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Dracula: The Company of Monsters #1
Dracula: The Company of Monsters Vol. 1
A powerful predatory corporation acquires a valuable asset…Dracula! They think they own him, but no one can own the son of the dragon. It’s bloodsuckers vs. bloodsucker in this new original graphic novel from the mind of legendary comics’ writer Kurt Busiek, best known for the top-selling MARVELS graphic novel.
A new ongoing horror series sure to make your blood run cold! A powerful, predatory corporation acquires a valuable asset…Dracula! They think they own him, but no one can own the Son of the Dragon. Now, there's a monster in their midst that puts Hannibal Lecter to shame — and he plans to gain his freedom in blood. Kurt Busiek, along with award-winning author Daryl Gregory and sensational artist Scott Godlewski, take you through the dark corridors of the corporate American boardroom and show you vampires aren’t the only kinds of bloodsuckers!
A new ongoing horror series sure to make your blood run cold! A powerful, predatory corporation acquires a valuable asset…Dracula! They think they own him, but no one can own the Son of the Dragon. Now, there's a monster in their midst that puts Hannibal Lecter to shame — and he plans to gain his freedom in blood. Kurt Busiek, along with award-winning author Daryl Gregory and sensational artist Scott Godlewski, take you through the dark corridors of the corporate American boardroom and show you vampires aren’t the only kinds of bloodsuckers!
112 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2011
81 people are currently reading
207 people want to read
About the author
Kurt Busiek
1,858 books626 followersKurt Busiek is an American comic book writer notable for his work on the Marvels limited series, his own title Astro City, and his four-year run on Avengers.
Busiek did not read comics as a youngster, as his parents disapproved of them. He began to read them regularly around the age of 14, when he picked up a copy of Daredevil #120. This was the first part of a continuity-heavy four-part story arc; Busiek was drawn to the copious history and cross-connections with other series. Throughout high school and college, he and future writer Scott McCloud practiced making comics. During this time, Busiek also had many letters published in comic book letter columns, and originated the theory that the Phoenix was a separate being who had impersonated Jean Grey, and that therefore Grey had not died—a premise which made its way from freelancer to freelancer, and which was eventually used in the comics.
During the last semester of his senior year, Busiek submitted some sample scripts to editor Dick Giordano at DC Comics. None of them sold, but they did get him invitations to pitch other material to DC editors, which led to his first professional work, a back-up story in Green Lantern #162 (Mar. 1983).
Busiek has worked on a number of different titles in his career, including Arrowsmith, The Avengers, Icon, Iron Man, The Liberty Project, Ninjak, The Power Company, Red Tornado, Shockrockets, Superman: Secret Identity, Thunderbolts, Untold Tales of Spider-Man, JLA, and the award-winning Marvels and the Homage Comics title Kurt Busiek's Astro City.
In 1997, Busiek began a stint as writer of Avengers alongside artist George Pérez. Pérez departed from the series in 2000, but Busiek continued as writer for two more years, collaborating with artists Alan Davis, Kieron Dwyer and others. Busiek's tenure culminated with the "Kang Dynasty" storyline. In 2003, Busiek re-teamed with Perez to create the JLA/Avengers limited series.
In 2003, Busiek began a new Conan series for Dark Horse Comics, which he wrote for four years.
In December 2005 Busiek signed a two-year exclusive contract with DC Comics. During DC's Infinite Crisis event, he teamed with Geoff Johns on a "One Year Later" eight-part story arc (called Up, Up and Away) that encompassed both Superman titles. In addition, he began writing the DC title Aquaman: Sword of Atlantis from issues 40-49. Busiek was the writer of Superman for two years, before followed by James Robinson starting from Superman #677. Busiek wrote a 52-issue weekly DC miniseries called Trinity, starring Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman. Each issue (except for issue #1) featured a 12-page main story by Busiek, with art by Mark Bagley, and a ten-page backup story co-written by Busiek and Fabian Nicieza, with art from various artists, including Tom Derenick, Mike Norton and Scott McDaniel.
Busiek's work has won him numerous awards in the comics industry, including the Harvey Award for Best Writer in 1998 and the Eisner Award for Best Writer in 1999. In 1994, with Marvels, he won Best Finite Series/Limited Series Eisner Award and the Best Continuing or Limited Series Harvey Award; as well as the Harvey Award for Best Single Issue or Story (for Marvels #4) in 1995. In 1996, with Astro City, Busiek won both the Eisner and Harvey awards for Best New Series. He won the Best Single Issue/Single Story Eisner three years in a row from 1996–1998, as well as in 2004. Busiek won the Best Continuing Series Eisner Award in 1997–1998, as well as the Best Serialized Story award in 1998. In addition, Astro City was awarded the 1996 Best Single Issue or Story Harvey Award, and the 1998 Harvey Award for Best Continuing or Limited Series.
Busiek was given the 1998 and 1999 Comics Buyer's Guide Awards for Favorite Writer, with additional nominations in 1997 and every year from 2000 to 2004. He has also received numerous Squiddy Awards, having been selected as favorite writer four years in a row from 1995 to 1998,
Busiek did not read comics as a youngster, as his parents disapproved of them. He began to read them regularly around the age of 14, when he picked up a copy of Daredevil #120. This was the first part of a continuity-heavy four-part story arc; Busiek was drawn to the copious history and cross-connections with other series. Throughout high school and college, he and future writer Scott McCloud practiced making comics. During this time, Busiek also had many letters published in comic book letter columns, and originated the theory that the Phoenix was a separate being who had impersonated Jean Grey, and that therefore Grey had not died—a premise which made its way from freelancer to freelancer, and which was eventually used in the comics.
During the last semester of his senior year, Busiek submitted some sample scripts to editor Dick Giordano at DC Comics. None of them sold, but they did get him invitations to pitch other material to DC editors, which led to his first professional work, a back-up story in Green Lantern #162 (Mar. 1983).
Busiek has worked on a number of different titles in his career, including Arrowsmith, The Avengers, Icon, Iron Man, The Liberty Project, Ninjak, The Power Company, Red Tornado, Shockrockets, Superman: Secret Identity, Thunderbolts, Untold Tales of Spider-Man, JLA, and the award-winning Marvels and the Homage Comics title Kurt Busiek's Astro City.
In 1997, Busiek began a stint as writer of Avengers alongside artist George Pérez. Pérez departed from the series in 2000, but Busiek continued as writer for two more years, collaborating with artists Alan Davis, Kieron Dwyer and others. Busiek's tenure culminated with the "Kang Dynasty" storyline. In 2003, Busiek re-teamed with Perez to create the JLA/Avengers limited series.
In 2003, Busiek began a new Conan series for Dark Horse Comics, which he wrote for four years.
In December 2005 Busiek signed a two-year exclusive contract with DC Comics. During DC's Infinite Crisis event, he teamed with Geoff Johns on a "One Year Later" eight-part story arc (called Up, Up and Away) that encompassed both Superman titles. In addition, he began writing the DC title Aquaman: Sword of Atlantis from issues 40-49. Busiek was the writer of Superman for two years, before followed by James Robinson starting from Superman #677. Busiek wrote a 52-issue weekly DC miniseries called Trinity, starring Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman. Each issue (except for issue #1) featured a 12-page main story by Busiek, with art by Mark Bagley, and a ten-page backup story co-written by Busiek and Fabian Nicieza, with art from various artists, including Tom Derenick, Mike Norton and Scott McDaniel.
Busiek's work has won him numerous awards in the comics industry, including the Harvey Award for Best Writer in 1998 and the Eisner Award for Best Writer in 1999. In 1994, with Marvels, he won Best Finite Series/Limited Series Eisner Award and the Best Continuing or Limited Series Harvey Award; as well as the Harvey Award for Best Single Issue or Story (for Marvels #4) in 1995. In 1996, with Astro City, Busiek won both the Eisner and Harvey awards for Best New Series. He won the Best Single Issue/Single Story Eisner three years in a row from 1996–1998, as well as in 2004. Busiek won the Best Continuing Series Eisner Award in 1997–1998, as well as the Best Serialized Story award in 1998. In addition, Astro City was awarded the 1996 Best Single Issue or Story Harvey Award, and the 1998 Harvey Award for Best Continuing or Limited Series.
Busiek was given the 1998 and 1999 Comics Buyer's Guide Awards for Favorite Writer, with additional nominations in 1997 and every year from 2000 to 2004. He has also received numerous Squiddy Awards, having been selected as favorite writer four years in a row from 1995 to 1998,
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
November 27, 2021
Dracula is such an overdone concept that I wasn't expecting much. In fact, if it hadn't been for the buddy read, it wouldn't have even made a blip on my radar.
And that would have been a shame because this was actually quite good.
The gist is that our story follows a man who works for his family's company.
The Company of Monsters. <--get it?
His family is loaded, but that doesn't mean he isn't just another downtrodden cog in the machine, complete with a girlfriend (<--also works for the same company) who henpecks him to death.
His quite obviously sleazy uncle, who practically oozes corporate greed from his elderly pores, has pulled him into his scheme to translate ancient texts under a veil of complete secrecy.
What's in those texts and why the secrecy?
His uncle is trying to resurrect Dracula in a convoluted scheme to use his immortality and power to...take over another company?
Now, that part? I'll freely admit it was a touch wonky. There are lots of ways to plot a corporate takeover or hide financial problems, and all of them are easier than translating old spells or raising a famous vampire from his grave.
I'm just saying.
But it was different.
And the characters and plot were cool enough that I gave it a pass and just decided to go with the wacky flow of things.
Worth it!
I had fun, and can't wait to see what volume two has in store for me.
Recommended for fans of monster comics.
There were too many great horror comics to fit them all into October's buddy reads, so we're just kind of reheating the leftovers.
And that would have been a shame because this was actually quite good.
The gist is that our story follows a man who works for his family's company.
The Company of Monsters. <--get it?
His family is loaded, but that doesn't mean he isn't just another downtrodden cog in the machine, complete with a girlfriend (<--also works for the same company) who henpecks him to death.
His quite obviously sleazy uncle, who practically oozes corporate greed from his elderly pores, has pulled him into his scheme to translate ancient texts under a veil of complete secrecy.
What's in those texts and why the secrecy?
His uncle is trying to resurrect Dracula in a convoluted scheme to use his immortality and power to...take over another company?
Now, that part? I'll freely admit it was a touch wonky. There are lots of ways to plot a corporate takeover or hide financial problems, and all of them are easier than translating old spells or raising a famous vampire from his grave.
I'm just saying.
But it was different.
And the characters and plot were cool enough that I gave it a pass and just decided to go with the wacky flow of things.
Worth it!
I had fun, and can't wait to see what volume two has in store for me.
Recommended for fans of monster comics.
There were too many great horror comics to fit them all into October's buddy reads, so we're just kind of reheating the leftovers.
December 1, 2021
Great concept and very solid execution. Definitely going to read the next volume.
But, caveat: I have a Dracula fetish.
But, caveat: I have a Dracula fetish.
September 24, 2021
Alas this comic is what the film Dracula Untold (anyone remember it? ANYONE?) should have been.
Sorry bro, just telling it like it is!
The dark story of bringing the old bloodsucker into corporate America is an intriguing one, and I look forward to reading the remaining volumes during Spooky Season 2021.
Sorry bro, just telling it like it is!
The dark story of bringing the old bloodsucker into corporate America is an intriguing one, and I look forward to reading the remaining volumes during Spooky Season 2021.
April 29, 2022
I'm a big fan of vampires. So when I saw this comic I snatched it up. It's not bad. Kurt Busiek tells the story of a corporation that wishes to resurrect Dracula and try to use his "skills" for a variety of reasons. Naturally, the problem is do you control Dracula or does he control you?
The writing behind the story and the reasons behind the situation is fairly well done. But where the story shines is in the interaction between Dracula and his erstwhile captors. The volume ends on something of a cliff hanger so I shall be getting the next one just to find out where this is going.
The artwork is decent. Nothing great, but it works well enough.
A good "Dracula" entry. If you are a fan of the Count or just of Vampires, this is a good comic for you.
The writing behind the story and the reasons behind the situation is fairly well done. But where the story shines is in the interaction between Dracula and his erstwhile captors. The volume ends on something of a cliff hanger so I shall be getting the next one just to find out where this is going.
The artwork is decent. Nothing great, but it works well enough.
A good "Dracula" entry. If you are a fan of the Count or just of Vampires, this is a good comic for you.
August 19, 2024
Great start!
Awesome first volume in what should be a terrific series! An intriguing way to bring Dracula into a modern setting! 4.5 stars rounded up to five!
Awesome first volume in what should be a terrific series! An intriguing way to bring Dracula into a modern setting! 4.5 stars rounded up to five!
July 25, 2025
It was ok. 2.75 stars
July 31, 2022
*More like 3.5 stars than 3.*
A quick read, though not without potential.
The business backdrop of the premise was odd. Using vampiric abilities for measly monetary gain seemed like an underutilisation of such powerful abilities, a point even Dracula laughed at. It made the plot feel a little silly, especially when it tried to shift the focus to the group of Romanian slayers and make them seem relevant when they didn’t figure into the business conflict at all.
The ending was underwhelming and the pacing was rushed. The supposed antagonist Dracula had more morals than the businessman, Conrad—although that managed to work in the comic’s favour. It made for an interesting take on the classic Dracula character and made him quite likeable. The protagonist, on the other hand, was an underdeveloped wimp, though there maybe more in store for him yet in Dracula: The Company of Monsters, Vol. 2...
(Recommended by Robert)
A quick read, though not without potential.
The business backdrop of the premise was odd. Using vampiric abilities for measly monetary gain seemed like an underutilisation of such powerful abilities, a point even Dracula laughed at. It made the plot feel a little silly, especially when it tried to shift the focus to the group of Romanian slayers and make them seem relevant when they didn’t figure into the business conflict at all.
The ending was underwhelming and the pacing was rushed. The supposed antagonist Dracula had more morals than the businessman, Conrad—although that managed to work in the comic’s favour. It made for an interesting take on the classic Dracula character and made him quite likeable. The protagonist, on the other hand, was an underdeveloped wimp, though there maybe more in store for him yet in Dracula: The Company of Monsters, Vol. 2...
(Recommended by Robert)
January 9, 2018
*Book source ~ Library
A powerful corporation finds Dracula and decides to use him to further their agenda. Whether he wants to or not.
This is an interesting take on Dracula. Who knew there was a way to resurrect a vampire? I didn’t. I really enjoyed the story and the artwork is fantastic. The end is a cliffhanger, but then it is a new series and a graphic novel, too. So, I’ll forgive it. I do want to get the next one in the series to see what happens. The library doesn’t have it so I guess I need to suggest the purchase.
A powerful corporation finds Dracula and decides to use him to further their agenda. Whether he wants to or not.
This is an interesting take on Dracula. Who knew there was a way to resurrect a vampire? I didn’t. I really enjoyed the story and the artwork is fantastic. The end is a cliffhanger, but then it is a new series and a graphic novel, too. So, I’ll forgive it. I do want to get the next one in the series to see what happens. The library doesn’t have it so I guess I need to suggest the purchase.
October 31, 2021
For a story about a character we’be all examined from at least ten different angles, that was an extremely fun take. I didn’t put this down, once it started to get going. Mythology, corporate politics, rival factions, and an honourable antagonist?
Sign me up for book 2, stat!
Another draining buddy read experience with the Shallows
Sign me up for book 2, stat!
Another draining buddy read experience with the Shallows
July 28, 2011
The minute I finished this I was sure what I wanted to say about it. Then another minute went by and I thought, “Wait a minute. Why the hell did I read a Dracula comic in the first place?”
Credit where credit is due, I have to take some of the blame for reading this one. Because there is really no excuse for reading another Dracula book. There just isn’t. Mark Waid did his best to try and invent one for me, but that might have only made things worse.
We all know Dracula as the guy who kicked ass, impaled mofos, and did a bunch of evil magic shit to turn himself into a vampire. Until now, however, we didn’t really appreciate him as a shrewd businessman, because after all, what is a medieval country if not the equivalent of a modern-day big company?
Therefore, the characters conclude, if we want to instigate the hostile takeover of another company, the easiest way of going about it would be to resurrect Dracula and use his powers of magical persuasion to convince CEO’s to sell their companies to us, an extremely costly and dangerous endeavor that will force us to close a bunch of plants in order to shore up enough cash to get everything rolling.
With that reasonable, well thought-out, foolproof, unambitious, clearly defined plan with no real endgame, I don’t see how anything could go wrong.
It reads a little bit like one of those weird business books where we try to learn business plans from the unlikeliest of sources. Like “How to Manage Like Oscar the Grouch” with chapter titles like “Managing in the Can: the Essence of Hands-Off Management.” Dracula is presented as being a good manager because he worked out a small country and fought battles with swords and shit. I’m no historian, and I am certainly no city planner, however I would say that a city surrounded by people staked on large poles that were intentionally blunted and greased to increase both the pain and the sliding action is not a city that is operating in a sustainable, realistic fashion that is enjoyable for all. Just a hunch.
Even if I were convinced that Dracula was a great middle manager at heart, I think it’s still a tough sell to convince me that we really should bring him back to life in order to solve some kind of problem. For starters, trying to create what sounds like a great business plan out of sheer craziness is a little hard to swallow. It would be like watching the Social Network, and halfway through the Mark Zuckerberg character decides that they need a great mathematician to help out, and because Egyptians were known to be very mathematical, they decide to resurrect a mummy. Or maybe we take it in an Air Bud sort of direction and bring back a lagoon creature to be on the high school swim team. It’ll be a great laugh when he’s filling in his age on the form and has to say 4389, huh?
And of course, we have our crew of vampire hunters which consists of the standard formula: hot babe, crazy person, and one guy who seems sort of effective, or at least big.
It’s partially my fault for picking it up, but rarely does a book combine so fluidly two of my strong disinterests: business and vampires.
This last part goes out to CEO’s, business people, and anyone in a movie, book, or whatever who comes up with a crazy scheme involving evil forces or super-powered robots or anything of the such:
Whatever you do, just kill the thing the second it starts fooling around. Don’t give into its demands for a nighttime rooftop meeting, don’t give it a telephone that it rewires into a deadly taser, none of that shit. Just make it do what you want and then throw it in a goddamn volcano.
Credit where credit is due, I have to take some of the blame for reading this one. Because there is really no excuse for reading another Dracula book. There just isn’t. Mark Waid did his best to try and invent one for me, but that might have only made things worse.
We all know Dracula as the guy who kicked ass, impaled mofos, and did a bunch of evil magic shit to turn himself into a vampire. Until now, however, we didn’t really appreciate him as a shrewd businessman, because after all, what is a medieval country if not the equivalent of a modern-day big company?
Therefore, the characters conclude, if we want to instigate the hostile takeover of another company, the easiest way of going about it would be to resurrect Dracula and use his powers of magical persuasion to convince CEO’s to sell their companies to us, an extremely costly and dangerous endeavor that will force us to close a bunch of plants in order to shore up enough cash to get everything rolling.
With that reasonable, well thought-out, foolproof, unambitious, clearly defined plan with no real endgame, I don’t see how anything could go wrong.
It reads a little bit like one of those weird business books where we try to learn business plans from the unlikeliest of sources. Like “How to Manage Like Oscar the Grouch” with chapter titles like “Managing in the Can: the Essence of Hands-Off Management.” Dracula is presented as being a good manager because he worked out a small country and fought battles with swords and shit. I’m no historian, and I am certainly no city planner, however I would say that a city surrounded by people staked on large poles that were intentionally blunted and greased to increase both the pain and the sliding action is not a city that is operating in a sustainable, realistic fashion that is enjoyable for all. Just a hunch.
Even if I were convinced that Dracula was a great middle manager at heart, I think it’s still a tough sell to convince me that we really should bring him back to life in order to solve some kind of problem. For starters, trying to create what sounds like a great business plan out of sheer craziness is a little hard to swallow. It would be like watching the Social Network, and halfway through the Mark Zuckerberg character decides that they need a great mathematician to help out, and because Egyptians were known to be very mathematical, they decide to resurrect a mummy. Or maybe we take it in an Air Bud sort of direction and bring back a lagoon creature to be on the high school swim team. It’ll be a great laugh when he’s filling in his age on the form and has to say 4389, huh?
And of course, we have our crew of vampire hunters which consists of the standard formula: hot babe, crazy person, and one guy who seems sort of effective, or at least big.
It’s partially my fault for picking it up, but rarely does a book combine so fluidly two of my strong disinterests: business and vampires.
This last part goes out to CEO’s, business people, and anyone in a movie, book, or whatever who comes up with a crazy scheme involving evil forces or super-powered robots or anything of the such:
Whatever you do, just kill the thing the second it starts fooling around. Don’t give into its demands for a nighttime rooftop meeting, don’t give it a telephone that it rewires into a deadly taser, none of that shit. Just make it do what you want and then throw it in a goddamn volcano.
June 20, 2011
I picked up a finished copy of this graphic novel at Book Expo America (BEA). All in all it was an interesting graphic novel. The illustration was top notch and I enjoyed the storyline.
When a corporation discovers the corpse of Vlad the impaler, the CEO is determined to ressurect Vlad in order to have him carry out some of the companies dirty work. Drawn into this a young man named Evan who has been translating ancient documents and doing some of the experimental work leading up to Vlad's resurrection. The graphic novel alternates between ancient times when Vlad ruled and current times where they are trying to force Vlad to work for the corporation.
I enjoyed this story; it is engaging and interesting. It was a neat idea to have Vlad resurrected solely to help a corporation succeed. It does takes some digs at corporate America, as the reader is left with a question about who the monster really is here. At times Vald seems more humane than the corporate gurus he associates with.
The illustrations was very well done and absolutely top notch. It matches the tone of the story well and it is easy to tell facial expressions and character identities. It is full color and very detailed, just very well done. This is definitely aimed at adults, there is a lot of violence.
Overall I think this is an interesting addition to the Dracula mythos and an interesting way to use Dracula as a character. Most of this book it setup, so I am really looking forward to reading the second book in this series. The illustration was top notch and the story creative and engaging. I definitely recommend this to Dracula fans out there and to people who are interested in seeing Dracula brought into a modern day setting.
When a corporation discovers the corpse of Vlad the impaler, the CEO is determined to ressurect Vlad in order to have him carry out some of the companies dirty work. Drawn into this a young man named Evan who has been translating ancient documents and doing some of the experimental work leading up to Vlad's resurrection. The graphic novel alternates between ancient times when Vlad ruled and current times where they are trying to force Vlad to work for the corporation.
I enjoyed this story; it is engaging and interesting. It was a neat idea to have Vlad resurrected solely to help a corporation succeed. It does takes some digs at corporate America, as the reader is left with a question about who the monster really is here. At times Vald seems more humane than the corporate gurus he associates with.
The illustrations was very well done and absolutely top notch. It matches the tone of the story well and it is easy to tell facial expressions and character identities. It is full color and very detailed, just very well done. This is definitely aimed at adults, there is a lot of violence.
Overall I think this is an interesting addition to the Dracula mythos and an interesting way to use Dracula as a character. Most of this book it setup, so I am really looking forward to reading the second book in this series. The illustration was top notch and the story creative and engaging. I definitely recommend this to Dracula fans out there and to people who are interested in seeing Dracula brought into a modern day setting.
May 26, 2012
In many ways this reminded me of the cartoon series, "Gargoyles". Like "Gargoyles", supernatural beings are revived by a greedy businessman for selfish and somewhat evil purposes. Also, the beings, in this case Dracula, is presented as being a sort of noble savage (i.e, brutish, harsh and feared yet honest and having honor) in contrast to sleazy, dishonest businessmen who is their enemy.
After reading this, I saw this as a sort of satire on corporate America. One scene from the book that stands out to me is where Dracula is talking to one of the guys who resurrected him and is discussing the difference between a feudal age prince and corporate executive- the prince is responsible for the well being of his people while executive need only concern himself with his own wealth. The subtitle "Company of Monsters" is fitting for this graphic novel because the story makes one ask who really is the monster in this situation, the vampire or the businessman?
After reading this, I saw this as a sort of satire on corporate America. One scene from the book that stands out to me is where Dracula is talking to one of the guys who resurrected him and is discussing the difference between a feudal age prince and corporate executive- the prince is responsible for the well being of his people while executive need only concern himself with his own wealth. The subtitle "Company of Monsters" is fitting for this graphic novel because the story makes one ask who really is the monster in this situation, the vampire or the businessman?
November 9, 2011
Way better than I thought it would be. Can't remember why I requested this from the library, and I almost returned it unread. Ultimately, it's a Dracula comic book, and really, this volume is nothing but set-up. However, the set-up is pretty cool! The story draws on a more historical Vlad, and his moral stance/background is interestingly contrasted with the corporate environment. It's a fast enough read to hold attention. Also, the cover art makes the contents seem far more lurid than it really is.
November 23, 2020
How often does a preview shoehorned into another book draw and hold your interest then cause you to read the comic being previewed? For me? At least twice that I can remember, including with this comic, which was previewed in the endpages of Mark Waid's Irredeemable.
Volume 1 was excellent and sets up a lot of potentially great stories and characters for the next two volumes, which I am going to start today.
Volume 1 was excellent and sets up a lot of potentially great stories and characters for the next two volumes, which I am going to start today.
June 11, 2019
It's a rare treat to have Dracula, in all his evil and glory, participate as a major character in a story - and root for him.
October 24, 2021
While this isn't my favorite Dracula comic, I have to admit this is a new take on an old favorite. Dracula has been re-imagined over and over in all forms of media, so my hat's off to Kurt Busiek for coming up with such an original concept.
Dracula is seen by the corporate world as an asset, and is acquired much the same way as a financial asset would be acquired. But everyone knows, Dracula is no corporate asset; he's a force of nature. The company captures Dracula and tries to hold him captive, but we all know from the start that's going to end badly.
I do like the art, and with Busiek involved it's very well written, but I prefer more traditional Dracula tales. However, I did like this enough to finish the story. If you're a Dracula fan, this is worth taking a look at just to see a different take on the character.
Dracula is seen by the corporate world as an asset, and is acquired much the same way as a financial asset would be acquired. But everyone knows, Dracula is no corporate asset; he's a force of nature. The company captures Dracula and tries to hold him captive, but we all know from the start that's going to end badly.
I do like the art, and with Busiek involved it's very well written, but I prefer more traditional Dracula tales. However, I did like this enough to finish the story. If you're a Dracula fan, this is worth taking a look at just to see a different take on the character.
November 18, 2021
An American CEO tracks down Dracula's skeleton--preserved in a block of ensorcelled honey--and revives the Wallachian prince in a corporate Pittsburgh laboratory. He offers the legendary monster his freedom in exchange for the dark gift.
This was certainly a book. Safe, unexciting, middle-of-the-road plotting, world-building, dialogue, art. It's like it was produced by a competent algorithm.
I wouldn't mind reading the two concluding volumes, but my library doesn't have them and ILL is slightly a pain in the ass, so....meh.
This was certainly a book. Safe, unexciting, middle-of-the-road plotting, world-building, dialogue, art. It's like it was produced by a competent algorithm.
I wouldn't mind reading the two concluding volumes, but my library doesn't have them and ILL is slightly a pain in the ass, so....meh.
August 2, 2021
A company finds the corpse of Dracula and they plan to resurrect him. They succeed and bring him back to life. They think they own him but no-one owns Dracula.
A blood - sucking vampire comic book tale.
I don't usually read these comics/graphic novels, but I think I will after reading this.
Good read
A blood - sucking vampire comic book tale.
I don't usually read these comics/graphic novels, but I think I will after reading this.
Good read
August 28, 2024
Amazingly Fun!
Want to wipe Twilight from your memory?
This is precisely the kind of modern vampire spin any sane vamp fan wants: something that reframes one of the greatest historic-mythical monsters of all time to ask, what kind of monsters are we accepting in daily life?
It's too bad this is a series collection and not a singular focused tome like -- this has the makings of a truly epochal Dracula story but the way-to-open ending is a bit of a letdown.
Want to wipe Twilight from your memory?
This is precisely the kind of modern vampire spin any sane vamp fan wants: something that reframes one of the greatest historic-mythical monsters of all time to ask, what kind of monsters are we accepting in daily life?
It's too bad this is a series collection and not a singular focused tome like -- this has the makings of a truly epochal Dracula story but the way-to-open ending is a bit of a letdown.
February 22, 2011
This isn't a bad read if you're into the Dracula mythology and have a little free time on your hands. I finished it in about an hour and I'm not a particularly fast reader. The artwork is done well and the coloring enhances the story and atmosphere. I'm typically drawn to the reversal of the human/monster dichotomy, which is what this series is playing with. I'm looking forward to seeing where they take the story.
September 9, 2018
This was a very interesting take on the Dracula legend. A corporate entity's CEO spends resources & funds to track down the final resting place of the doomed prince. He then tasks his nephew with decoding ancient texts that unlock the key to how Dracula become a vampire in the first place. This first volume is all about funding Dracula & bringing him back to life.
October 13, 2020
L'idea di riesumare Dracula e poterlo controllare.
Un Dracula moderno, il consumismo, il denaro, il potere.. queste sono solo le linee guida che si delineano in questo numero e tutto ciò ruota intorno al povero protagonista, giovane dalle spiccati doti magiche e studioso, l'unico che ha studiato tutto per portare in vita Dracula e i vari riti.
Un inizio interessante.
Un Dracula moderno, il consumismo, il denaro, il potere.. queste sono solo le linee guida che si delineano in questo numero e tutto ciò ruota intorno al povero protagonista, giovane dalle spiccati doti magiche e studioso, l'unico che ha studiato tutto per portare in vita Dracula e i vari riti.
Un inizio interessante.
September 13, 2018
I like the art and I'm intrigued with the idea of bringing Vlad the Impaler into the 21st century. I also appreciate the historical details - like the placement of Vlad within the context of Ottoman invasions - and nods to Bram Stoker, like mention of the Scholomance.
September 1, 2023
decent
An interesting take on Dracula himself. The main guy is spineless though.
The ending was cliche, but I’ll check out the next one.
An interesting take on Dracula himself. The main guy is spineless though.
The ending was cliche, but I’ll check out the next one.
January 12, 2022
Corporate bloodsuckers versus prince of bloodsuckers. Ready...fight!
As much as I am all on board with some corrupt corporate person getting his just desserts after ruining the lives of many in pursuit of the legend of horror Dracula by time I got to the end of the first volume I was feeling kind of meh about the story though it was not bad and has potential for more to come. Then I started to imagine what if Dracula was really around after a rich person far too egotistical for their own good looses control of him. Certainly he could use his power to intimidate and conquer those that would try to stop him but what if he decided to use what he learned from modern society (as corrupted as it seems thanks to media) and he decided to manipulate others in power to change society to better fit his ideals of what humanity should be like. After gaining access to the insane amount of money many of the richest among use have he could literally be a god or perhaps a devil with the best security to prevent even trained vampire hunters from ever reaching him again. That is some real horror when you imagine an immortal bloodsucking fiend that can control the minds of others taking control of much of the wealth in the world.
On a side note I do like the references to Scholomance magic which Dracula is believed to have studied and how there is a character within the structure of the company responsible for resurrecting Dracula who is also showing potential for the magic (and might be responsible to stopping the man later depending how the story treats Dracula.)
As much as I am all on board with some corrupt corporate person getting his just desserts after ruining the lives of many in pursuit of the legend of horror Dracula by time I got to the end of the first volume I was feeling kind of meh about the story though it was not bad and has potential for more to come. Then I started to imagine what if Dracula was really around after a rich person far too egotistical for their own good looses control of him. Certainly he could use his power to intimidate and conquer those that would try to stop him but what if he decided to use what he learned from modern society (as corrupted as it seems thanks to media) and he decided to manipulate others in power to change society to better fit his ideals of what humanity should be like. After gaining access to the insane amount of money many of the richest among use have he could literally be a god or perhaps a devil with the best security to prevent even trained vampire hunters from ever reaching him again. That is some real horror when you imagine an immortal bloodsucking fiend that can control the minds of others taking control of much of the wealth in the world.
On a side note I do like the references to Scholomance magic which Dracula is believed to have studied and how there is a character within the structure of the company responsible for resurrecting Dracula who is also showing potential for the magic (and might be responsible to stopping the man later depending how the story treats Dracula.)
November 27, 2021
Scott Snyder is a professional. It means that his stories could be not the best in the comics world when it comes to imagination and originality, but they are always very well done. Good storytelling, composition, strong plot, nice and clear panels. The world building goes slowly, but there is no feeling like wtf is going on. There are questions and there are answers. So the story keeps you moderately thrilled, moderately entertained and moderately amused. And you definitely want more after turn the last page over.
Art is awesome!
Now, for the story itself. The description on the cover is pretty clear. And you get exactly what it said. World emerged in darkness, monsters and a brave strong-spirited girl, that try to survive in this world, driving the huge truck from relatively safe point A to point B. But there is more. For more you need to read it. And hey, it’s only 13 Canadian bucks and signatures on Snyder and T. Daniel. Totally worth it.
Art is awesome!
Now, for the story itself. The description on the cover is pretty clear. And you get exactly what it said. World emerged in darkness, monsters and a brave strong-spirited girl, that try to survive in this world, driving the huge truck from relatively safe point A to point B. But there is more. For more you need to read it. And hey, it’s only 13 Canadian bucks and signatures on Snyder and T. Daniel. Totally worth it.
January 24, 2023
Fun New Spin on the Original Vampire
This was a fun read. A little on the short side, but I did enjoy the story & I'm curious to see where it goes from here. I picked this up on Kindle Unlimited, & as far as the ebook experience goes, I think they did a great job with this graphic novel. I have always been a fan of vampires, since I was a kid in the '80s, so this take on Dracula, the original vamp, was an good fit for me. Aside from the well written storyline & the colorful artwork, I like the themes within the story, the juxtaposition of Dracula's honor against the total corruption of the corporate "bloodsuckers" who raised him. If you're looking for a quick, entertaining horror GN, Dracula The Company of Monsters might be for you. I am diving right in to volume 2 (also available on KU)!
This was a fun read. A little on the short side, but I did enjoy the story & I'm curious to see where it goes from here. I picked this up on Kindle Unlimited, & as far as the ebook experience goes, I think they did a great job with this graphic novel. I have always been a fan of vampires, since I was a kid in the '80s, so this take on Dracula, the original vamp, was an good fit for me. Aside from the well written storyline & the colorful artwork, I like the themes within the story, the juxtaposition of Dracula's honor against the total corruption of the corporate "bloodsuckers" who raised him. If you're looking for a quick, entertaining horror GN, Dracula The Company of Monsters might be for you. I am diving right in to volume 2 (also available on KU)!
Read
March 12, 2018Picked up because of Busiek's name, but he's not the writer here, it's just story by him, and it kind of shows. An interesting premise (and one used by at least one other author): some powerful group decides to resurrect Dracula to use his powers. In Ken Hite's rpg sourcebook The Dracula Dossier: Dracula Unredacted, it's the intelligence community. Here, it's a corporation. Except it's not even a corporation, it's just the CEO and there's a lot of uncertainty about the motivation, and not much theme work going on here. Intriguing premise, not a great execution so far.
September 2, 2022
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October 28, 2022
A Powerful predatory corporation, aggressive takeovers, boardroom shenanigans and Dracula. Billed as ‘bloodsuckers vs bloodsucker Dracula: The Company of Monsters is yet another take on the legend of Dracula.
The story itself isn’t too bad, a major corporation attempts to use Dracula as an. ‘Asset’. Giving Dracula scrupulous, something which the Chief Exec. doesn’t have is a nice twist too. The story like the artwork is a bit workman like, it’s ok as I said, it isn’t too bad but not awe inspiring. It’s worth a read if like me you just like Dracula stories but ultimately it lacks bite.
The story itself isn’t too bad, a major corporation attempts to use Dracula as an. ‘Asset’. Giving Dracula scrupulous, something which the Chief Exec. doesn’t have is a nice twist too. The story like the artwork is a bit workman like, it’s ok as I said, it isn’t too bad but not awe inspiring. It’s worth a read if like me you just like Dracula stories but ultimately it lacks bite.
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