I’m not sure this crossover makes much sense. I mean…Ash is just an average human with a wisecracking personality and the ability to blast zombies with impunity. Vampirella is practically a superhero, with powers and plenty of abilities. One is comedic the other usually deadly serious. Either way, we’re reading it and reviewing it to figure out: is it good?
Vampirella / Army of Darkness #4 (Dynamite Entertainment)
This series has been all about stalling. Vampirella showed up and was consumed by evil and had to fight Ash. Then she was put on trial for being a witch. All she wants to do is get home but these things are stalling her. Now Ash and Vampirella team up to get her home but also stop an impending deadite angel army.
Okay, that’s pretty cool.
Why does this comic book matter?
Did you not just read what I said about the deadite angel army!? That’s pretty gnarly! So far Ash has been spot on with his witticisms too. It has been slow, but maybe we’re finally going to get that action fest we’ve so desired since issue #1.
Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?
This issue certainly has the action and it brings it to hardcore levels. Did ayone expect to see Ash ride Vampirella as they take out flying deadites? Writer Mark Rahner fills this issue with action and an underlying thread of “do they or don’t they like each other” drama. It’s a cute back and forth in the issue.
While a giant red Vampirella (who’s also naked, I might add) is pretty cool to see I’m a tad confused as to this change for her. Is this a normal power she has? It seems to be an excuse to get Ash to ride on her back (a joke is in there about that which works, by the way) and while it’s cool, it’s confusing in a sense.
The art by Jethro Morales continues to look nice and he has some great layouts when things really heat up. On one page he uses curved and slanting panels to convey the swooping nature of the action. It’s a nice touch and helps convey the energy of falling. While reading this issue I kept thinking his art had touches of Erik Larsen in them and that’s a good thing.
It can’t be perfect, can it?
I’m still scratching my head as to why this series needed to happen. It all reads like a silly adventure and the stakes are never adequately raised. It just keeps chugging along as if to say, “we are doing this just because so just roll with it.” The characters teamed up because it seemed like the thing to do essentially which hurts the meaning behind any of it.
I’m also at a loss as to what that ending was. There’s an ending as the characters part ways, but then we cut to something in modern times. Is this another series coming up or already out? Why is this scene here? I was confused.
Lies!
Is It Good?
This miniseries ends on a high note for action fans. Ash gets to quip and Vampirella vamps out in what amounts to a fun read.
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