I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy of this book, being someone who really enjoyed Andy's earlier efforts of Turkey Boy and FLY Story.
I was completely blown away by this take on Dracula. First of all; it's set in 1930 which at first didn't make any sense to me, after all part of Dracula's allure is the tie to the victorian sensibilities, but Andy manages to not only overcome that obstacle he runs with it, then I realised the classic Lugosi film was filmed in 1930 so there may be a correlation.
While Stoker's version is a classic no doubt it is at sometimes a bit on the dry side. I love that this one starts full blown with Harker running from the castle at a breakneck speed whileile being chased by horrible dark creatures that appear to be zombies. There's also a mysterious ghost and then Dracula... I'm going out on a limb, this IS the best version of the vampire king I've ever seen. He's charming and elegant while remainging brutal and animalistic-- I loved the interaction between him and Harker.
Another element which I think is an improvement over the source material is the character development and interaction. In the original novel all of the characters seem to maintain the very victorian stiff upper lip, seldom losing their tempers or displaying any outright emotion-- not in this one, the characters are each well thought out and carefully written, Harker for example is a nervous and gangly young man who is horribly jealous of the time his fiance Mina is spending with American Quincey Morris while Harker conducts his business in Transylvania.
This is a great read and I'm buying a second copy to give to my brother who is a big horror nut and I know he'll love this.
I'd give this ten stars if I could.
I was completely blown away by this take on Dracula. First of all; it's set in 1930 which at first didn't make any sense to me, after all part of Dracula's allure is the tie to the victorian sensibilities, but Andy manages to not only overcome that obstacle he runs with it, then I realised the classic Lugosi film was filmed in 1930 so there may be a correlation.
While Stoker's version is a classic no doubt it is at sometimes a bit on the dry side. I love that this one starts full blown with Harker running from the castle at a breakneck speed whileile being chased by horrible dark creatures that appear to be zombies. There's also a mysterious ghost and then Dracula... I'm going out on a limb, this IS the best version of the vampire king I've ever seen. He's charming and elegant while remainging brutal and animalistic-- I loved the interaction between him and Harker.
Another element which I think is an improvement over the source material is the character development and interaction. In the original novel all of the characters seem to maintain the very victorian stiff upper lip, seldom losing their tempers or displaying any outright emotion-- not in this one, the characters are each well thought out and carefully written, Harker for example is a nervous and gangly young man who is horribly jealous of the time his fiance Mina is spending with American Quincey Morris while Harker conducts his business in Transylvania.
This is a great read and I'm buying a second copy to give to my brother who is a big horror nut and I know he'll love this.
I'd give this ten stars if I could.
Wow. All I can say is WOW. I wanted to hate this because I am a Stoker Faithful and consider tinkering with the classics taboo but this was an amazing re-look from a very talented author/artist who obviously read and respects the source material. In his end notes, Fish says the primary reason he altered the time setting to 1931 was that the original novel was written as contemporary in 1897 and the Lugosi film was seemingly as well so he felt it was acceptable to push it to the 30s. Skeptical I was, but he converted me and I can't wait for book two. The art is moody and atmospheric and a perfect match for the story. I give this two thumbs up.
Andy Fish has demonstrated that he is one of the real upcoming stars of the graphic novel horror genre with his adaption of the classic Bram Stoker tale.
Fish has added a depth, warmth and realism that stands in stark contrast to the matter of fact storytelling style of Stoker's masterpiece while retaining the atmosphere and feel of the original.
I wasn't bothered by his setting the story in the 1930s as some other reviewer's mentioned. I agree with his thinking outlined in the 'end notes' section that Stoker chose to set it in 1897 because that was when he wrote it. If Stoker's intention was the the story should be contemporary than I see no fault in choosing whatever setting the authorhor wants to explore.
Fish's artwork is incredible and moody-- after reading this the other day I spent the evening re-thinking some of the groundwork he's laid and realised I was remembering his story as a film. It has a very cinematic feel to it that puts it above ordinary American comic books.
His characterization of Harker as a young man wanting to do good on his first assignment abroad fits perfectly with the original, but with his quick wit and ear for dialogue Fish brings an added dimension not just to Harker but to Mina, Lucy, Quincey and Dracula himself. I especially enjoyed his take on Dr. Seward as a love lorn fallen beau and I'm anxious to see where this story goes.
I gave it four stars because I hate that it ends on a cliffhanger and I hope the entire tome will be eventually collected under one cover.
But don't let that distract you from my opinion. This is top work from a top talent and I will be anxiously awaiting DRACULA BOOK TWO (and THREE and FOUR).
Excellent, concise, at times warm hearted and chilling. A great midnight read. I will be recommending this to the Dracula Society.
Fish has added a depth, warmth and realism that stands in stark contrast to the matter of fact storytelling style of Stoker's masterpiece while retaining the atmosphere and feel of the original.
I wasn't bothered by his setting the story in the 1930s as some other reviewer's mentioned. I agree with his thinking outlined in the 'end notes' section that Stoker chose to set it in 1897 because that was when he wrote it. If Stoker's intention was the the story should be contemporary than I see no fault in choosing whatever setting the authorhor wants to explore.
Fish's artwork is incredible and moody-- after reading this the other day I spent the evening re-thinking some of the groundwork he's laid and realised I was remembering his story as a film. It has a very cinematic feel to it that puts it above ordinary American comic books.
His characterization of Harker as a young man wanting to do good on his first assignment abroad fits perfectly with the original, but with his quick wit and ear for dialogue Fish brings an added dimension not just to Harker but to Mina, Lucy, Quincey and Dracula himself. I especially enjoyed his take on Dr. Seward as a love lorn fallen beau and I'm anxious to see where this story goes.
I gave it four stars because I hate that it ends on a cliffhanger and I hope the entire tome will be eventually collected under one cover.
But don't let that distract you from my opinion. This is top work from a top talent and I will be anxiously awaiting DRACULA BOOK TWO (and THREE and FOUR).
Excellent, concise, at times warm hearted and chilling. A great midnight read. I will be recommending this to the Dracula Society.
By John Seven in his Graffix and Grawlix Column
Andy Fish walks a delicate line in his reworking of Dracula, updating the setting by several decades and melding some filmic properties into it, while still retaining the flavor of the original novel and — more importantly — the actual story contained. With a writing style that accentuates the creepily macabre, and a visual presentation that makes the most of atmosphere for chills — as well as offering a ballsy depiction of Mina Murray, via Louise Brooks and her killer bob — the first part of Fish’s adaptation ups the expectation for further chapters.
