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A review by caseythecanadianlesbrarian
Carmilla: The First Vampire by Amy Chu
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
There is incredible moody art in this graphic novel retelling of the lesbian vampire classic Carmilla (1872). I also loved the noirish tone, the 90s NYC Chinatown setting, the way Chinese folklore is integrated into the European vampire lore, and the main character Athena's relationship with her Yeh Yeh (grandpa). The Carmilla character was very well done and updated for the 20th century and how she worked her way into Athena's life.
It took a weird turn plot-wise near the end, with two deaths that were unnecessary for the plot and not explored enough to have real emotional resonance. One of them was the main Black character and the other was the only trans character, so it was pretty disappointing to see them killed off like that! It kind of soured the rest for me.
It took a weird turn plot-wise near the end, with two deaths that were unnecessary for the plot and not explored enough to have real emotional resonance. One of them was the main Black character and the other was the only trans character, so it was pretty disappointing to see them killed off like that! It kind of soured the rest for me.