By Christine Caprilozzi ,Sr. Editor
“The Strain” Issue #1 Review
Writer: Guillermo Del Toro, Chuck Hogan, David Lapham
Artist: Mike Huddleston
Publisher: Dark Horse
Release Date: July 17, 2013
Synopsis: Dr. Ephraim Goodweather’s failure to kill the Master—the ancient vampire behind the epidemic infesting New York City—has led the former alcoholic to relapse as the city burns around him. It’s the end of the world, but Eph, beaten but not dead, has still got to protect his son Zack from his mother, who’s now a bloodthirsty vampire that craves her child more than any artery.
Our Thoughts: With Issue #1 of “The Strain,” the reader, not only gets the background of the apocalyptic vampire crisis hitting New York, but also some really killer action scenes. Del Toro, Hogan, and Lapham do a fantastic job of introducing each character in a very unique way. The concept of the comic itself draws you in as you are introduced to Dr. Goodweather, who needs to battle the world because of the epidemic situation. He also has several internal struggles going on, between the guilt, the infection of his wife, and protecting his son. The man is not in good condition.
Besides the human drama piece of this story, is the action and really eerie and terrifying look of the vampires. There are no pretty vampires here…these monsters ooze with creepiness and slime. Mike Huddleston does a tremendous job with bringing the creators’ vision to life. It’s both detailed and gory. The “kill” scenes in this book are enough to quench any horror fans blood thirst as well.
Horror comic fans looking for a new series should definitely pick up “The Strain” #1. This is exactly what horror fans want in a comic. This first issue is 24 pages with not just background, but also a virtual buffet of blood and guts. With Issue #1 due out Wednesday, this horror comic fan is already looking forward to issue#2.
