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The Vain #1-5
The Vain
Spanning nearly a century in time, The Vain chronicles the criminal lives of four sinful and stylish blood bank-robbing vampires.
Chicago, 1941. A blood bank is held up in a robbery, but no cash is taken—only blood. It's the latest in a string of similar robberies and as the United States prepares to enter World War II, FBI Agent Felix Franklin is certain it's part of a wider plot to weaken the United States by depriving it of its blood supply. But the truth is much more sinister.
The four robbers are vampires: immortal, physically powerful, and after decades of honing their skills, practically untraceable. But time goes on and the vampires—who call themselves The Vain—stay the same in a world that is rapidly changing around them. As security measures evolve, stealing blood is harder every day. And with every decade that passes, Agent Franklin gets closer to finding them. Capturing them. Ending them.
The Vain is a story about wild, eternal youth, reckless rebellion, endless love, and how in the end...maybe it is better to burn out than fade away.
Chicago, 1941. A blood bank is held up in a robbery, but no cash is taken—only blood. It's the latest in a string of similar robberies and as the United States prepares to enter World War II, FBI Agent Felix Franklin is certain it's part of a wider plot to weaken the United States by depriving it of its blood supply. But the truth is much more sinister.
The four robbers are vampires: immortal, physically powerful, and after decades of honing their skills, practically untraceable. But time goes on and the vampires—who call themselves The Vain—stay the same in a world that is rapidly changing around them. As security measures evolve, stealing blood is harder every day. And with every decade that passes, Agent Franklin gets closer to finding them. Capturing them. Ending them.
The Vain is a story about wild, eternal youth, reckless rebellion, endless love, and how in the end...maybe it is better to burn out than fade away.
144 pages, Paperback
First published April 6, 2021
3 people are currently reading
1512 people want to read
About the author
Eliot Rahal
132 books10 followersEliot Rahal is a comic book and screen writer/creator.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
March 26, 2021
I’m rating this 2 1/2 stars rounded up. The art was decent, but I was unfortunately not enthralled with the content. It started off well enough to keep my attention. Then I started wondering when I would be done. It just wasn’t as intriguing as the beginning.
There was a lot of gore, which, picture wise, was kind of fun. But that’s kind of all there were and then that ending... I was a little surprised, but not very interested in why it ended the way it did. So I just scratched my head and sighed. They can’t all be amazing.
And some people are going to probably think this is awesome. I just can’t really get behind this particular one.
Thanks to NetGalley and Oni Press for giving me the opportunity to read this for my honest and unbiased opinion.
Check out this review and others on my blog @ https://shannarareads.com/?p=299
There was a lot of gore, which, picture wise, was kind of fun. But that’s kind of all there were and then that ending... I was a little surprised, but not very interested in why it ended the way it did. So I just scratched my head and sighed. They can’t all be amazing.
And some people are going to probably think this is awesome. I just can’t really get behind this particular one.
Thanks to NetGalley and Oni Press for giving me the opportunity to read this for my honest and unbiased opinion.
Check out this review and others on my blog @ https://shannarareads.com/?p=299
March 9, 2022
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
The Vain is a Vampire vs Secret Service graphic novel with some great events. I read mixed reviews for this book but I really enjoyed it! I found the story line very unique and the illustrations were amazing.
The book has LGBRTQ+ characters and is set during the war. The secret service agent in the novel is searching for the four vampires that are wanted for a string of robberies and murders, but has a struggle to bring them down. They're vigilantes and slippery to catch up with.
I thought this was a unique and fun read and is definitely worth the read even if just to admire the artwork!!
The Vain is a Vampire vs Secret Service graphic novel with some great events. I read mixed reviews for this book but I really enjoyed it! I found the story line very unique and the illustrations were amazing.
The book has LGBRTQ+ characters and is set during the war. The secret service agent in the novel is searching for the four vampires that are wanted for a string of robberies and murders, but has a struggle to bring them down. They're vigilantes and slippery to catch up with.
I thought this was a unique and fun read and is definitely worth the read even if just to admire the artwork!!
March 13, 2021
Here in this house we appreciate a vampire aesthetic that is executed well. ESPECIALLY A LESBIAN VAMPIRE COUPLE!!!!!! Scamming the world together!!! Riding off into the sunset together!!!
So basically it’s vampires v secret service spanning the life of one man as he attempts to track them down and bring them to justice for a string or robberies and murders.
The art is great, the characters are both poc and hire and lgbtq+ which we LOVE to see. The story just felt a little flat overall but was still a fun and quick read.
This arc was received in exchange for an honest review.
So basically it’s vampires v secret service spanning the life of one man as he attempts to track them down and bring them to justice for a string or robberies and murders.
The art is great, the characters are both poc and hire and lgbtq+ which we LOVE to see. The story just felt a little flat overall but was still a fun and quick read.
This arc was received in exchange for an honest review.
March 18, 2021
Vampires VS Nazis.
The timeline of the story was hard to follow at times, and I didn't like the art style. The story was a bit boring. Actually, I'm not even so sure what the story was, to be honest.
A big thank you to Oni Press and NetGalley for providing me with an early copy in exchange for an honest review.
The timeline of the story was hard to follow at times, and I didn't like the art style. The story was a bit boring. Actually, I'm not even so sure what the story was, to be honest.
A big thank you to Oni Press and NetGalley for providing me with an early copy in exchange for an honest review.
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May 19, 2021‘Your mission is ... havoc.’
This is a late ARC review, and I do apologise! My attention span is spoonlike at the best of times. But I'm glad I've finally picked this one up.
The art in this graphic novel is freaking awesome, it must be said. The story begins in the 1940s with a robbery by the infamous Blood Bandits, a group of vampires. This sets off a game of cat and mouse between the investigators and the robbers that crosses the US just as WWII begins.
While I loved the art, I was a little less engaged with the storyline. But I think I'm just not in the right mood for this story right now, so I'm going to come back to it for a more focused read in future. It's definitely not badly written, but I ended up skimming it, which isn't a knock on the material at all, just a sign that I'm a total mood reader and need to return to this when I'm in the mood for a good historical graphic novel.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.
☆ Blog | Twitter ☆
This is a late ARC review, and I do apologise! My attention span is spoonlike at the best of times. But I'm glad I've finally picked this one up.
The art in this graphic novel is freaking awesome, it must be said. The story begins in the 1940s with a robbery by the infamous Blood Bandits, a group of vampires. This sets off a game of cat and mouse between the investigators and the robbers that crosses the US just as WWII begins.
While I loved the art, I was a little less engaged with the storyline. But I think I'm just not in the right mood for this story right now, so I'm going to come back to it for a more focused read in future. It's definitely not badly written, but I ended up skimming it, which isn't a knock on the material at all, just a sign that I'm a total mood reader and need to return to this when I'm in the mood for a good historical graphic novel.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.
☆ Blog | Twitter ☆
March 25, 2022
okay she made some points for the lgbtq+ community
March 21, 2021
I received an eARC copy from Oni Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Actual rating 3.5 ⭐
The Vain brings the historical spin of vampires' centuries-long battle for survival mixed with Nazis in the present time (?). Sounds intriguing, right?
Four rebels, Lost, Fanny, North, and Marquis, form a group known as The Vain. The group operates for a few decades in attempts to keep body and soul (if any! 😉😉) together despite all the time and technology changes and development, adjusting to them and defying them. One FBI agent, Felix Franklin, stumbles upon one of the cases involving the group and decides to catch them, no matter the time, no matter the price.
As excited as I was about reading this graphic novel, I also found it rather difficult to follow the timeline and plot development. I loved the story (action-packed to the brim), loved the gory elements (it wouldn't hurt if there were more, in my opinion, because, after all, we are talking vampires here, and we expect that). The artwork is gorgeous — the illustrations are beautiful, the colours perfectly match the action, the lines are sharp, the facial expressions on point.
However, the timeline covers many historical events The Vain were involved in, starting with the Nazi period (the 1940s) to today. This made me feel rushed through the story, not giving me enough details or even time to digest what happened previously. I know the graphic novels are fast-paced (and I love them for that!) and that the large portion of the story is read-between-the-lines, but a frame or two more wouldn't hurt.
Two details struck me the most. The Vain, as a group, changed through time. Their outfits change to match the epoch, which added more personality to each character; we can see how they adjust themselves to the situation at the given time. And Lost and Fanny's sunrise escape ride... it literally took my breath away. Till death do them part!
I feel like this graphic novel could work as a series, as I still see it as little pieces of a bigger picture, not fully connected. I have many unanswered questions... Nevertheless, I truly enjoyed reading it!
Actual rating 3.5 ⭐
The Vain brings the historical spin of vampires' centuries-long battle for survival mixed with Nazis in the present time (?). Sounds intriguing, right?
Four rebels, Lost, Fanny, North, and Marquis, form a group known as The Vain. The group operates for a few decades in attempts to keep body and soul (if any! 😉😉) together despite all the time and technology changes and development, adjusting to them and defying them. One FBI agent, Felix Franklin, stumbles upon one of the cases involving the group and decides to catch them, no matter the time, no matter the price.
As excited as I was about reading this graphic novel, I also found it rather difficult to follow the timeline and plot development. I loved the story (action-packed to the brim), loved the gory elements (it wouldn't hurt if there were more, in my opinion, because, after all, we are talking vampires here, and we expect that). The artwork is gorgeous — the illustrations are beautiful, the colours perfectly match the action, the lines are sharp, the facial expressions on point.
However, the timeline covers many historical events The Vain were involved in, starting with the Nazi period (the 1940s) to today. This made me feel rushed through the story, not giving me enough details or even time to digest what happened previously. I know the graphic novels are fast-paced (and I love them for that!) and that the large portion of the story is read-between-the-lines, but a frame or two more wouldn't hurt.
Two details struck me the most. The Vain, as a group, changed through time. Their outfits change to match the epoch, which added more personality to each character; we can see how they adjust themselves to the situation at the given time. And Lost and Fanny's sunrise escape ride... it literally took my breath away. Till death do them part!
I feel like this graphic novel could work as a series, as I still see it as little pieces of a bigger picture, not fully connected. I have many unanswered questions... Nevertheless, I truly enjoyed reading it!
April 6, 2021
The Vain by Eliot Rahal is a quirky supernatural thriller that borders pulp fiction novellas of days gone by. From gangster era crime to world war II spies, our main characters travel the globe but keep their darkest secrets to themselves.
In Chicago, circa 1941, a blood bank is robbed. But there is no money taken, only a supply of blood. A young FBI agent begins to piece together a series of like minded robberies happening across the nation. He becomes convinced, with war coming, that enemies of the United States are trying to weaken the country by destroying its blood supply. But the truth is something much stranger.
The four robbers are crossing the country without a care. They have no desire to destroy the country and the blood for them serves a much greater purpose. These four are vampires and the FBI agent is becoming a nuisance. So they come up with an ingenious plan. To work as spies in service of the US Government and join the War effort. With free license to kill and drink the blood of all the Nazis they want. They call themselves the Vain.
The artwork is good but the story itself just doesn't grab ahold. Surprising because the premise alone seems interesting. But for me the Vain just falls flat.
In Chicago, circa 1941, a blood bank is robbed. But there is no money taken, only a supply of blood. A young FBI agent begins to piece together a series of like minded robberies happening across the nation. He becomes convinced, with war coming, that enemies of the United States are trying to weaken the country by destroying its blood supply. But the truth is something much stranger.
The four robbers are crossing the country without a care. They have no desire to destroy the country and the blood for them serves a much greater purpose. These four are vampires and the FBI agent is becoming a nuisance. So they come up with an ingenious plan. To work as spies in service of the US Government and join the War effort. With free license to kill and drink the blood of all the Nazis they want. They call themselves the Vain.
The artwork is good but the story itself just doesn't grab ahold. Surprising because the premise alone seems interesting. But for me the Vain just falls flat.
March 22, 2021
The ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
2/5
Alright, this comic was oddly a bit rough to get through. I think it was mostly the plot that made it this way. Four vampires robbing places for blood sounded cool, but then fighting in the war and also the whole investigation? I found there was a lot going on and it was a bit much for me.
Pro's: I love the cover, the love between the two females I enjoyed. Great art
Cons: The constant gore that almost felt as if it was made for a ''shock'' effect but then started to bore, too many plotlines
Just not the story for me, unfortunately! However if you like comics containing war, gore and vampires, go for it!
2/5
Alright, this comic was oddly a bit rough to get through. I think it was mostly the plot that made it this way. Four vampires robbing places for blood sounded cool, but then fighting in the war and also the whole investigation? I found there was a lot going on and it was a bit much for me.
Pro's: I love the cover, the love between the two females I enjoyed. Great art
Cons: The constant gore that almost felt as if it was made for a ''shock'' effect but then started to bore, too many plotlines
Just not the story for me, unfortunately! However if you like comics containing war, gore and vampires, go for it!
March 25, 2021
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
First of all, who wouldn't be into a graphic novel about blood-sucking-bank-robbing vampires who kill nazis?
Overall this was very enjoyable. Like most graphic novels it depends heavely on the art to tell a good story and Emily Pearson does a terrific job at selling the concept, the art style is magnificent and got me really connected to some of these characters. The cover is also a great selling point, the main reason I was drawn to the book in the first place.
The story in itself is very simple: A group of four vampires have been living their best life, having fun and stealing blood for decades. They call themselves "The Vain". However stealing blood gets harder and harder with the advance of technology over time and their mistakes get them of the radar of the FBI.
The ending was disappointing to me since I was kind of expecting something that would leave me craving more of this story and characters, but personaly, it was a bit dry and it wasn't the case at all. I feel like the story overall was lacking, we rush a bit through the decades and nothing really super interesting happens, perhaps it would have been better to either take it slowly or focus on the present with a few mentions of their past.
It's a bit inbetween 3 and 4 starts for me and even though I wish it was more complex, it's still a quick enjoyable read.
First of all, who wouldn't be into a graphic novel about blood-sucking-bank-robbing vampires who kill nazis?
Overall this was very enjoyable. Like most graphic novels it depends heavely on the art to tell a good story and Emily Pearson does a terrific job at selling the concept, the art style is magnificent and got me really connected to some of these characters. The cover is also a great selling point, the main reason I was drawn to the book in the first place.
The story in itself is very simple: A group of four vampires have been living their best life, having fun and stealing blood for decades. They call themselves "The Vain". However stealing blood gets harder and harder with the advance of technology over time and their mistakes get them of the radar of the FBI.
The ending was disappointing to me since I was kind of expecting something that would leave me craving more of this story and characters, but personaly, it was a bit dry and it wasn't the case at all. I feel like the story overall was lacking, we rush a bit through the decades and nothing really super interesting happens, perhaps it would have been better to either take it slowly or focus on the present with a few mentions of their past.
It's a bit inbetween 3 and 4 starts for me and even though I wish it was more complex, it's still a quick enjoyable read.
October 2, 2022
Rep: Black sapphic mc, sapphic li, Black side characters
CWs: gore, violence, suicide
CWs: gore, violence, suicide
April 12, 2021
not super plot heavy but if its gay and theres vampires i will be reading it
March 31, 2021
I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The story of four vampire friends kicks off in Chicago, 1941. But the timeline stretches until the year 2020, where the story then also finds its end. The timeline was a bit jumpy and hard to follow at times, because I feel like there wasn't a clear separation of the story line between the time period jumps. However, the story is filled with an action-packed plot. The vampire friends need to somehow find enough blood to feed on and sometimes encounter a lot of problems doing this. Multiple times they end up leaving behind brutal murder scenes which the police don't know what to do with.
An FBI agent witnesses them killing Nazis and figures out that they're vampires, but nobody believes him. And so it becomes his life's work to try and catch the four (also called The Vain).
I give this a 3 Stars rating, because I still not feel like there was a particular reason for me to like this graphic novel. I don't quite understand what the meaning of the story was or what the author is trying to tell us, if there even is a message there.
The story of four vampire friends kicks off in Chicago, 1941. But the timeline stretches until the year 2020, where the story then also finds its end. The timeline was a bit jumpy and hard to follow at times, because I feel like there wasn't a clear separation of the story line between the time period jumps. However, the story is filled with an action-packed plot. The vampire friends need to somehow find enough blood to feed on and sometimes encounter a lot of problems doing this. Multiple times they end up leaving behind brutal murder scenes which the police don't know what to do with.
An FBI agent witnesses them killing Nazis and figures out that they're vampires, but nobody believes him. And so it becomes his life's work to try and catch the four (also called The Vain).
I give this a 3 Stars rating, because I still not feel like there was a particular reason for me to like this graphic novel. I don't quite understand what the meaning of the story was or what the author is trying to tell us, if there even is a message there.
May 18, 2021
ARC provided via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
This looked promising, but ultimately, it ended up being a bit lacklustre. I'd say the most successful aspect of The Vain was the artwork, but even that wasn't enough to really create a pleasurable reading experience. Instead of rushing to see where the story goes, I found myself rushing to basically get it over with, and not even the heartfelt ending could elicit much of an emotional connection to any of the characters. You win some, you lose some, I guess.
This looked promising, but ultimately, it ended up being a bit lacklustre. I'd say the most successful aspect of The Vain was the artwork, but even that wasn't enough to really create a pleasurable reading experience. Instead of rushing to see where the story goes, I found myself rushing to basically get it over with, and not even the heartfelt ending could elicit much of an emotional connection to any of the characters. You win some, you lose some, I guess.
March 17, 2021
A modern graphic novel about a group of “vampires” no-one wants to call out for who they are and what they need.
Initially we meet them as they come to the attention of the FBI in the bizarre robberies of banks. Not stealing cash or even raiding stores of alcohol but taking blood stocks.
Matters become confused during the 2nd world war and afterwards they face countless setbacks amid mass communication and the rise of digital technologies.
Nothing can heal their thirst for blood and despite innovative schemes they struggle to hide their true identities.
However, one man has maintained his own personal investigation and despite a history of denial by his peers, labelled insane for daring to name his quarry and sidelined, he is presented with one last chance to set the record right.
This is a clever up to date tale, well suited to a comic book presentation. Not as gory as you might have suspected but brilliantly subtle and under written with a red tint to the illustrations and a mix of narration and communication bubbles. Clearly presented, the characters are well defined and the story deep but easy to follow.
I particularly liked the development of the vampire group who struggle to come to terms with their own needs and a changing world. Survival requires a degree of secrecy but their bloodlust leaves clues a diligent investigation can follow. A tale of adaptation and evolution. A moral justification of amoral actions is part of that struggle to co-exist with those whose blood you need to survive.
Interesting and compelling read which steers clear of cliched echos and tries to tell us more about difference, ignorance and fear or things we don’t understand.
Could “vampires” live within a human domain? Or does any knowledge of their existence lead to their persecution and extinction. Not a parable or fable but written with thought and provocation to look beyond historical messages.
This is born out in the aftermath of World War II where political reality overcame justice and the rule of law. Clearly detailed in this story. Much to admire and reflect upon. Don’t miss the graphic covers and character drawings at the end of the story. The theme is maintained in the contributors bios and information conveyed in a drop of blood. Brilliant.
Initially we meet them as they come to the attention of the FBI in the bizarre robberies of banks. Not stealing cash or even raiding stores of alcohol but taking blood stocks.
Matters become confused during the 2nd world war and afterwards they face countless setbacks amid mass communication and the rise of digital technologies.
Nothing can heal their thirst for blood and despite innovative schemes they struggle to hide their true identities.
However, one man has maintained his own personal investigation and despite a history of denial by his peers, labelled insane for daring to name his quarry and sidelined, he is presented with one last chance to set the record right.
This is a clever up to date tale, well suited to a comic book presentation. Not as gory as you might have suspected but brilliantly subtle and under written with a red tint to the illustrations and a mix of narration and communication bubbles. Clearly presented, the characters are well defined and the story deep but easy to follow.
I particularly liked the development of the vampire group who struggle to come to terms with their own needs and a changing world. Survival requires a degree of secrecy but their bloodlust leaves clues a diligent investigation can follow. A tale of adaptation and evolution. A moral justification of amoral actions is part of that struggle to co-exist with those whose blood you need to survive.
Interesting and compelling read which steers clear of cliched echos and tries to tell us more about difference, ignorance and fear or things we don’t understand.
Could “vampires” live within a human domain? Or does any knowledge of their existence lead to their persecution and extinction. Not a parable or fable but written with thought and provocation to look beyond historical messages.
This is born out in the aftermath of World War II where political reality overcame justice and the rule of law. Clearly detailed in this story. Much to admire and reflect upon. Don’t miss the graphic covers and character drawings at the end of the story. The theme is maintained in the contributors bios and information conveyed in a drop of blood. Brilliant.
April 24, 2021
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Thank you, Netgalley, and to the publishers, for lending me the e-ARC for The Vain. This does not affect my review in any way and form.
The Vain tells the story of four blood-bank robbing and stylish vampires, just living the life of crime and money and somehow getting entangled with the war against the Nazis - all for their thirst for LITERAL blood. They've underestimated their enemy, an FBI agent who witnessed their killing of an important scientist and is on a mission to catch them.
It had so much potential to be a good comic series. What started strong has gone muddled starting at chapter 3. There were a LOT of time skips that weren't shelled out or explained well.
I really wish it wasn't a standalone graphic novel instead. The plot and the characters could've been developed more. What could've been easily a great Nazi-killing vampire story felt bland and trite instead.
Trigger/Content Warnings: gore, graphic mutilations
Thank you, Netgalley, and to the publishers, for lending me the e-ARC for The Vain. This does not affect my review in any way and form.
The Vain tells the story of four blood-bank robbing and stylish vampires, just living the life of crime and money and somehow getting entangled with the war against the Nazis - all for their thirst for LITERAL blood. They've underestimated their enemy, an FBI agent who witnessed their killing of an important scientist and is on a mission to catch them.
It had so much potential to be a good comic series. What started strong has gone muddled starting at chapter 3. There were a LOT of time skips that weren't shelled out or explained well.
I really wish it wasn't a standalone graphic novel instead. The plot and the characters could've been developed more. What could've been easily a great Nazi-killing vampire story felt bland and trite instead.
Trigger/Content Warnings: gore, graphic mutilations
March 15, 2021
A book that with the glamorising of the lead baddies, and the crisp style of the narration and dialogue, wants to be a classy vampire story. Unfortunately it kind of gets turned into a vampire Forrest Gump variant, as our four bloodsuckers stop holding up blood banks and instead get involved in first being secret agents against the Nazis, then getting Nazi scientists covertly to America, then causing the Cuban Missile Crisis, and so on. All the while a lowly FBI agent is on their tail, not to realise the abject danger that position holds. It certainly does something the normal vampire story doesn't, but it didn't quite convince – especially in the body-ripping-apart images – and despite it not being a large part of the text, the grousing and quibbling from the undead got on my nerves a bit. Three and a half stars for the novel approach and for trying its best to be understated when it could have gone full-on wacky.
March 29, 2021
What I liked about this graphic novel is that is self-contained, it has a perfect end that fits the narrative of the story.
It was an interesting read, I think the take on the story is not exactly new, but the premise about the robberies was really good, the drawing style is fluid and it makes a pleasant read, though I didn't expected that bittersweet end.
It was an interesting read, I think the take on the story is not exactly new, but the premise about the robberies was really good, the drawing style is fluid and it makes a pleasant read, though I didn't expected that bittersweet end.
December 7, 2024
CW: violence, gun violence, blood, gore, injury detail, war
I broke my own rules for this comic and it definitely wasn't worth it. Not enough lesbian vampires. Not enough character focus overall, tbh.
I broke my own rules for this comic and it definitely wasn't worth it. Not enough lesbian vampires. Not enough character focus overall, tbh.
March 25, 2021
3.5 stars
That was such an compelling read. I liked sapphic couple writing/ art style and characters.
A fun and quick read.
This arc was received in exchange for an honest review.
That was such an compelling read. I liked sapphic couple writing/ art style and characters.
A fun and quick read.
This arc was received in exchange for an honest review.
October 18, 2021
noir vampires that contemplate the psychological effects of having to live forever and also 2 of them were sapphic? literally cannot go wrong. a fun read!
April 14, 2021
I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Not a bad, but a little simplistic and predictable. And definitely influenced by Scott Snyder's American Vampire. Entertaining and a quick read.
Not a bad, but a little simplistic and predictable. And definitely influenced by Scott Snyder's American Vampire. Entertaining and a quick read.
March 23, 2021
Rahal’s graphic novel is an enjoyable read but it does try to unpack a lot within its 150 pages. It a lot of ways it is very successful, but the reader does feel that it is part of an instalment and this maybe the beginning of a more involving story that will come at a later date.
I will write this review based on the above as I feel there is lot more to come. The Vampire genre is interesting and although you go to the beginnings with Bram Stoker or follow it through to the Vampire Diaries, there has been a lot of rules and guidelines broken and set up depending on how you like your vampires. Rahal has his vampires firmly established within the middle of Ann Rice and Vampire Diaries having a soap opera feel to his proceedings and carrying the story forward.
The story is very individual and given it a gay bent gives it the extra something to keep the reader invested. The action and characters are very well established and makes this a fun read. It is an unstoppable experience and keeps it interesting to a genre that sometimes becomes a bit thin due to over saturation.
Rahal does take the genre and make it his own but there are a lot of themes he tries to unpack within its pages and for the most part he does an excellent job but one wondered that if maybe it was longer, or he decided to use less themes he may have been more successful. This does not take away from the overall enjoyment of the graphic novel but I am hoping that this is just the first instalment and there will be much more to come.
His characters are exciting, thought provoking and the reader is truly invested in them and it would be a job to see more and see where their stories will lead you. Overall, loved it just wanted more.
I will write this review based on the above as I feel there is lot more to come. The Vampire genre is interesting and although you go to the beginnings with Bram Stoker or follow it through to the Vampire Diaries, there has been a lot of rules and guidelines broken and set up depending on how you like your vampires. Rahal has his vampires firmly established within the middle of Ann Rice and Vampire Diaries having a soap opera feel to his proceedings and carrying the story forward.
The story is very individual and given it a gay bent gives it the extra something to keep the reader invested. The action and characters are very well established and makes this a fun read. It is an unstoppable experience and keeps it interesting to a genre that sometimes becomes a bit thin due to over saturation.
Rahal does take the genre and make it his own but there are a lot of themes he tries to unpack within its pages and for the most part he does an excellent job but one wondered that if maybe it was longer, or he decided to use less themes he may have been more successful. This does not take away from the overall enjoyment of the graphic novel but I am hoping that this is just the first instalment and there will be much more to come.
His characters are exciting, thought provoking and the reader is truly invested in them and it would be a job to see more and see where their stories will lead you. Overall, loved it just wanted more.
April 1, 2021
3 stars
This graphic novel has an interesting premise, and the art is gorgeous & punchy. Sadly, the plot was not very complex, & the character development was lacking. It was still worth the read for me, though.
[What I liked:]
•I love the colors of the art. They are bold, but also blurred in a way that gives them depth & shadow.
•There’s lots of fun stuff here! Bank robbers, FBI agents, espionage, hippies...fun stuff :)
•The ending is a bit melodramatic but...it’s so visually beautiful & striking that I really liked it anyway.
[What I didn’t like as much:]
•Felix’s life transitions weren’t explained very well. Like why was he so obsessed? I want to understand why, & then maybe I could get his actions & mindset.
•I wish there was backstory and/or more character development on The Vain themselves...Lost is the only one who really gets much of a personality.
•There are some plot holes. Since The Vain were so helpful during the war, why weren’t they retained by the agency? Why did Felix’s career go the way it did when his boss knew he was telling the truth? The Vain are worried that technology is making their existence tenuous, so why not go to another place or country where it would be easier to go unnoticed?
CW: murder, gore, forced asylum internment
[I received an ARC ebook copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Thank you for the book!]
This graphic novel has an interesting premise, and the art is gorgeous & punchy. Sadly, the plot was not very complex, & the character development was lacking. It was still worth the read for me, though.
[What I liked:]
•I love the colors of the art. They are bold, but also blurred in a way that gives them depth & shadow.
•There’s lots of fun stuff here! Bank robbers, FBI agents, espionage, hippies...fun stuff :)
•The ending is a bit melodramatic but...it’s so visually beautiful & striking that I really liked it anyway.
[What I didn’t like as much:]
•Felix’s life transitions weren’t explained very well. Like why was he so obsessed? I want to understand why, & then maybe I could get his actions & mindset.
•I wish there was backstory and/or more character development on The Vain themselves...Lost is the only one who really gets much of a personality.
•There are some plot holes. Since The Vain were so helpful during the war, why weren’t they retained by the agency? Why did Felix’s career go the way it did when his boss knew he was telling the truth? The Vain are worried that technology is making their existence tenuous, so why not go to another place or country where it would be easier to go unnoticed?
CW: murder, gore, forced asylum internment
[I received an ARC ebook copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Thank you for the book!]
March 18, 2021
The Vain follows a group of vampires throughout the 20th and 21st century as they try to live their life with stolen blood as the changing technology makes that harder and harder to do. The graphic novel focuses on different historical events, especially World War II where our group of vampires follow a secret mission.
I have to say I loved Lost and Fanny, the sapphic couple, and their dynamic. North and Marquis were also interesting, although Marquis almost felt like a side character, especially if you compare him to the detective. The story was well worked-out without getting confusing, a balance few graphic novels get right. I wish the pacing would have been handled a bit more clearly, but overall I'm very satisfied. There were quite a few pop culture references stylishly incorporated into the story. I liked the art style and it was just the right level of gorey for a vampire story.
I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a stylish vampire graphic novel through the ages, with a healthy balance of character and action paired with a beautiful sapphic couple.
I'd like to thank Oni Press for providing this copy via Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
I have to say I loved Lost and Fanny, the sapphic couple, and their dynamic. North and Marquis were also interesting, although Marquis almost felt like a side character, especially if you compare him to the detective. The story was well worked-out without getting confusing, a balance few graphic novels get right. I wish the pacing would have been handled a bit more clearly, but overall I'm very satisfied. There were quite a few pop culture references stylishly incorporated into the story. I liked the art style and it was just the right level of gorey for a vampire story.
I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a stylish vampire graphic novel through the ages, with a healthy balance of character and action paired with a beautiful sapphic couple.
I'd like to thank Oni Press for providing this copy via Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
March 31, 2021
This was something else.
The pictures were great, I loved the art style, the colors were very vibrant and if there weren’t any words on the page I think I would have enjoyed this more.
The writing was... terrible.
The characters were one dimensional.
There were plot holes.
Nothing flowed together.
Everything felt really rushed and there was little to no development.
I thought the story was kind of dumb? There isn’t really anything that interesting about Nazi killing vampires.
Some of the pictures in here were absurd.
There’s a lot of heads being ripped off, throats being torn out, all that fun stuff.
I hated it.
Thank You to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an early copy of The Vain!
The pictures were great, I loved the art style, the colors were very vibrant and if there weren’t any words on the page I think I would have enjoyed this more.
The writing was... terrible.
The characters were one dimensional.
There were plot holes.
Nothing flowed together.
Everything felt really rushed and there was little to no development.
I thought the story was kind of dumb? There isn’t really anything that interesting about Nazi killing vampires.
Some of the pictures in here were absurd.
There’s a lot of heads being ripped off, throats being torn out, all that fun stuff.
I hated it.
Thank You to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an early copy of The Vain!
March 25, 2021
I received this ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I’m so conflicted. I honestly struggled to get through this but I forced myself. the ending had me glad I did though, that was emotional. the story between Lost and Fanny was beautiful, (yay lesbian vampires)! The story still somehow felt flat. So 3 very big stars from me and I’m glad I had the opportunity to read and review!!!
I’m so conflicted. I honestly struggled to get through this but I forced myself. the ending had me glad I did though, that was emotional. the story between Lost and Fanny was beautiful, (yay lesbian vampires)! The story still somehow felt flat. So 3 very big stars from me and I’m glad I had the opportunity to read and review!!!
April 2, 2021
ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The Vain had a really interesting concept, to begin with. It's a graphic novel that follows a group of four vampires starting somewhere around the second world war to present day. Parallely, we have an FBI agent who comes across them in his days as a soldier and he becomes obsessed with them and vows to hunt them down.
I really loved the artwork in this book! It's very reminiscent of like old DC comics, you know? Very...noir. And I also loved the inclusivity. Sapphic vampires and gay vampires, yess.. let's turn this allegory on itself!
The thing is, thought, nothing really spoke to me. It was a fun flip through, and I'm sure I could read it again if I'm bored, but I didn't particularly feel connected to any of the characters or have much of a stake in the story. It was just sorta...happening. It's a fun read, for sure, but it wasn't All That™ for me, unfortunately! Still, very grateful to the publishers for providing me with the eARC!
The Vain had a really interesting concept, to begin with. It's a graphic novel that follows a group of four vampires starting somewhere around the second world war to present day. Parallely, we have an FBI agent who comes across them in his days as a soldier and he becomes obsessed with them and vows to hunt them down.
I really loved the artwork in this book! It's very reminiscent of like old DC comics, you know? Very...noir. And I also loved the inclusivity. Sapphic vampires and gay vampires, yess.. let's turn this allegory on itself!
The thing is, thought, nothing really spoke to me. It was a fun flip through, and I'm sure I could read it again if I'm bored, but I didn't particularly feel connected to any of the characters or have much of a stake in the story. It was just sorta...happening. It's a fun read, for sure, but it wasn't All That™ for me, unfortunately! Still, very grateful to the publishers for providing me with the eARC!
April 5, 2021
The only thing I enjoyed was the lesbian vampire couple. Would have liked to see more of that, Unfortunately, I had to sit through and read about an obsessed FBI agent. Also the ending was rushed and not properly executed. It could have used at least another 6 issues to be fleshed out better.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 11, 2022
I've seen some pretty mixed reviews on this, but I really loved this. It was over a period of time and was really vampires v. FBI, which is not what I was expecting. For each time period, you got to see how they worked with each other and then against each other. The art style was intriguing and the first set of pages is what really drew me in. The only reason I'm giving this 4 stars instead of 5 was because I wish they would've delved deeper into the history of the vampires and even just a little bit more character development throughout. There was such a great set-up for us to see the vampires flourish and really show their personalities, but I feel like that got lost in the storyline. Overall, really loved it and can't wait to add it to my library.
I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
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