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Sea of Red #1
Sea of Red Volume 1: No Grave But the Sea
Since being turned undead by the crew of the cursed Pirate ship, The Black Galleon, Marco Esperanza has spent the past 400 years tied to the bow of a sunken vessel, clinging to life in the dark, briny, deep. His confinement at the bottom of the sea ends when he is discovered by film director Joel Cameron's submarine on a scouting expedition for his next film. Hungry to film a live vampire battle, Cameron urges Marco to seek out the man responsible and have his revenge.
104 pages, Paperback
First published October 12, 2005
About the author
Rick Remender
1,278 books1,467 followersRick Remender is an American comic book writer and artist who resides in Los Angeles, California. He is the writer/co-creator of many independent comic books like Black Science, Deadly Class, LOW, Fear Agent and Seven to Eternity. Previously, he wrote The Punisher, Uncanny X-Force, Captain America and Uncanny Avengers for Marvel Comics.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 16, 2019
The story did not compel: I saw absolutely no one I could sympathize with, almost no one that wasn't a self-serving prick or a delusional fanatic of some type or another.
April 24, 2025
Riding the wave (sorry) of pirate popularity that came in the wake (sorry) of the 2003 release of the first Pirates of the Caribbean film, this is a pretty fun nautical/supernatural adventure. These are no ordinary pirates, though: these are vampirates (a term used in this book, but this also came out the same year as the Vampirates children's book series, so I'm not sure who got there first). The usual vampire genre elements are there, but we get to see them play out against a backdrop of sword fights and submarines in the golden age of piracy and the present day.
Your mileage may vary on the art. It's definitely dated and you probably wouldn't see art like this in a current Image comic, but after a couple of issues of adjustment, I didn't find it distracting. It has a certain charm to it. In some ways, this book was early to the "black, white, and red" trend, but it's not clear if it's from a stylistic choice or from budgetary concerns, or perhaps both.
I wanted to check this out as an early effort from Remender. The guy is pretty prolific, so there's probably not much need to go this far back in his catalog, but there's still an interesting angle there.
Your mileage may vary on the art. It's definitely dated and you probably wouldn't see art like this in a current Image comic, but after a couple of issues of adjustment, I didn't find it distracting. It has a certain charm to it. In some ways, this book was early to the "black, white, and red" trend, but it's not clear if it's from a stylistic choice or from budgetary concerns, or perhaps both.
I wanted to check this out as an early effort from Remender. The guy is pretty prolific, so there's probably not much need to go this far back in his catalog, but there's still an interesting angle there.
March 21, 2018
This is a little boy's comic. It's the pitch-perfect sort of pulpy, trashy, violent fun that you just ate up when you were 8 years old.
Marco is a tragically relatable, but violently driven, appealing anti-hero, and Janine adds a nice touch of sexy introspection to the proceedings. The opening chapter, wherein a 16th century Marco is rescued after a storm destroys his ship by a crew of vampire pirates, is a little bit too over the top. The pirate lingo does wear thin, but the pirates' curious code of honor (tearing out a victim's heart to spare them vampirism - or perhaps to prevent other undead from seeking vengeance) does make them seem, intially, as if they aren't completely bastards. The end of chapter one puts a lie to that theory.
Joel is a smarmy, self-important film snob who finds Marco, now a vampire, at the bottom of the sea, and moves the story into its modern-day setting. Marco's quest for revenge moves to the forefront, although the cost to his semi-reluctant allies is extreme. The chapter with the creatures is an unnecessary side-track, although it does support the pulpy, trashy roots from which Sea of Red is drawn.
My biggest disappointment was in the ending, which left all of the plot threads dangling. I prefer a trade with some minimal conclusion. Also, despite my enjoyment of this trade, it's something of a guilty pleasure and I'm not sure how much longevity the concept has. I hope that Remeder and company have an ending in sight, because I'm not sure how long it will maintain my enthusiasm.
Marco is a tragically relatable, but violently driven, appealing anti-hero, and Janine adds a nice touch of sexy introspection to the proceedings. The opening chapter, wherein a 16th century Marco is rescued after a storm destroys his ship by a crew of vampire pirates, is a little bit too over the top. The pirate lingo does wear thin, but the pirates' curious code of honor (tearing out a victim's heart to spare them vampirism - or perhaps to prevent other undead from seeking vengeance) does make them seem, intially, as if they aren't completely bastards. The end of chapter one puts a lie to that theory.
Joel is a smarmy, self-important film snob who finds Marco, now a vampire, at the bottom of the sea, and moves the story into its modern-day setting. Marco's quest for revenge moves to the forefront, although the cost to his semi-reluctant allies is extreme. The chapter with the creatures is an unnecessary side-track, although it does support the pulpy, trashy roots from which Sea of Red is drawn.
My biggest disappointment was in the ending, which left all of the plot threads dangling. I prefer a trade with some minimal conclusion. Also, despite my enjoyment of this trade, it's something of a guilty pleasure and I'm not sure how much longevity the concept has. I hope that Remeder and company have an ending in sight, because I'm not sure how long it will maintain my enthusiasm.
September 21, 2010
A compelling read. A character who's been trapped at the bottom of the sea and gets to do something about it? Not a new idea by any means, but a great premise and story so far. As someone else commented, this *does* move along briskly, so there's not much chance for slow build-up of suspense or horror. It's a different style so I'll see what's in store next.
The art style is new to me, and I'm not sure how I like it. It's well-done, but I've been reading so many superhero books lately that it's hard to shake off the feeling that this is somehow subpar, even if my woeful art appreciation knows it's as hard or harder to do this well.
I'm definitely reading further into this series.
The art style is new to me, and I'm not sure how I like it. It's well-done, but I've been reading so many superhero books lately that it's hard to shake off the feeling that this is somehow subpar, even if my woeful art appreciation knows it's as hard or harder to do this well.
I'm definitely reading further into this series.
November 25, 2012
I was so not expecting this setting, I wanted something totally different. The story arc going so fast, there's no emotion. It`s like we do not get to know the characters enough so we don't care what happen to them. I think Remender tried to go to fast on this one. I will not continue the story.
December 19, 2016
I wanted to love it. I liked it. Expectations were more grandiose than the delivered product. The good news is it was trending up as the volume ended. I'm eager to read the next volume and see where this goes.
February 24, 2021
(Zero spoiler review)
Not that you need to worry too much about spoilers, as judging from the score I've given it, I would suggest you invest your time in some of Remender's work that is actually good, because this sure as shit isn't. It's always mystified me, that when authors reach a certain point of popularity, their internal compass for their own work either begins to deceive them, or they just stop giving two shits and think because they can get any half assed effort published, that they no longer need to try too hard on every book. Cause that is essentially what you have here with Seas of Red. When you hear there is a book about vampire pirates, you either groan and turn away, or your ears pick up and you're keen to give it a go. Remender even mentions the term 'vampirates' in the story, and you know that is exactly how he first came up with the idea. Sadly, that is where it should have stayed. As a crazy little idea floating around in his head, cause his execution is, frankly, pretty piss weak.
At first I was rather taken by the art and the colouration, although it quickly wore thin, likely aided by the sub par writing and plot. The art in and of itself if still strong, I just lost interest in looking at it, and it wasn't always the best at clearly showing what was occurring from panel to panel. The fist issue was average, although it kept me reading to issue, two, where an interesting little twist occurred, and I was o board to see where it went from there. Unfortunately, it didn't take long for the lack of care Remender apparently had for this work to show through. The characters were bland and forgettable. The dialogue and plotting were ridiculous and nothing at all close to what one would expect should these events actually transpire. I very quickly stopped trying to get into the story and started wanting to reach a jumping off point, so I could get out having known this lacklustre effort wasn't going to do a Strange Girl and get kind of decent after a few issues. Frankly, it just kept getting worse. Absolutely unacceptable trash from someone who should know better than to think this crap cuts the mustard. Don't read it. 2/5
OmniBen.
Not that you need to worry too much about spoilers, as judging from the score I've given it, I would suggest you invest your time in some of Remender's work that is actually good, because this sure as shit isn't. It's always mystified me, that when authors reach a certain point of popularity, their internal compass for their own work either begins to deceive them, or they just stop giving two shits and think because they can get any half assed effort published, that they no longer need to try too hard on every book. Cause that is essentially what you have here with Seas of Red. When you hear there is a book about vampire pirates, you either groan and turn away, or your ears pick up and you're keen to give it a go. Remender even mentions the term 'vampirates' in the story, and you know that is exactly how he first came up with the idea. Sadly, that is where it should have stayed. As a crazy little idea floating around in his head, cause his execution is, frankly, pretty piss weak.
At first I was rather taken by the art and the colouration, although it quickly wore thin, likely aided by the sub par writing and plot. The art in and of itself if still strong, I just lost interest in looking at it, and it wasn't always the best at clearly showing what was occurring from panel to panel. The fist issue was average, although it kept me reading to issue, two, where an interesting little twist occurred, and I was o board to see where it went from there. Unfortunately, it didn't take long for the lack of care Remender apparently had for this work to show through. The characters were bland and forgettable. The dialogue and plotting were ridiculous and nothing at all close to what one would expect should these events actually transpire. I very quickly stopped trying to get into the story and started wanting to reach a jumping off point, so I could get out having known this lacklustre effort wasn't going to do a Strange Girl and get kind of decent after a few issues. Frankly, it just kept getting worse. Absolutely unacceptable trash from someone who should know better than to think this crap cuts the mustard. Don't read it. 2/5
OmniBen.
September 4, 2020
We have Marco a pirate in the 1500s who's ship has sank and is rescued by a pirate ship with a vampiric crew. Marco is bitten and turns undead. Fast forward to the present where a filming crew discovers him in the depths of the sea. They hold him hostage and want to film his life's story. He tells them about captain Blackthroat who threatened to kill his wife and child so they decide to head to the Bermuda Triangle where they suspect his lair was/is.
Whoever wants to read this vampirate tale, better check the description on the back. The series' first issue only deals with pirates. Then the action takes place in the present. The characters are a little generic, and the art is bad. The colour palette is based in red but I would prefer that more black ink was used.
Whoever wants to read this vampirate tale, better check the description on the back. The series' first issue only deals with pirates. Then the action takes place in the present. The characters are a little generic, and the art is bad. The colour palette is based in red but I would prefer that more black ink was used.
November 20, 2017
I enjoyed this more than I usually enjoy Remender. I didn't realize it was him when I picked it up. Piracy, vampires, awful movie people. It's not the best thing I've ever read, but it was enjoyable, and I'd continue the series. HPB had it in their comics section so I got it cheap. Otherwise I mightn't have tried it, but I'm glad I did. The art was also quite good, all sepia-toned, some good vamp faces. Yes, I will see if they have the next one.
January 27, 2023
My buying habits around 2005 were not particularly great.
This was devoid of anything to recommend, the relative novelty of the concept fast erased by cliches, extremely painful attempts at satire and sheer idiocy.
This was devoid of anything to recommend, the relative novelty of the concept fast erased by cliches, extremely painful attempts at satire and sheer idiocy.
May 16, 2017
An interesting take on vampire lore with characters who have the flair for the dramatic
June 2, 2026
Lo único bueno los dibujos
July 22, 2024
10min
July 23, 2016
I was thinking a was thinking a comic couldn't get much cooler than pirate vampires, but this wasn't what I was expecting.
It starts out really good, vampire pirates back in the age of piracy. But then the story jumps to modern times and loses something. The story seems a little disjointed, but I think it's slowly coming together. I would have just preferred the story to be set back in the 1600s as it started out rather than jumping to modern times.
The art itself is really cool as it's a sepia tone that give the book a parchment look. Once again, something that would have worked better if the story had remained set in the past.
As it is, still not bad, just not quite what I was expecting.
It starts out really good, vampire pirates back in the age of piracy. But then the story jumps to modern times and loses something. The story seems a little disjointed, but I think it's slowly coming together. I would have just preferred the story to be set back in the 1600s as it started out rather than jumping to modern times.
The art itself is really cool as it's a sepia tone that give the book a parchment look. Once again, something that would have worked better if the story had remained set in the past.
As it is, still not bad, just not quite what I was expecting.
January 6, 2009
The pacing was quicker than it needed to be (but then this was the start of an Image series so I can understand why) and the dialogue of the lead female character was a bit melodramatic, but the horror concept was interesting and lively.
August 11, 2012
Solid stuff, but I need to see where it goes from here to really form a solid opinion.
November 5, 2014
Slabší průměr, kterej zachraňuje zajímavá kresba. Upírští piráti příliš nezaujali-
February 21, 2015
It has a good story line BUT I think my main issue is with the art. It is very muddy and unappealing. I will definitely read the others for the story value.
October 17, 2015
Not really my style and i found the whole "let s make a movie " thing quite ridiculous. I liked that the art was meant to be unconventional but the end result was not that great.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews