Vampires are scarier than zombies. I do know that’s one thing of a sizzling take, particularly contemplating how wonderful—and terrifying—Tom Taylor’s DCeased has been, however I feel the continued DC vs. Vampires makes my case completely. This twelve-issue restricted collection pits the Justice League towards a full-on vampire invasion, and because the thriller takes place in its personal continuity, issues get messy. In different phrases, a few of your favourite characters die, and it’s grisly.
In case you haven’t checked out this restricted collection but, it’s a good time as a result of the primary two points at the moment are accessible to learn on DC UNIVERSE INFINITE. However, in the event you’ve been following this horror saga from the start, then be sure to don’t sleep on DC vs. Vampires: Hunters #1, starring Damian Wayne, or June’s DC vs. Vampires: Killers #1, that includes Harley Quinn. These one-offs participate after the occasions of DC vs. Vampires #6 and are key to the continued story, even when they’re designed as standalone specials.
We all know that in a variety of well-liked portrayals, vampires are horny, civilized and generally even heroic. However in DC vs. Vampires, the bloodsuckers are terrifying. Sometimes, when somebody turns right into a zombie, they turn into lumbering, monstrous creatures pushed by pure intuition and starvation. Vampires are totally different. They maintain their intelligence and may mix in with common people. Most zombies can’t even speak. However vampires can manipulate and deceive you. Oh, and so they can shapeshift and fly. Severely, why is everybody afraid of zombies when vampires are clearly the larger drawback?
If the Justice League had been coping with a zombie outbreak, it wouldn’t be arduous to establish which of their members had turned. You possibly can take one take a look at Hal Jordan and see that he was growling, not talking in full phrases, and appears like somebody’s left him out within the rain for about three weeks. However a vampire can appear to be your teammate, and therein lies the issue. In DC vs. Vampires, the League is aware of that they’ve a vampire amongst their ranks, they only don’t know whom.
It’s like a excessive stakes model of Amongst Us or Mafia. Anybody who’s performed these video games is aware of the quantity of distrust and paranoia that takes over as soon as they get going. It doesn’t matter in the event you’re shut buddies with the opposite gamers, everyone seems to be a suspect and belief goes out the window. Now think about what the sport can be like if thousands and thousands of lives had been at stake and you’ve got one thing of an thought of what the Justice League is coping with.
A fantastic instance could be present in DC vs. Vampires #4, the place Inexperienced Arrow breaks into the Batcave to take down the Darkish Knight. The battle is brutal, and each heroes almost kill one another. The catch? Each is satisfied that the opposite one is a vampire, however neither of them are. Fortunately, Oliver and Bruce notice their mistake earlier than considered one of them will get killed, however it was an actual shut name. That’s how robust of a weapon paranoia is and the vampires on this collection wield it properly. Their chief (and don’t fear, I gained’t spoil their identification right here) didn’t have to maneuver a muscle to almost take down two of essentially the most expert and clever superheroes on the market. Can a zombie try this?
The Justice League is highly effective due to their belief for each other, and now that belief has been weaponized. We’ve seen what occurs when the League loses belief in one another. Suppose “Tower of Babel” or Injustice. It’s by no means good, and in each these instances, the League didn’t additionally need to cope with a military of bloodsuckers out for his or her heads.
And on that topic, the vampires are not any slouches in the case of technique. They appear to be consultants in psychological warfare and so they’re idealistic in the case of their targets and their beliefs. As Batman notes in DC vs. Vampires #4, “Vampires have a inflexible energy construction. A proper hierarchy that they nearly at all times comply with. Pawns, and generals to command them.”
It’s simply arduous seeing how our heroes can come out on high on this state of affairs when the enemy is simply as devoted, simply as highly effective, larger in quantity and proper now holds each benefit.
DC vs. Vampires additionally celebrates the legacy of vampires inside the DC Universe. Andrew Bennett, the star of I, Vampire, kicks off this journey as he discovers that the Legion of Doom has been slaughtered. Batman additionally remembers his battle with the vampire generally known as the Mad Monk, considered one of his earliest adventures from the Golden Age. Heck, Dick’s faculty girlfriend Dala (who turned out to be a vampire) even will get a point out. This storyline leans into continuity, making it clear that whereas the League has confronted vampires earlier than, this time issues are totally different.
DC vs. Vampires will tear your coronary heart aside. You’ll be paralyzed by concern as you watch a few of your favourite heroes get brutally murdered by their closest buddies. It’s a narrative that may hold you guessing with each web page as you attempt to unmask who the actual vampire chief is, and as an out-of-continuity story, a contented ending isn’t assured. Something can occur, and the implications are terrifying.
So, as you sink your tooth into DC vs. Vampires, do not forget that whereas zombie outbreaks could also be all of the apocalyptic rage, a vampire assault may actually be taking place proper this very second and also you wouldn’t know something about it till it was too late.
Sleep properly, DC followers.
DC vs. Vampires is now accessible to learn on DC UNIVERSE INFINITE. Search for the collection to proceed in print later this month with the discharge of DC vs. Vampires: Killers #1 on June 28, 2022.
Joshua Lapin-Bertone writes about TV, films and comics for DCComics.com and writes our month-to-month Batman column, “Gotham Gazette.” Comply with him on Twitter at @TBUJosh.
