary mc, sapphic side characters, Black side character, Aztec side character
October 25, 2021
Perfect little graphic novel to read right before Halloween! Loved the art, the story, the humor, and the characters. If you like Adventure Time, I'm sure you'll like this one!
November 6, 2021
McGrane is not quite as successful at long form comics as I was hoping. It reached for some real meaningful themes about surviving and thriving after abuse but it didn't quite stick the landing. I still love the vampire children and would read more comics about them in future but this lacked the poignancy of some of the short comics I.e. Spring Comic (https://madelinemcgrane.com/Spring-Comic)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2023
3.5/5
This was really cute but the storytelling was a bit clunky. In particular the flashbacks often felt sudden and awkward
This was really cute but the storytelling was a bit clunky. In particular the flashbacks often felt sudden and awkward
February 22, 2022
A lil nb vampire protagonist, a lesbian witch/vampire couple, silly sweet humor. The cutest!
September 19, 2024
i loved this! so cute and funny and queer. wish i had this as a kid
March 27, 2024
There's something about centuries-old vampires that still have the minds of children that's just weirdly charming. This was such a fun graphic novel that made me both laugh out loud and also warmed my heart. Definitely looking forward to picking up volume 2 at some point.
[Book 2 read for the Trans Rights Readathon 2024]
[Book 2 read for the Trans Rights Readathon 2024]
June 17, 2022
i am so clueless....about...what i just read.......
July 24, 2021
'The Accursed Vampire' with story and art by Madeline McGrane is a middle grade graphic novel about a grouchy vampire.
Dragoslava became a vampire when he was small, so he remains a kid in stature. His bad behavior has led him to be cursed by a witch he refused to help, so now he runs errands for a witch with a bad temper. Fortunately he has other vampire kid friends, unless he drives them off with his moodiness.
This is a pretty adorable story and I instantly related to little Drago. The art is really a lot of fun and I liked the character design quite a bit.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from HarperCollins Children's Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
Dragoslava became a vampire when he was small, so he remains a kid in stature. His bad behavior has led him to be cursed by a witch he refused to help, so now he runs errands for a witch with a bad temper. Fortunately he has other vampire kid friends, unless he drives them off with his moodiness.
This is a pretty adorable story and I instantly related to little Drago. The art is really a lot of fun and I liked the character design quite a bit.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from HarperCollins Children's Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
March 15, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this lovely ARC!
OMG This book was hilarious !!! I knew it’d be dorky but I didn’t expect it to be so funny!
“You are making an incomprehensibly huge mistake.”
“Yeah yeah, what’s new?”
Dragoslava is the cutest little non-binary vampire child with their vampire children friends. The Accursed Vampire has everything you need for a fun time with road trips and plot twists, blood sucking and trick-or-treating, and loads of quirky dialogue. For being an undead child, Dragoslava is very relatable. I loved their constant angry eyebrows. Their best friends are a vampire prince and a vampire girl with chicken feet (she’s my absolute favorite! she loves bugs).
“Be brave for your friends. They have been ready to be brave for you for a long time now.”
The narrative is about friendship, found family, and living your best undeath. The art is simple, cute, very classic young readers comic-looking maybe like Captain Underpants. This is a super fun read and great for kids! (But also for adults.) BONUS there’s a queer vampire living in a haunted midwest mansion with her witch girlfriend :’) Casual queer rep for kids!
I think this book definitely just became an annual autumn read.
This read would be great for fans of Mooncakes, The Witchboy, and Taproot.
OMG This book was hilarious !!! I knew it’d be dorky but I didn’t expect it to be so funny!
“You are making an incomprehensibly huge mistake.”
“Yeah yeah, what’s new?”
Dragoslava is the cutest little non-binary vampire child with their vampire children friends. The Accursed Vampire has everything you need for a fun time with road trips and plot twists, blood sucking and trick-or-treating, and loads of quirky dialogue. For being an undead child, Dragoslava is very relatable. I loved their constant angry eyebrows. Their best friends are a vampire prince and a vampire girl with chicken feet (she’s my absolute favorite! she loves bugs).
“Be brave for your friends. They have been ready to be brave for you for a long time now.”
The narrative is about friendship, found family, and living your best undeath. The art is simple, cute, very classic young readers comic-looking maybe like Captain Underpants. This is a super fun read and great for kids! (But also for adults.) BONUS there’s a queer vampire living in a haunted midwest mansion with her witch girlfriend :’) Casual queer rep for kids!
I think this book definitely just became an annual autumn read.
This read would be great for fans of Mooncakes, The Witchboy, and Taproot.
February 5, 2021
Received an ARC from NetGallery in exchange for an honest review.
"The Accursed Vampire" is a graphic novel about 3 child vampires traveling the world to help Dragoslava finish his jobs given to him by a mean, bitter witch lady. Lots of dark humor (nothing too adult) and fantastic art style to keep one reading for aaaalllllll eternity....
The style reminds me a lot of Adventure Time, especially some of the comics based off of the show, but it's absolutely adorable. (Not to mention the one Vampire looks like my favorite AT character, Marceline... <3 )
The sense of humor is great, it's dark humor so Drago will often request blood or something. I mean...they are vampires, after all. The art makes the lines even funnier with the expressions, Drago has the best ones, especially his tiny angry faces, haha.
I appreciate that even though it's more of a funny graphic novel, Drago and the others go through some pretty deep stuff. I like that Drago in particular questions his witch boss often and tries to seek affection but fails, it's very bittersweet in that.
Have fun sinking your teeth into this book! Fang-tastic book! This graphic novel will drive you batty! Insert more vampire puns here!
"The Accursed Vampire" is a graphic novel about 3 child vampires traveling the world to help Dragoslava finish his jobs given to him by a mean, bitter witch lady. Lots of dark humor (nothing too adult) and fantastic art style to keep one reading for aaaalllllll eternity....
The style reminds me a lot of Adventure Time, especially some of the comics based off of the show, but it's absolutely adorable. (Not to mention the one Vampire looks like my favorite AT character, Marceline... <3 )
The sense of humor is great, it's dark humor so Drago will often request blood or something. I mean...they are vampires, after all. The art makes the lines even funnier with the expressions, Drago has the best ones, especially his tiny angry faces, haha.
I appreciate that even though it's more of a funny graphic novel, Drago and the others go through some pretty deep stuff. I like that Drago in particular questions his witch boss often and tries to seek affection but fails, it's very bittersweet in that.
Have fun sinking your teeth into this book! Fang-tastic book! This graphic novel will drive you batty! Insert more vampire puns here!
April 7, 2024
This was a cute, fun read! But I also loved the fact that it has some dark, serious moments as well.
Dragoslava is a vampire kid, and for the most part, they're innocent. But they're also a lot lonely and hurt from the things they went through.
I think to me this book showed that it takes a lot to recognize and appreciate the people that you have around you. Your friends and chosen family, these are what matters.
Love the colors and the art here too! Some panels might just be a little confusing since it jumps from present to past. But I also just love the storytelling in here, and how the illustrations show time passing or the characters bonding.
Exact rating: 4.5
CW: blood, gore, injuries, emotional abuse
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
Marking this book as part of my reading challenge: #ReadQueerly2024.
Dragoslava is a vampire kid, and for the most part, they're innocent. But they're also a lot lonely and hurt from the things they went through.
I think to me this book showed that it takes a lot to recognize and appreciate the people that you have around you. Your friends and chosen family, these are what matters.
Love the colors and the art here too! Some panels might just be a little confusing since it jumps from present to past. But I also just love the storytelling in here, and how the illustrations show time passing or the characters bonding.
Exact rating: 4.5
CW: blood, gore, injuries, emotional abuse
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
Marking this book as part of my reading challenge: #ReadQueerly2024.
April 2, 2023
I was not expecting this middle grade graphic novel to have such fantastic representation! Dragoslava is a vampire child who has been cursed by a witch and now they have to complete every task the witch gives them or else they will be turned into worms. They go on an adventure with their best friends to try and find a spellbook that has been stolen. This has themes of found family, adventure, and friendship.
I loved the story but all of the flashbacks might be confusing for a young reader.
I loved the story but all of the flashbacks might be confusing for a young reader.
September 4, 2022
Why I chose this book: I picked this book up because it has a vampire!
Brief summary: Dragoslava has been cursed by a witch to do her bidding lest their bones turn to yucky worms. Dragoslava takes their friends along with them in search of the grimoire, which they find among a new set of friends, and Dragoslava must decide whether to hurt their new friends or continue to please the witch.
What I don't like about his book: The narrative thread of this story is a little chaotic, and the chapters were set up to explore specific characters, but then they wouldn't always focus on the eponymous character. The story had some depth around the protagonist, Dragoslava, but the depth wasn't necessarily explored.
What I like about this book: This book would be a great recommendation for a reluctant reader who is into spooky things or silly stories. The representation of queer characters is great as the nonbinary vampire and queer couple simply exist in this world as normal.
Brief summary: Dragoslava has been cursed by a witch to do her bidding lest their bones turn to yucky worms. Dragoslava takes their friends along with them in search of the grimoire, which they find among a new set of friends, and Dragoslava must decide whether to hurt their new friends or continue to please the witch.
What I don't like about his book: The narrative thread of this story is a little chaotic, and the chapters were set up to explore specific characters, but then they wouldn't always focus on the eponymous character. The story had some depth around the protagonist, Dragoslava, but the depth wasn't necessarily explored.
What I like about this book: This book would be a great recommendation for a reluctant reader who is into spooky things or silly stories. The representation of queer characters is great as the nonbinary vampire and queer couple simply exist in this world as normal.
October 19, 2021
Middle grade graphic novel peppered with historical and (darkly funny) occult in-jokes that would make this appeal almost as much to older readers (teens and adults) as to its intended audience. Art is lovely: flat, contemporary colors and clean, bright lines. Three appealing, sometimes impish little vampires (very old, but perennially children) help one of their group break a witch's curse. It's a mostly goofy coming of age adventure but there are lots and lots and lots of thoughtful visual details and some surprisingly bittersweet narrative moments. The real deal: a very good book.
October 12, 2021
3.75
I’m obsessed with Dragoslava.
This was SO cute and charming. The illustrations were simple but in a fun and easy to read way. Drago uses they/them pronouns with no explanation or questioning which was so refreshing. Unfortunately, I thought the plot was a little lacklustre and the flashbacks didn’t have smooth transitions.
I really enjoyed this but I wish there had just been a little more to the story!
I’m obsessed with Dragoslava.
This was SO cute and charming. The illustrations were simple but in a fun and easy to read way. Drago uses they/them pronouns with no explanation or questioning which was so refreshing. Unfortunately, I thought the plot was a little lacklustre and the flashbacks didn’t have smooth transitions.
I really enjoyed this but I wish there had just been a little more to the story!
September 22, 2021
I loved Madeline McGrane’s Little Vampire comics and I loved this book too! I agree with other reviewers that some of the charm of the original comics is lost in this more continuous plot, but I still really loved it! Honestly the kids are so cute and there is so much literal laugh out loud comedy that I’ll forgive it most any fault.
July 20, 2023
Staff Review:
This graphic novel was precious and gave me the spooky vibes I needed right now. The story follows three vampire children as they go on a quest for a mean witch, but things don't go quite as planned. There were some sad parts, but overall, this book is being added to my list of cozy spooky graphic novels.
This graphic novel was precious and gave me the spooky vibes I needed right now. The story follows three vampire children as they go on a quest for a mean witch, but things don't go quite as planned. There were some sad parts, but overall, this book is being added to my list of cozy spooky graphic novels.
April 14, 2021
ARC courtesy of NetGalley.
This one was super cute and spooky! A great story about friendship and doing what's right (even if you're a vampire!). The friendships are strong and I loved seeing their backstories throughout the book. I genuinely laughed out loud quite a few times too. The art is fun and I just loved everything about Drago.
This one was super cute and spooky! A great story about friendship and doing what's right (even if you're a vampire!). The friendships are strong and I loved seeing their backstories throughout the book. I genuinely laughed out loud quite a few times too. The art is fun and I just loved everything about Drago.
August 15, 2021
A lovely story of found family featuring a non-binary vampire child and an f/f vampire/witch couple! Super cute illustrations, lots of feels.
CWs:
CWs:
November 10, 2021
Dragoslava believes they are cursed by a witch and must follow their every order. With the help of friends, Drago realizes how unreasonable/evil the witch's requests are. Themes of life/death, memories, family, and relationships are all interwoven in this cute vampire story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 230 reviews