Available at Amazon.com ^[1]

When the New 52 launched I, Vampire was one of those titles I was recommending to everyone. Written by Joshua Hale Fialkov (Echoes) and penciled by Andrea Sorrentino (X-Files/30 Days of Night crossover) there was so much packed into the first issue I just knew this comic was going to be a big hit. And it was a big hit until issue #2 hit the shelves and nothing really happened. Then nothing really happened in issue #3, 4 or 5. Then something really bad happened in issue #6 but it was okay because I didn’t really care about the characters. I, Vampire Vol. 1: Tainted Love collects the first six issues of this disappointing series.

At this point you may ask yourself, “Why are you even writing about I, Vampire if it is no good?” I think that is a valid question and the answer lies with the incredible talent of the book’s artist, Andrea Sorrentino. The visual elements of this comic are absolutely brilliant and visceral on a level which is perfect for an emotionally driven horror story. Each page is moody, gritty and filled with so much feeling it compelled me to bring this title to your attention.

After reading it through a few times (because I read it more than once hoping above all else I was just missing something) I found the trade paperback works so much better if I just ignore all text. The visual elements tell an amazing story all on their own, one that is far more powerful and compelling than the one provided by Joshua Hale Fialkov. If DC would reprint this without the text I would buy it in an heartbeat, a solid five out of five.

Rated 2 out of 5.

Reviewed by Michael Holland.

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