The pivotal moment arrives.
Creative Staff:
Story: Thomas Sniegoski
Art: Michael Sta. Maria
Colors: Omi Remalante Jr.
Letterer: Troy Peteri
What They Say:
Issue #19! Writer Tom Sniegoski continues to weave a post-apocalyptic tale featuring a literal hell on earth as a reborn Vampirella fights against the literal forces of chaos to save humanity from its ultimate destruction!
Content: (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers):
I’ve definitely been enjoying Thomas Sniegoski’s run on this book as it felt like a lot of the other runs to varying degrees over the last few years while working along with the larger continuity of things. This world that she’s in is definitely interesting and fun to work with and seeing the group assemble around her has been a big plus. This installment marks the return of Michael Sta. Maria on the artwork and as it’s a mostly action-oriented one, it definitely comes at a good time. There’s a lot of great detail here as the big fight gets underway and the costumes and background details all add a lot to it along with Remalante’s color design.
A lot of the heavy lifting in terms of stage setting for this issue is done through the narration and we get a few of Vampirella’s allies watching what’s going on and dealing with the rising forces of Nyx as they get out into the world. The general presentation is that the pivotal moment is coming that requires them to be there to defend their queen which allows them to have a place on this world. It’s all nicely done as you get the sense of importance to the moment through the narration but the numbers and types that are moving out into the open here as well definitely adds to it as well. And, naturally, you get the extra little moments as well, such as Jeanine realizing that her mission is far from done at this point with the knife.
But realistically, the majority of it does take place in the back and forth fight between Vampirella and Nyx. It plays out really well a Nyx is playful and trying to get Vampirella to realize that she should join with her and rule across the universe. But she keeps making the mistake of making it clear that she orchestrated everything in Vampirella’s death and resurrection and that is just setting her off even more. Vampirella’s not intent on just accepting this as a thing that happened and it’s great to see her so driven and intense, especially after everything else that has happened. And to give her the moment, with a little help, where she gets to deliver what is hopefully the final blow.
In Summary:
This issue goes for the big moment with the right payoff and it lands just right. It may be a bit more narration-focused than some will care for but it helps to really expand the mood and put everything in perspective. Vampirella and Nyx have danced this dance for so long and through so many variations that a potential end for it, at least in some sense, is welcome to watch unfold. Nothing is permanent in this world however and the really hard work is what’s to come afterward, depending on how events unfold. Sniegoski and Sta. Maria continues to deliver a great series.
Grade: B+
Age Rating: 15+
Released By: Dynamite Entertainment
Release Date: June 23rd, 2021
MSRP: $3.99
