Dan Jackson (2)

Having read the entire series when the books were first released, this reading of the graphic novel was nothing more than an opportunity to see the story in pictures, as Guillermo Del Toro imagined it to be as he was writing the novels. Anyone else looking to do the same will not be disappointed. Similarly, fans of horror will find much to love about the graphic rendering of this creepy story.

It must be stated that while Del Toro himself calls this a vampire story, the illustrations prove show more without a doubt that these nasty creatures are not vampires. The tentacles protruding from their mouths are all the visual proof one needs to realize this. Then there is the method by which the creatures reproduce. Again, this has nothing to do with the vampire mythology but more with the zombie myths. If anything, to call this series a vampire story does the series a disservice because the creatures are much nastier than any of the vampire iterations established throughout the years.

One other thing to strike readers perusing the graphic novel is the characters themselves. There is an otherworldly aspect about all of the illustrations that hints at the darkness to come, both literally as the story progresses and figuratively in the characters’ actions. All of the characters appear larger than life, more cartoonish than realistic, but rather than making them clownish, these details help showcase the stakes each character faces and the huge leaps of faith and development they must make if they stand a chance of survival.

The graphic novel version of The Strain is a faithful rendering of the original story with the added bonus of terrifying images sanctioned by the authors. These illustrations drive home the point that these things are no longer human and a true scourge on society. Having the visual cues to coincide with the written ones makes The Strain one of the scarier novels to read. In other words, it is something true horror fans should not miss. show less

Now that I've had time to calm down from my earlier excitement over this graphic novel, I think I'm finally ready to review it. Being totally honest, I'm a sucker for all things vampire related. Wait, no. That's not entirely true. I don't do sparkly vampires. Ever. Everything else is fair game though, and I especially love when something new and different comes along. Which is why I was so excited over The Strain. I had no idea this was a book first, but based off the cover art alone I knew show more I was going to want to devour this. I was right.

I absolutely adored the art style in this one. It has these perfectly dark and gritty illustrations that do a great job of evoking the madness of this story line. Be warned, this graphic novel has it's fair share of blood and gore. Then again, any good vampire story does so I was expecting it anyway. It's not overly gratuitous bloodshed, honestly. In fact, it helps draw the line between good and evil in the panels. I think some of those illustrations might haunt my nightmares for a bit though.

It was the story itself that really caught my attention though. This is a much different vampire story than I'd been told before. Granted it does share some of the same origin stories, but the twist on this just deliciously, well... twisted. If you're like me, and you haven't read the book yet, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at what you find between these pages. If you'll permit me a small tangent, my husband isn't a big reader but he loves graphic novels. I know that one I'm reading is really good if he steals it from me. This one? He took it away after I'd only read 10 pages, and didn't give it back until he was done. It has the hubby seal of approval.

So, yes, I loved this! It was just the type of story I was hoping to get lost in, with the type of illustrative work that I just can't get enough of. I'm so thrilled that I had the opportunity to receive a review copy of this, and I can't wait to find out what happens next! That ending. Oh, that ending. I'll be here mourning my lack of the next installment if you need me. show less

Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales

Quick & Dirty: This horror filled encounter is more than just the biological attack, it’s far more dark and dangerous they believe.

Opening Sentence: Once upon a time… there was a giant.

The Review:

I applaud this recent trend of re-imagining a popular novel and expressing it through the graphic novel format. It not only offers a visual representation of beloved characters for established fans, but also provides an easy and convenient look into a book show more that someone might not have read before. Personally, I have yet to read The Strain Trilogy though I have been eyeballing it for a while now. This first issue is said to follow the first book in the series, The Strain, closely. It definitely pulls nightmares and terrors out of the dark corners of our minds and onto paper.

The story starts with a flashback to Romania and a little boy named Abraham. His Bubbeh, his grandmother, tells him a story over dinner about a giant named Jusef Sardu. Born into a polish nobleman’s family, Jusef was good and kind but freakishly tall. He had a beautifully crafted wolf head cane that he used in order to get around. His father’s decision to go on a journey in order to find a cure for his son’s condition costs him and his party their lives. The sole survivor was Jusef, but he was greatly changed by the event. No longer the kind and loving giant, he is now only spoke of in hushed tones by candlelight and used as a warning to disobedient children.

The story now cuts to the present day and a father and son playing a violent video game. Though this gives the appearance of normalcy, it also looms like the calm before the storm. Dr. Ephraim Goodweather is a workaholic and is part of the CDC’s rapid response team. They are called to JFK in order to establish if an attack on an airplane is the work of bio-terrorism or not. We don’t know what is going on but it looks like an old man with a familiar wolf head cane watching what happing on the news, has a pretty good idea.

So far, it looks as if this issue is establishing the main characters and the initial catalyst that dominates the full story. The reader gets the idea that this is the calm before the storm, not just from the narrative, but from the illustrations. The use of dark and bold coloring give credence to the rising tension along with the conversations the characters have. I also really enjoyed the lack of color used to express the nighttime scene at the airport. It gives it a more realistic feel, since colors are viewed so muted and indistinguishable at night.

This issue, in particular, is reminiscent of the television show, Fringe, and their first episode. I doubt very much that there are more similarities between the two, but you never know. Overall, I think that this is a wonderful start to a fantastic horror story. Depending on how it all plays out, I may even go and read the book this comic is based off of.

FTC Advisory: Dark Horse Comics graciously provided me with a copy of The Strain Issue 1. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review. The only payment received came in the form of hugs and kisses from my little boys. show less

Compelling. Dark and uncomfortable, this story feels raw and viscerally wet. All aspects of the art and story add to an ambiance of questions and pain, with a strange through-line of hope. Well worth the read.