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DC vs. Vampires - Hunters #1
- Writer:
- Matthew Rosenberg
- Artist:
- Neil Googe
- Letterer:
- Troy Peteri
- Cover Artist:
- Jonboy Meyers
- Publisher:
- DC Comics
- Price:
- 3.99
- Release Date:
- 2022-05-24
- Colorist:
- Antonio Fabela
Branching off from DC's limited series DC vs.Vampires comes DC vs. Vampires: Hunters #1 written by Matthew Rosenberg. The story begins in Gotham City, the seat of power of the vampire kingdom. In the alleyways of the run-down city, illustrated by Niel Googe and colored by Antonio Fabela, the human and metahuman citizens of Gotham are seeking answers. This one-shot continues to explore DC's dark vampire world and delivers more blood, action and misery for Damian Wayne, the vampire hunter.
Damian Wayne has been a trained assassin in the DC Universe ever since his inception, so it's only natural that he would take on the role of vampire hunter. The Boy Wonder continues to prove he's a force to be reckoned with in this blood-soaked one-shot. He begins taking bounties from the kingdom's elite, but in true Damian fashion, he puts his own twist on it. He quickly becomes known as one of the greatest in Gotham City. He can be seen single-handedly mowing down entire rooms full of vampires with ease throughout DC vs. Vampires: Hunters #1.
Damian has been seeking vengeance ever since his adoptive older brother Nightwing became Lord of Vampires in DC vs Vampires #6 by Matthew Rosenberg and Otto Schmidt. Dick has successfully killed almost every member of the Bat-Family including their father figure, Batman, leaving Damian to pick up the pieces and bring justice to his family. The young hero comes up with a plan to finally confront Nightwing and settle their feud once and for all. Rosenberg brings a whole new meaning to the definition of sibling rivalry.
This story flows incredibly well and is a very quick read. Tory Peteri does great work with the lettering. He helps the story flow effortlessly from panel to panel. When characters refer to the King of Vampires, Peteri uses bold fonts to make it clear that the character isn't a force to be trifled with. Googe's stunning art and Fabela's colors make the action in this story practically pop off the page. When compared to the gloomy backdrop of Gotham, the brighter colors feel downright explosive. The ash left behind after a vampire dies floats throughout the air to chilling effect. Vampires can be immediately identified due to the brightness of their red eyes. Their faces are warped and twisted into monstrous expressions void of their prior selves, adding to the terrifying nature of DC vs. Vampires: Hunters #1.
Rosenberg does a great job focusing on the dynamic between Damian and Nightwing. He shows the heartbreaking battle between the two sons of Batman. The tension between these two brothers has been a staple of their relationship throughout DC's history. They have fought for the approval of their father for years, and even in the wake of his death, they continue to compete. One seeking vengeance upon the other for their father's death. Rosenberg pushes their rivalry to the limit, but Dick sees something in Damian that sets him apart from all the other vampires. Even under the worst imaginable circumstances, Dick and Damian have an unbreakable bond. Rosenberg highlights the strength of that bond by putting the two heroes into increasingly dangerous situations.
By the time DC vs. Vampires: Hunters #1 comes to an end, the audience will be left with several tantalizing questions. After readers wipe away their tears, they'll be clamoring for more. Rosenberg has set an intriguing stage for the future of a DC Universe tainted by the embrace of vampirism and the heroes who inhabit it. And Googe's art helps to provide an exciting and frightening landscape that fans won't soon forget.