It what seems to be a never-ending revival of the scarlet seductress from the planet Drakulon, Dynamite Entertainment has resurrected yet again the always-resilient Vampirella. Legend has it that none other than Forry Ackerman devised the character, designed her outfit and launched her career way back in September, 1969 with Warren Publications' VAMPIRELLA comic magazine. While a bit of an incongruous compliment to the already running CREEPY and EERIE magazines, VAMPIRELLA headed in other, more controversial story lines with bolder and more daring art (i.e. more skin). It took a bit of time for her to catch on, but Vampi is today every bit of a Warren icon as any other character in Jim and Forry's Rogues Gallery.
Dynamite Entertainment bought the rights to Vampi from Harris Publications earlier this year. Commenting on the acquisition, Nick Barrucci, President of Dynamite Entertainment said, "Vampirella is one of the most well known and longest running comic characters in the history of the business. Outside of Marvel and DC characters, very few comics characters that debuted in the 60's still resonate with fans today. Our acquisition of this iconic brand is another step in Dynamite's exciting growth and builds on the ongoing success of our line." ( quote from the Comic Book Resources website)
With the usual comic fanfare and hype comes not only one, but four covers and a variant by the likes of J. Scott Campbell and Alex Ross, who contributed two different covers -- one of a nude Vampi and the other a take on the original first issue cover art by Frank Frazetta . . . it's the same pose only from the back instead of the front. Kinda cool!
Now, with Dark Horse Comics' revival of CREEPY in comic book-size format instead of magazine size, as well as publishing hardcover reprints of the original CREEPY and EERIE series, the addition of the VAMPIRELLA comic book and hardcover orginal series reprints completes the trinity of the greatest of the Warren publishing empire. Best of luck --again -- you guys!
The Alex Ross "Too Hot to Show" Vampi cover
Must say I aas a bit disappointed with the first issue of this. While all the covers are great, the story turns our beloved Vampi into someone who is essentially 'Blade in drag'.
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