Vampironica: New Blood #1 Review

by Nathan Koffler on December 04, 2019

Writers: Frank Tieri and Michael Moreci
Artist: Audrey Mok
Colorist: Matt Herms
Letterer: Jack Morelli
Publisher: Archie Comics


Archie Horror comics are beginning to create a very wide web of characters and storylines with there being more and more crossover. These connected multiple universes are still in the early stages, so it isn’t confusing or too extensive, so it is still easy to jump in and immerse yourself in the several different series. The Archie Horror series have all been entertaining, so the extra layers that the crossovers provide make the whole line more exciting.

Vampironica: New Blood is the newest Archie Horror series and takes place after the events that happened in Jughead the Hunger vs. Vampironica. It essentially goes back to telling Veronica’s post-vampire story but with the latest details that caused the story to cross over with Jughead the Hunger. 

For me personally, one of the things that really makes some of these Archie Horror series to work is how they still connect to the tone of the original more wholesome Archie Comics. So instead of just writing horror comics using the Archie characters and places, it’s truly a story of Riverdale when bad things start happening, which means the characters still have the personality of the original characters. Frank Tieri has done that well previously and he, along with Michael Moreci, does so here as well. Granted, we mainly only spend time with Archie, Veronica, and Dilton in this first issue, but those three characters’ personalities help capture a small piece of a simpler Riverdale. 

The storytelling is paced nicely as we get a taste of drama, action, comedy, mystery, and horror all within the comic’s twenty-something pages. The premise is set up neatly and it was thrilling the whole time.

Artist Audrey Mok is no stranger to Archie Comics or Archie Horror. Her artwork in this issue has a sense of familiarity that also helps the comic feel authentic yet unsettling. The action is exciting and detailed and the emotions are clear and convincing. Mok’s illustrations and Matt Herm’s coloring create visuals that add to the issue’s intensity and its charm.

More Archie Horror series are always welcome and as long as they continue to be this entertaining, I will welcome more. This first issue has me very excited for a new adventure led by Riverdale’s dopest vampire. 
 

Our Score:

10/10

A Look Inside