A review by beckylej
Baltimore: Or, the Steadfast Tin Soldier and the Vampire by Mike Mignola, Christopher Golden

3.0

After being injured by enemy fire, Lord Henry Baltimore, now Captain Baltimore, awakens to find himself left for dead in a trench filled with the bodies of his fellow soldiers. Strange bat-like creatures have descended into the pit to feed on the flesh of the dead. One of the creatures is distracted by Baltimore and approaches in curiosity. In his horror, Baltimore lashes out at the creature, slicing its face with his bayonet. His actions are the cause of a new unprecedented war between the vampires and humans, and the creature in question swears vengeance against Baltimore. In the time that has passed since the incident, a plague has spread amongst humans. Baltimore’s own family has fallen prey to the infection and months have passed since Baltimore’s friends have last seen him. The three men – a sailor, a soldier, and a doctor – have each received a summons from Baltimore. They are to meet him at an inn, and that is all they know. While waiting for him to arrive, each man tells two tales – how they came to meet the Captain and why they each accepted Baltimore’s strange tale as truth. Each man’s individual stories serve as vignettes that tie the whole thing together. This is not your typical vampire/horror novel. Instead, this is a look at war itself told through the scope of supernatural events. Well worth the read.