Vampironica #1 Review (Archie Horror Series)

Vampironica #1 is created by Greg and Megan Smallwood. The issue is published by Archie Comics.

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Vampironica 1 Review

About Vampironica #1

The Creators

Vampironica is created by Greg and Megan Smallwood. The lettering was done by Jack Morelli. The series premiered on March 14th of 2018.

The cover for Vampironica issue #1 was drawn by Greg Smallwood. There are also variant covers available by Francesco Francavilla, Audrey Mok, Djibril Morrissette-Phan, and Marguerite Sauvage.

Vampironica is part of the Archie Horror initiative alongside other books such as Afterlife With Archie, Jughead: The Hunger, and The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina.

Synopsis

The plot of Vampironica is simple. Our beloved Veronica is bitten by an ancient vampire. Now that she has the lust for blood, she must decide whether or not to give in or get revenge.

Is Riverdale in danger? You will have to read to find out!

RELATED: Sweet Heart #1 Review

Vampironica 1 Cover

Vampironica #1 Review

I have really been loving these Archie Horror comics. I grew up reading old Archie comics, and have loved these characters for my whole life. As a child, I would jokingly refer to Archie as ‘Happy Days the comic’. Honestly, very few of my childhood friends were into comics and that was the best way to describe it to them.

I am a bit late to the game when it comes to Vampironica. I read Afterlife With Archie years ago and haven’t revisited these series since. Even though it is August, I am starting to get some Halloween cravings. I figured I could satiate my hunger by reviewing a few horror comics.

Veronica is waiting for Reggie to pick her up for a date. Downstairs, her father is meeting a new client. By the time Veronica realizes that her father had a meeting with a vampire, it is too late.

I love the way that this comic portrays vampires. When you think of the hip and beautiful residents of Riverdale, it is easy to assume that vampires would be of the hot and sexualized persuasion. However, the vampires in Vampironica are brutal, feral creatures reminiscent of Nosferatu and other Gothic horror monsters.

The art style in this issue is awesome. I think it is a nice combination of modern comics, pulp horror comics, and that classic Archie style. This is the perfect combination to write a horror-based Archie story. The characters we all love are recognizable but drawn in a way where the scares don’t feel overly-cartoonish.

While Vampironica #1 was a full-sized comic, it felt like it went by very fast. That is one of the great signs of a good first issue. The first issue of any comic should set up the plot and grab your attention. I was sucked into this book (pun intended) from the first page.

I can’t wait to see what happens in the next issue of this comic. This issue really sets up the plot. Now we have to see what happens. What is Veronica going to do with her new powers? My guess, based on the Buffy-esque opening scene at Cheryl Blossom’s party, is that she rebels against the vampires. That said, you never know what will happen in the world of Archie Horror.

Vampironica 1 Preview

What Did You Think?

Have you read Vampironica #1? What did you think?

Let me know your thoughts on social media after you are done reading!

Where To Find Vampironica

Vampironica #1 At Archie Comics

Vampironica #1 At Comixology

Vampironica Volume 1 At Amazon

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