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Blacula: Return of the King
Los Angeles – the City of Angels. Two souls, one is looking for vengeance and one is looking for the truth. They share one thing in common, they are both searching for the legendary vampire Blacula. Tina Thomas is a reporter for the blog Dark Knights, which chronicles all things unnatural, uneasy, and undead. She meets a young man named Kross whose family was forever changed by the vampire. Kross asks Tina to help him kill Blacula.
Blacula too is on a mission, he is searching for the one who forever changed his life centuries ago. His name is Count Dracula.
Blacula too is on a mission, he is searching for the one who forever changed his life centuries ago. His name is Count Dracula.
128 pages, Paperback
Published January 31, 2023
About the author
Rodney Barnes
150 books34 followersRodney L Barnes has had the privilege to accomplish so much in a short time on Earth. At the age of forty-two and surviving a major traumatic brain injury, writing and publishing the book, My Miracle outlines and talks about experiences he had undergone that might contribute to the events in your life. From past to present, he had learned how to accept what life has to offer, not struggle with life. He was raised on the principles of ordinary life, take nothing for granted! Rodney now clearly understands those principles of living because of his development. Through events of his life, the accident, coma, and relearning life at twenty-one years of age, he has to give all these accomplishments to the Lord Jesus Christ. Rodney is praying for his book to get into the hands of people who need a source of comfort, strength, or knowledge to learn more how strong and powerful Jesus Christ is and can be. Visit him at Facebook.com/mymiraclethemovie and together, we all can help each other understand the meaning of life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
April 22, 2024
I've never seen the movie, so this was my introduction to Blacula.
I thought it was pretty cool for what it was. I probably got more out of Rodney Barnes' introduction than the actual comic, though.
He tells the story of how he loved horror films and it was the first time he'd seen a black character as part of the horror genre.
I get it.
Feel free to skip my ramblings -->
And that's my explanation as to why I felt some weird kinship with this comic.
Anyway, this is a sequel of sorts.
Blacula aka Prince Mamuwalde escapes Hell and wakes up in the present day. He's an urban legend to most, but there are a few out there who think he's responsible for the disappearance of family members that seem to still haunt them, even though they're supposedly dead.
After a confrontation with some undead family members in a graveyard, the hunters track down Blacula in an abandoned house with the intent to stake him and put an end to his shenanigans.
But he's not the only vampire in town. Dracula is back and he's (I can't help myself) out for blood. And if the kids will trust him, Mamuwalde might just play the role of anti-hero this time around.
Will the African prince save the day?
Blacula vs Dracula!
This was good campy fun that any fan of old horror movies will most likely enjoy.
Recommended.
I thought it was pretty cool for what it was. I probably got more out of Rodney Barnes' introduction than the actual comic, though.
He tells the story of how he loved horror films and it was the first time he'd seen a black character as part of the horror genre.
I get it.
Feel free to skip my ramblings -->
And that's my explanation as to why I felt some weird kinship with this comic.
Anyway, this is a sequel of sorts.
Blacula aka Prince Mamuwalde escapes Hell and wakes up in the present day. He's an urban legend to most, but there are a few out there who think he's responsible for the disappearance of family members that seem to still haunt them, even though they're supposedly dead.
After a confrontation with some undead family members in a graveyard, the hunters track down Blacula in an abandoned house with the intent to stake him and put an end to his shenanigans.
But he's not the only vampire in town. Dracula is back and he's (I can't help myself) out for blood. And if the kids will trust him, Mamuwalde might just play the role of anti-hero this time around.
Will the African prince save the day?
Blacula vs Dracula!
This was good campy fun that any fan of old horror movies will most likely enjoy.
Recommended.
October 9, 2023
What a sadistic and delicious welcoming of Blacula to the plate! The art was absolutely tremendous!
Love it and cannot stop thinking about the action art horror. Well done. 👏🏽
Love it and cannot stop thinking about the action art horror. Well done. 👏🏽
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October 31, 2024
Gorgeous art, good writing, a generally excellent revival of the character (though a bit too action-focused, and the humans aren't exactly consistent...or necessary).
There BETTER be a sequel!
There BETTER be a sequel!
March 10, 2025
I am on a huge Rodney Barnes kick right now, reading Killadelphia, Nita Hawes, Mandalorian, etc.
This was great and you should definitely read it if you like vampire stories.
Also, after you finish reading it, I highly recommend reading the introduction by the author. He tells the story of how he got to see the original movie at 7 years old and it made me laugh out loud several times.
This was great and you should definitely read it if you like vampire stories.
Also, after you finish reading it, I highly recommend reading the introduction by the author. He tells the story of how he got to see the original movie at 7 years old and it made me laugh out loud several times.
Read
November 20, 2022Not a property I'd expected to see revived, if I'm honest. Nor one in which I'd ever been particularly interested. But when I saw this up for grabs on Edelweiss, and that it was by the creative team of Killadelphia – undoubtedly my favourite vampire/race relations comic of the moment – then of course I was going to grab it. There's a definite overlap, which is no wonder given Rodney Barnes' introduction talks about what a huge deal the original film was for him, a young horror fan finally getting to see people who looked like him in the films he loved. At the same time, being a licensed product from a smaller publisher, the look of it feels a little more straightforward, and the editing a bit slacker – hopefully they'll have this fixed in the final product, but in the Edelweiss ARC there were a couple of times when two facing pages had all the same speech bubbles, and I don't think that was a clever formal device. Still, even Jason Shawn Alexander art gesturing a little more towards approachability remains moody and creepy as fuck, which counts for a lot.
The plot hinges on Blacula trying to hunt down Dracula, who betrayed, turned and then imprisoned him centuries ago, not to mention bestowing that nickname, of which he's understandably keen to be rid. I didn't entirely understand the choice to have Dracula living in a trailer, rather than still cushioned by the proceeds of the inequality he always represented, and propped up when he fucked over Prince Mamuwalde. Perhaps it's a dig at the conditions in which so many white supremacists live; maybe it's just a cool visual, and to be fair, it is a cool visual. And as with Killadelphia, I did find the subplot on the politics of Hell distracting and a little incongruous. But the crumbling city, the weary immortals and desperate mortals, the sheer shadow of it all, those are good stuff.
The plot hinges on Blacula trying to hunt down Dracula, who betrayed, turned and then imprisoned him centuries ago, not to mention bestowing that nickname, of which he's understandably keen to be rid. I didn't entirely understand the choice to have Dracula living in a trailer, rather than still cushioned by the proceeds of the inequality he always represented, and propped up when he fucked over Prince Mamuwalde. Perhaps it's a dig at the conditions in which so many white supremacists live; maybe it's just a cool visual, and to be fair, it is a cool visual. And as with Killadelphia, I did find the subplot on the politics of Hell distracting and a little incongruous. But the crumbling city, the weary immortals and desperate mortals, the sheer shadow of it all, those are good stuff.
January 29, 2023
Three vampires truly frightened me-Barry Atwater as Janos Skorzeny in The Night Stalker, Reggie Nalder as Kurt Barlow in Salem's Lot, and William Marshall as Prince Mamuwalde in Blacula.
In the old Universal and Hammer movies, the locals knew vampires to be real, and the viewers knew that Van Helsing would eventually vanquish Dracula.
The reason these three movies frightened me is because they took place in modern times. In these movies, people believed vampires to be superstitious legends, and the hero was an ordinary individual. Carl Kolchak was a reporter, Ben Mears was an author, and Gordon Thomas was a forensic pathologist. Each of them had a hard time convincing authorities that the threat was real.
This graphic novel was obviously a work of love by the creators for a classic movie. I appreciated the Easter egg of naming the heroine Tina Thomas. In the movie, Vonetta McGee played Tina Williams, whom Mamuwalde believed to be the reincarnation of his wife Luva. Thalmus Rasulala played Dr. Gordon Thomas, the aforementioned forensic pathologist.
In the graphic novel, Kross states that Mamuwalde turned his grandmother, whose name was Stella Weeks, when the cab she was driving hit him.
However, in the movie, the cabbie's name was Juanita Jones, played by the singer Ketty Lester. I remember that, because the scene in the movie where she rises from the morgue slab, runs down the hallway, and kills the attendant Sam, played by Elisha Cook, Jr. scared me.
I am definitely looking forward to the next graphic novel to see who the lycan (werewolf) is that is hunting Blacula. I wonder if it will be Tom Newcliffe, who was played by Calvin Lockhart in the movie The Beast Must Die or his wife Caroline?
In the old Universal and Hammer movies, the locals knew vampires to be real, and the viewers knew that Van Helsing would eventually vanquish Dracula.
The reason these three movies frightened me is because they took place in modern times. In these movies, people believed vampires to be superstitious legends, and the hero was an ordinary individual. Carl Kolchak was a reporter, Ben Mears was an author, and Gordon Thomas was a forensic pathologist. Each of them had a hard time convincing authorities that the threat was real.
This graphic novel was obviously a work of love by the creators for a classic movie. I appreciated the Easter egg of naming the heroine Tina Thomas. In the movie, Vonetta McGee played Tina Williams, whom Mamuwalde believed to be the reincarnation of his wife Luva. Thalmus Rasulala played Dr. Gordon Thomas, the aforementioned forensic pathologist.
In the graphic novel, Kross states that Mamuwalde turned his grandmother, whose name was Stella Weeks, when the cab she was driving hit him.
However, in the movie, the cabbie's name was Juanita Jones, played by the singer Ketty Lester. I remember that, because the scene in the movie where she rises from the morgue slab, runs down the hallway, and kills the attendant Sam, played by Elisha Cook, Jr. scared me.
I am definitely looking forward to the next graphic novel to see who the lycan (werewolf) is that is hunting Blacula. I wonder if it will be Tom Newcliffe, who was played by Calvin Lockhart in the movie The Beast Must Die or his wife Caroline?
February 7, 2023
The story here is pretty good, although the big battle at the end feels a bit soft. It's really the artwork by Jason Shawn Alexander that shines throughout. Some of the detail work is truly extraordinary.
Overall, this is a fine homage/sequel/resurrection of Blacula (a fun and still probably underrated movie from 1972), with a nice layer of commentary about the times we're living through right now.
The text has one tic I would have edited out (three or four separate proclamations, I think, all ending with "...Count Dracula!"). It's probably intentional and meant to be a bit of a gag, but for whatever reason I noticed it a bit too much.
Ends, as I said, with a battle between Blacula and Dracula that seemed a bit too easy, but also a preview of things to come that plays right into my particular personal tastes.
Solid 3.5 on this one, but I'm rounding up for that seriously beautiful artwork. And also for daring to co-opt Tolkien's famous title.
Overall, this is a fine homage/sequel/resurrection of Blacula (a fun and still probably underrated movie from 1972), with a nice layer of commentary about the times we're living through right now.
The text has one tic I would have edited out (three or four separate proclamations, I think, all ending with "...Count Dracula!"). It's probably intentional and meant to be a bit of a gag, but for whatever reason I noticed it a bit too much.
Ends, as I said, with a battle between Blacula and Dracula that seemed a bit too easy, but also a preview of things to come that plays right into my particular personal tastes.
Solid 3.5 on this one, but I'm rounding up for that seriously beautiful artwork. And also for daring to co-opt Tolkien's famous title.
December 5, 2023
Rodney Barnes really tells great vampire stories, especially when accompanied by the ridiculously talented Jason Shawn Alexander. The art shines the brightest in the one as the story is good, but not great. I enjoyed the story up until the last issue where everything seemed to accelerate so quickly. Overall, not a bad read at all.
September 10, 2023
I love the Blacula duology. I'm of the mind there should've been at least one more to make it a trilogy, so imagine my joy when I found out this existed. And it's exactly the story I wanted. Prince Mamuwalde finally getting his revenge on Count Dracula. Yes yes YES! This is short and sweet with a setup for a sequel, and I'd personally love to see more. Barnes had Mamuwalde's voice down pat, so it would obviously have to be him penning the next one. Even if this is all we get, consider me a very happy horror fan.
February 18, 2023
A Blaxploitation horror icon rises again to strike fear in the waking world. Prince Mamuwalde aka Blacula has arisen again in Barnes and Alexander’s Blacula: Return of the King. It rooted in the Blaxploitation themes of identity, empowerment and history seen through the lens gruesome horror
Note there are minor spoilers in this review so you may not want to read further if you want to delve into the book .
Featuring the titular character of one of the most successful Noire horror films of the 70’s, Blacula, the graphic novel, sees the vampire literally fight his way out of Hell into no longer serve as a pawn of evil. The novel references the films Blacula and its sequel, Scream, Blacula, Scream, as well as vampire lore from Universal’s 1931 Dracula, the Hammer films and Hollywood undead mythology.
Jason Shawn Alexander’s artwork is gorgeous. Gritty and stylish, its cinematic, arresting images are an homage to the films. Rodney Barnes has done his homework,deftly weaving elements of the films, Blaxploitation conventions and black history. He updates the story, making it accessible for a contemporary audience.
My main issue is that this is an origin story, with an eye towards reintroducing the character for future installments. While he is presented as fearsome and potent, Mamuwalde is still in the same place we left him in the films. A creature seeking vengeance against the monster that was made him and tormented by his dreadful legacy. Dracula made him a vampire out of cruelty, a move meant to humiliate and dominate him. But the novel misses an opportunity to further explore Dracula’s ulterior motives or reasoning. Mamuwalde could do with some fleshing out too. William Marshall’s portrayal represented a character of complexity and richness.
I was hoping we’d see as more of the man. We are all too aware of the monster.
Characterization is lacking for many of the book’s characters. We are introduced to such figures as Tina Thomas,a supernatural blogger and Kross, leader of a team of vampire hunters. But despite promising backstories, they are almost ciphers, there to advance the plot but contributing little other than to show us how the monsters work.
While having no problem with revisiting a great character and premise, a solid, self-contained story is always more compelling than plot threats leading to the next one. More meat on the novel’s bones could have strengthened a promising tale. Mamuwalde is a fascinating figure with depths to plumb and probe. As we peered into his preternatural eyes we should have seen more of what the centuries have shown him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2023
A fun, pulpy resurrection of the iconic blaxploitation-horror franchise, which strips away the '70s kitsch to lean fully into Blacula's political undercurrents (as Stephen Bissette's afterword notes, the film's characterization of Count Dracula as a White supremacist makes so much sense, it's frankly shocking it hadn't occurred to anyone before). Like the creative team's other series, Killadelphia, Vol. 1: Sins of the Father, this book isn't afraid to play with some charged imagery, with Blacula's intra-community vampirism serving as an ambivalent metaphor for (note my scare quotes!) "Black-on-Black violence." Also like Killadelphia (which I also just started), I'm not sure they're going to stick the landing; I was surprised to find that, despite being released as a standalone graphic novel, this book ends with a very obvious set-up for a sequel--though I guess that shouldn't have been such a surprise, given the aforementioned pulpiness. Maybe it's this serialized approach that makes the ending feel a bit rushed and anticlimactic, with over in a scant couple of pages (Jason Shawn Alexander's murky, moody art style, otherwise an asset to the book, does not help this particular scene). Still, I'm always onboard for more Blacula, and looking forward to seeing where the story goes!
November 16, 2022
*ARC received for honest review*
First off, I loved how the art captures the dark and creepiness of LA at night. Yet, the expressions are vivid and detailed, I got the chills a couple of times while reading "Blacula".
I also liked how the reader can see the impact the vampires have had on LA as a whole, and how the media is trying to sweep it under the rug.
I think it was brave of Tina to hear Blacula out, and convince Kross to join him on his quest for revenge. If it was me, I'd run right out of that house.
All of the characters have depth. Even Count Dracula with his melancholy feelings about the ups and downs of being immortal.
The only character who didn't have much depth was Tina. Sure she joins the ragtag group of boys as they explore the graveyard, and she convinces them to join Blacula's cause, but other than that she felt a bit flat. If there is another volume of this in the future, I'd like to see more depth put into Tina.
The final battle was epic, even one of the boys comments saying 'it's better than wrestling'. Seeing the creation defeat his cruel creator was satisfying to see.
First off, I loved how the art captures the dark and creepiness of LA at night. Yet, the expressions are vivid and detailed, I got the chills a couple of times while reading "Blacula".
I also liked how the reader can see the impact the vampires have had on LA as a whole, and how the media is trying to sweep it under the rug.
I think it was brave of Tina to hear Blacula out, and convince Kross to join him on his quest for revenge. If it was me, I'd run right out of that house.
All of the characters have depth. Even Count Dracula with his melancholy feelings about the ups and downs of being immortal.
The only character who didn't have much depth was Tina. Sure she joins the ragtag group of boys as they explore the graveyard, and she convinces them to join Blacula's cause, but other than that she felt a bit flat. If there is another volume of this in the future, I'd like to see more depth put into Tina.
The final battle was epic, even one of the boys comments saying 'it's better than wrestling'. Seeing the creation defeat his cruel creator was satisfying to see.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 2, 2023
The creators of this comic have a lot of love for Blacula, it's abundantly clear in the way it's written. And there's a lot here to love, but the problems with the story can all really be chalked up to the story not having enough room to unfold.
The plot was a good idea, but the ending was rushed, not only in that is was over quickly, but in that we got to it too fast. There was a great deal of focus on Mamuwalde, as their should have been. We don't mind because Barnes definitely did his homework and this is the same Blacula as the movie. When I read it, I heard William Marshall's voice in my head. But we get introduced to a group of other characters who don't really matter to the plot and aren't really developed and the turn things take with those characters is actually kind of disappointing. If you're not going to develop them, or have them have anything to do with the plot, why are they there?
This is a worthy chapter in Blacula's story and I do hope they continue, just with some tweeking.
The plot was a good idea, but the ending was rushed, not only in that is was over quickly, but in that we got to it too fast. There was a great deal of focus on Mamuwalde, as their should have been. We don't mind because Barnes definitely did his homework and this is the same Blacula as the movie. When I read it, I heard William Marshall's voice in my head. But we get introduced to a group of other characters who don't really matter to the plot and aren't really developed and the turn things take with those characters is actually kind of disappointing. If you're not going to develop them, or have them have anything to do with the plot, why are they there?
This is a worthy chapter in Blacula's story and I do hope they continue, just with some tweeking.
November 27, 2022
Really quite disposable sequel to the 1970s film, with Dracula and Blacula and a suitably 'street' gang of vampire hunters all after whatever it may be they're after – mostly the death of something or someone else. But it's to such little effect – when the attacks happen they look dynamic but the script leaves them landing with the impact of a maple leaf on a car windshield, and when the book tries to be about how cruddy the world and society is it's done just as weakly. Ineffectual – one and a half stars.
March 14, 2023
I was vaguely familiar with Blacula before reading this, never seen the movie as far as I know. Got some background on him which was nice. Enjoyed the story. The art is neat. His cape is ridiculous. 😆 A few scenes of Blacula gave me Spawn vibes, esp with the cape, which is probably intentional and I appreciate. Left enough open for more but if nothing happens I'm happy with how it ended. The kids/teens talked like real life people which I always enjoy instead of sounding stilted and very...made up if that makes sense.
August 9, 2025
I love the movie, but I was a little leery of trying this collection. After all, hasn't everything been said after Blacula, and Scream, Blacula Scream? I'm happy to say I was wrong. There is more to say, and it's creepy and beautiful. Barnes does a great job of writing the character and building the dark world of Los Angeles after his initial reign of terror in the 70s. The art is also fantastic. This is a beautiful, bloody story that should delight fans of the movie, and maybe bring some new fans to the fold.
March 22, 2025
I've seen both of the movies, though it was long ago. The return of Blacula is not terrible, though it might use a bit more development--it might be nice to get a sense of the developing terror in the inner city as people disappear, etc., before jumping full-on into a tale of Blacula vs. Dracula. If you've read Killadelphia, you'll be familiar with the style on display here. The ending leaves the door open for more and I would read more if it was on offer.
March 17, 2023
Blackula returns. Risen from the grave and still the mortal enemy of Dracula who screwed him over 200 years earlier, turning Mamuwalde instead of helping his people to stop their enslavement. This is something of a slow burn and a bit obvious in its race relations. I honestly expected a bit more from the creators of Killadelphia, a far better vampire comic.
April 25, 2023
A fantastic read for a new fan of Blacula. My only stab at this book is I wish it were a chapter longer. Even though everything presented here was excellent. Compelling new characters, gorgeous and chilling artwork and colors. Do yourself a favor and grab this book. Your curiosity made it this far, reward yourself.
December 29, 2024
Great graphic novel. Just loving the art by Alexander, too.
“It has dawned on me that seeking another’s permission to be free is a fool’s errand.”
“‘Stop resisting!’ ‘I think it better if I Begin to resist.’”
“So, you’re Blacula?” “That name, Dracula’s mocking-a final insult reinforcing my foolish blunder of trusting that he would help my people. I Am Prince Mamuwalde.”
“It has dawned on me that seeking another’s permission to be free is a fool’s errand.”
“‘Stop resisting!’ ‘I think it better if I Begin to resist.’”
“So, you’re Blacula?” “That name, Dracula’s mocking-a final insult reinforcing my foolish blunder of trusting that he would help my people. I Am Prince Mamuwalde.”
October 26, 2025
Before reading this I had to watch "Blacula" and "Scream Blacula Scream." I had not seen the first movie since I was a kid during the 1970s. I never even saw the second film. It was fun watching these two back to back. It set me up for the graphic novel, which I enjoyed. I feel like Prince Mamuwalde got a much better ending this time around. I hope there will be a sequel.
January 28, 2023
I recently watched both Blacula movies and this was a great way to reimagine the story.
I like this 5 chapter graphic novel format, kind of like the Reckless series Brubaker is doing.
The textured cover was cool and I love the art, as always.
I like this 5 chapter graphic novel format, kind of like the Reckless series Brubaker is doing.
The textured cover was cool and I love the art, as always.
February 8, 2023
I accessed a digital review copy of this book from the publisher.
The story follows a modern, reawakening of Blacula. Graffiti tags of "Blacula" begin to appear around LA and people begin disappearing, making people begin to whisper that Blacula has returned. Meanwhile, in hell, Prince Mamuwalde is pleading with the devil to let him leave and remembering how it is Count Dracula that sent him there.
The story is interesting, especially seeing how Dracula has fallen. If you are a fan of vampire stories or the Blacula film, this is a good story for you.
The story follows a modern, reawakening of Blacula. Graffiti tags of "Blacula" begin to appear around LA and people begin disappearing, making people begin to whisper that Blacula has returned. Meanwhile, in hell, Prince Mamuwalde is pleading with the devil to let him leave and remembering how it is Count Dracula that sent him there.
The story is interesting, especially seeing how Dracula has fallen. If you are a fan of vampire stories or the Blacula film, this is a good story for you.
February 17, 2023
I wish I could actually give this 4 1/2 stars instead of just four since I liked it quite a lot. My biggest challenge with it is that I wish it could’ve been a chapter (or issue) longer. To say much more would be to toggle that “spoiler” switch, but this gorgeous collection is worth every penny.
March 28, 2023
As a fan of the 1972 movie Blacula and it's sequel, I really enjoyed this book. A good sequel in its own right, it brings Price Mamuwalde into the present and adds some new interesting characters.
Well written and great artwork. Can hardly wait for the next book.
Well written and great artwork. Can hardly wait for the next book.
May 29, 2023
A continuation of the story from the movie, Blacula. This story tries to convy the story of the movie in a different way. This shows the main character as a martyr and confronts Satan about his unjustice. Great illustrations.
February 13, 2024
A story that revives and contemporizes the power of the original feature film in exciting and interesting ways. Prince Mamuwalde is a fascinating character. Plus, it features haunting and gorgeous visuals.
April 24, 2024
It is so beautifully drawn out. Each page was captured so magnificently. The story, I could be sucked into for much longer than this comic actually was. I would read it 100 times over. Did I address the artwork? fucking beautiful.
February 28, 2025
Fun and fresh new chapter to the two Blacula films released in the 70s. The creative team shows great respect to the original vision while adding modern dark elements leading up to the long awaited epic confrontation between Prince Mamuwalde and Count Dracula.
November 4, 2025
Not as muddy art work as some others, but still not good. There was inconsistency with the shadowing which made characters look completely different in different panels. The story was ok (a little rushed), but this comic lost most of its points in the artwork.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews