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ramonnogueras's review against another edition
5.0
Scott Snyder es un genio, y esta serie va cada vez a más.
otherwyrld's review against another edition
4.0
Volume 3 of this series is absolutely massive - there are 12 or 13 single issues in this one volume (as opposed to the rather anaemic 5-6 issues most graphic novels consist of), and there's a lot to like in these stories.
First off, there's a nice prologue story set in 1919, where American vampire Skinner Sweet runs into a carnival showing a bowdlerised version of his life and "death". Needless to say, he reacts rather predictably to all this, but the real entertainment is when he runs into his old flame Kitty, who is reduced to putting herself on display for the entertainment of others. When she admits to being the one who betrayed Sweet to the law, he is about to tear her head off when she makes some rather cogent comments.
"It was all over. Everything. The world we knew. Paved over. Fenced in. Everyone saw what was coming, everyone except you." and later
"... the world we belonged to is gone. Except for you, baby. It was always in you. The West, it's wherever you go."
This is an interesting point to make which really struck me at the time. If you can see the series as an alternative view of American history, done from the point of it's first vampire, then Skinner Sweet represents a part of history that is both overly romanticised and quite definitely a part of the past the the USA has grown up from.
Ahem, being a bit long-winded about the smallest part of the book, so lets get to the rest. There are 2 separate stories in the rest. The first follows Henry Preston (who is married to second American vampire Pearl) as he fights a secret mission on a Japanese island. There he teams up with Skinner Sweet to take down a nest of vampires that are being experimented upon by the notorious Unit 731 of the Japanese army. Its brutal and gripping, and leads to.
The second story follows vampire hunters Felicia Book and Cash McCogan in an undercover mission to Nazi Germany in a bid to find a cure for vampirism. What they actually find are and there follows a hectic chase as the two of them try to escape. This story feels like it came from the pages of Hellboy, which is no bad thing, especially as the story ends with some uber-vampires being awakened from a long sleep. The cure they seek isn't exactly as advertised, but it may give a future to Cash's son, infected with vampirism in the womb.
4 stars is maybe a bit generous, but it was a lot of fun so lets called it 3 1/2 stars.
First off, there's a nice prologue story set in 1919, where American vampire Skinner Sweet runs into a carnival showing a bowdlerised version of his life and "death". Needless to say, he reacts rather predictably to all this, but the real entertainment is when he runs into his old flame Kitty, who is reduced to putting herself on display for the entertainment of others. When she admits to being the one who betrayed Sweet to the law, he is about to tear her head off when she makes some rather cogent comments.
"It was all over. Everything. The world we knew. Paved over. Fenced in. Everyone saw what was coming, everyone except you." and later
"... the world we belonged to is gone. Except for you, baby. It was always in you. The West, it's wherever you go."
This is an interesting point to make which really struck me at the time. If you can see the series as an alternative view of American history, done from the point of it's first vampire, then Skinner Sweet represents a part of history that is both overly romanticised and quite definitely a part of the past the the USA has grown up from.
Ahem, being a bit long-winded about the smallest part of the book, so lets get to the rest. There are 2 separate stories in the rest. The first follows Henry Preston (who is married to second American vampire Pearl) as he fights a secret mission on a Japanese island. There he teams up with Skinner Sweet to take down a nest of vampires that are being experimented upon by the notorious Unit 731 of the Japanese army. Its brutal and gripping, and leads to
Spoiler
the creation of the third American vampire, who accidentally gets a vial of Pearls blood broken on himThe second story follows vampire hunters Felicia Book and Cash McCogan in an undercover mission to Nazi Germany in a bid to find a cure for vampirism. What they actually find are
Spoiler
a whole battalion of Nazi Vampires4 stars is maybe a bit generous, but it was a lot of fun so lets called it 3 1/2 stars.
jayspa65's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
This is a sizable volume containing three parts. New artists draw the first and last stories making characters look slightly different. This is most notable in the opening story. With the different time periods there is a little leeway in such matters and the spirit of American Vampire ultimately shines through.
We begin with is a single issue tale concerning Skinner's early years. Whist it doesn't contribute too much to the details of Snyder's world it is a wonderfully poignant tale of nostalgia and mortality. It has a lot to say and is most eloquent about it.
Next is an odd concept indeed. Vampire and vampire hunters join forces to combat an unholy menace in wartime Japan. It is a massive gumbo of every war story you can think of with elements of Band of Brothers, Dirty Dozen, Predator and more. Real places and events (Unit 731, the atomic bomb) are here but given the Vampire spin. At first sight it could easily be mistaken for a war story or ensemble buddy movie, but underneath is a beating emotional heart about the lives and loves of real people (some of whom are vampires). The art is great with regular artist Albuquerque doing the whole story. The signature bold mono-palettes and murky tones do a great job of translating from wild west to jungle warfare.
Finally you have Vampire Nazis. Or should that be Nazi Vampires. This alone should be enough to convince you to get hold of this book. The tale is homage to Where Eagles Dare complete with snowy mountain castles, sleeper agents and daring rescues. And Motorbikes! But this isn't just an action-fest. We learn a lot about Snyder's Vampire mythos and their ethnic cleansing agenda. We have some previous characters returning and doing a great job of telling an emotional and riveting tale. Sean Murphy steps in as artist and does sterling work maintaining a seamless style. Look for a great take on the familiar red eyes in the darkness. This is the best of three great tales.
There was a small blunder of the type Americans make when writing about Britain but you probably won't notice it. Overall this is very good indeed. You aren't quite sure where - or more accurately when - Snyder is going take you next and even though the choices might seem to be unlikely at first they all prove to be winners. Absolutely a Thumbs Up!
We begin with is a single issue tale concerning Skinner's early years. Whist it doesn't contribute too much to the details of Snyder's world it is a wonderfully poignant tale of nostalgia and mortality. It has a lot to say and is most eloquent about it.
Next is an odd concept indeed. Vampire and vampire hunters join forces to combat an unholy menace in wartime Japan. It is a massive gumbo of every war story you can think of with elements of Band of Brothers, Dirty Dozen, Predator and more. Real places and events (Unit 731, the atomic bomb) are here but given the Vampire spin. At first sight it could easily be mistaken for a war story or ensemble buddy movie, but underneath is a beating emotional heart about the lives and loves of real people (some of whom are vampires). The art is great with regular artist Albuquerque doing the whole story. The signature bold mono-palettes and murky tones do a great job of translating from wild west to jungle warfare.
Finally you have Vampire Nazis. Or should that be Nazi Vampires. This alone should be enough to convince you to get hold of this book. The tale is homage to Where Eagles Dare complete with snowy mountain castles, sleeper agents and daring rescues. And Motorbikes! But this isn't just an action-fest. We learn a lot about Snyder's Vampire mythos and their ethnic cleansing agenda. We have some previous characters returning and doing a great job of telling an emotional and riveting tale. Sean Murphy steps in as artist and does sterling work maintaining a seamless style. Look for a great take on the familiar red eyes in the darkness. This is the best of three great tales.
There was a small blunder of the type Americans make when writing about Britain but you probably won't notice it. Overall this is very good indeed. You aren't quite sure where - or more accurately when - Snyder is going take you next and even though the choices might seem to be unlikely at first they all prove to be winners. Absolutely a Thumbs Up!
bloodravenlib's review against another edition
4.0
This series continues to be great. This is definitely what you want to be reading if you dislike sparkling vampires. This volume collects two story series, both taking place during World War II; it also includes a small sort of preface story taking place during the late 19th century that looks at the Wild West shows that briefly flourished at that time. I really liked that tale that blended a bit of poking fun at those shows with a small poignant moment for Skinner Sweet. The art in that short tale goes back to the art in the previous volumes.
The two main stories mirror World War II having two theaters of war. The first story takes place in the Pacific, where the Japanese may be developing a secret weapon involving vampires. This does get Sweet's attention. Also, the story features Pearl and her husband. The second tale takes us back to Europe, about a couple of years before the tale in the Pacific. It features members of the Vassals group, the vampire hunters, trying to stop a Nazi threat involving vampires, though in a different way than what the Japanese intended. Plus, there are rumors of a cure for vampirism, so naturally the vampire hunters send agents to investigate. Overall, the stories here are pretty good. They have plenty of action, and the story plots are pretty good too. The art is very good as well in this series, and it is definitely another good reason to pick this series up.
The only reason I did not give it the five stars is a small twist in the Pacific story, one that has me wondering what will happen next. I won't say what so as not to spoil things. On the one hand, you would think that is a good thing. On the other, if it goes one way, I do wonder if the series could jump the shark. I guess I will have to pick up the next volume and find out.
So, in the end, yes, I do recommend this one, and I think folks should pick it up.
The two main stories mirror World War II having two theaters of war. The first story takes place in the Pacific, where the Japanese may be developing a secret weapon involving vampires. This does get Sweet's attention. Also, the story features Pearl and her husband. The second tale takes us back to Europe, about a couple of years before the tale in the Pacific. It features members of the Vassals group, the vampire hunters, trying to stop a Nazi threat involving vampires, though in a different way than what the Japanese intended. Plus, there are rumors of a cure for vampirism, so naturally the vampire hunters send agents to investigate. Overall, the stories here are pretty good. They have plenty of action, and the story plots are pretty good too. The art is very good as well in this series, and it is definitely another good reason to pick this series up.
The only reason I did not give it the five stars is a small twist in the Pacific story, one that has me wondering what will happen next. I won't say what so as not to spoil things. On the one hand, you would think that is a good thing. On the other, if it goes one way, I do wonder if the series could jump the shark. I guess I will have to pick up the next volume and find out.
So, in the end, yes, I do recommend this one, and I think folks should pick it up.
giantjackalopes's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
nickfrantisek's review against another edition
4.0
This volume has been my favourite so far; it kept me interested and I wanted to keep reading non-stop. The art was amazing, same as the last couple volumes and I'm eager to read the next volume. I may go crazy when I run out of volumes to read.
amandaventure's review against another edition
5.0
I so love this series. It make my insides happy to see scary vampires again. Especially the American strain of vampirism. I love the snake like fangs and the elongated fingers. Such a great concept.
In this volume we check back in with Pearl and Henry now living in Hawaii in the time of Pearl Harbor. I wonder if Pearl will ever just change Henry so they can really be together...
We also look back in on Felicia Book and Cash McCoogan (the sheriff from Las Vegas with the vampire son) and they have a great action packed Nazi vampire story line. I'm really interested in Felicia's story.
Very excited to see where the next installment goes. :)
In this volume we check back in with Pearl and Henry now living in Hawaii in the time of Pearl Harbor. I wonder if Pearl will ever just change Henry so they can really be together...
Spoiler
The showdown between Skinner and Pearl was a long time coming. I just wish we got even more of it. I wanted to see more of their complicated relationship to each other through out the series and I didn't really get that. I know Skinner isn't really dead because there's just no way that would work for the narrative. However, the death scene where Pearl finally stabs him with gold and he tells her "That's my girl..." o wow. Just a great set of panels. that one moment had some real resonance.We also look back in on Felicia Book and Cash McCoogan (the sheriff from Las Vegas with the vampire son) and they have a great action packed Nazi vampire story line. I'm really interested in Felicia's story.
Spoiler
What's going to happen with all those ancient giant vampires? Things that big don't usually just disappear. Also Felicia's the "chosen one" whatever that means. I need answers. Poor Cash! I was really rooting for him. He went out in a blaze of glory but still... he's had a rough go of things and I just wanted a happy ending for him. Is that too much to ask?!Very excited to see where the next installment goes. :)
ajnewsom's review against another edition
4.0
Scott Snyder and Rafael Albuquerque take us to the Pacific during World War II in the "The Ghost War" story arc. Sean Murphy joins Snyder for the limited series "Survival of the Fittest". Both great additions to the continuing story of the American Vampire universe.
"The Ghost War" wasn't my favorite of the story arcs so far, but I really enjoyed the mini series. Sean Murphy's art did a great job of capturing the story that Scott Snyder has plotted.
Now, on to volume 4 and the 1950s...
"The Ghost War" wasn't my favorite of the story arcs so far, but I really enjoyed the mini series. Sean Murphy's art did a great job of capturing the story that Scott Snyder has plotted.
Now, on to volume 4 and the 1950s...
crowyhead's review against another edition
5.0
I actually finished this ages ago, but forgot to mark it as "read."
This was great. Just great. I don't even care if there's not any more American Vampire comics; it could end now and I would feel happy and quite, quite satisfied, except for wanting more about Pearl. The art is great, the writing's just wonderful pulp goodness -- thumbs WAY up!
This was great. Just great. I don't even care if there's not any more American Vampire comics; it could end now and I would feel happy and quite, quite satisfied, except for wanting more about Pearl. The art is great, the writing's just wonderful pulp goodness -- thumbs WAY up!
franfernandezarce's review against another edition
3.0
*3.5*
this whole series should be a tv show. i'd watch it in a heartbeat.
but even though i really want to read the next volume as soon as possible, i think i'll take a couple of days to mourn my (second) favourite character. it's been a day with just too many emotions
this whole series should be a tv show. i'd watch it in a heartbeat.
but even though i really want to read the next volume as soon as possible, i think i'll take a couple of days to mourn my (second) favourite character. it's been a day with just too many emotions