DC vs. Vampires: Hunters #1 Review

 

Not So Well Done

Writer: Matthew Rosenberg

Artist: Neil Googe

Cover Price: $3.99

Release Date: May 24, 2022

DC vs. Vampires: Hunters #1 hits the shelves this week, and I'm sure I'm not the only one wondering where the regular series has run off to hide.  It's been months since the last issue, and because of that, I would rather have the next issue of the series than a one-shot tie-in, but here we are.  So, despite that, is Hunters worth a buy?  Let's find out...

It's no surprise that this will not be a book that new readers can grab and know what is going on.  Those who have read all the issues of DC vs. Vampires might also be a bit confused, at least at the start.  There is an unexplained time jump going on, and while it's not that hard to put two and two together, it still ends up feeling like something is off here.

I don't want to spoil too much, but the book centers on Damian Wayne and his continuing attempts to get close to the Vampire King.  He is the Hunter of the title, and while I wish it were the Wonder Twin, Jayna, I am a fan of Damian.  I am not a fan of the basic-level story we get, however.

The overall problem is the lack of space Rosenberg has to set things up.  Maybe this was supposed to come out after a couple more issues of the main book before delays hit it, but everything here feels like it comes out of nowhere.  Add in surface-level character work, poor dialogue, and the feeling that nothing here is necessary, and you have a recipe for an issue only completists will need to buy.  I am guessing some will suggest that beggars can't be choosers, and getting some DC vs. Vampires is worth something, but I am not going to recommend a book because another book can't come out on time.

Neil Googe does a decent job on the art, although things are too cartoony for such a dark story.  I usually like Googe's work, but not so much here.  

Bits and Pieces:

Whether it's a timing issue or not, DC vs. Vampires feels unnecessary.  I will continue waiting for the next regular series issue and pretend that this one never happened.  Unfortunately, That won't be too hard. 

5.5/10