American Vampire

[Bev Vincent]

Celebrated short story writer Scott Snyder and artist Rafael Albuquerque will launch a new monthly comic book series from Vertigo in March 2010 with a unique contribution from New York Times bestselling novelist Stephen King. The new ongoing series, AMERICAN VAMPIRE, will introduce readers to a new breed of vampire-a more muscular and vicious species of vampire with distinctly American characteristics. The series' first story arc, to be told over the course of five issues, will feature two different stories, one written by Snyder, the other by King.

King's story provides the origin of the very first American vampire:Skinner Sweet, a bank robbing, murdering cowboy of the 1880s. Skinner is stronger and faster than previous vampires; he has rattlesnake fangs and is powered by.... the sun?

>>> Full story and artwork (http://www.stephenking.com/promo/american_vampire/press_release/)

[lophophoras]

This should be interesting!

:excited:

[turtlex]

Just coming here to post this info! Thanks, Bev.

Really intesting.

Funny that it's a Vertigo ( ie - DC ) title and not a Marvel book... what with all the Dark Tower stuff landing at Marvel.

[Bev Vincent]

He's spreading it around -- The Talisman is with Del Rey.

[Bev Vincent]

Here's a long article at Newsarama (http://www.newsarama.com/comics/091026-american-vampire.html)

King decided to work on the comic when Snyder sent him a description of the story and asked if he could provide a quote for promotional purposes. "He wrote back and said he really liked it and he'd be willing to do a blurb. But he said he'd also be willing to do a couple issues," Snyder explained. "Obviously, I said yes."

Karen Berger, senior vice president at Vertigo, said it was a pleasant surprise to get a writer like Stephen King involved in "American Vampire." "Stephen King is the master of modern horror," she said. "He put modern horror on the map. The fact that the first comic story that he's actually written, and the fact that he's choosing to write his first comic based on the strength and the power of Scott's concept, and the fact that it's for us, is just a huge, huge thing."

And what was originally supposed to be just two issues by King quickly turned into more. "He kept saying, 'Do you mind if I expand this a little bit?'" Snyder said with a laugh. "And he ended up doing five issues. He had such an exciting direction after the second or third issue. At that point, it's totally his imaginative baby. And the series is so much better for that. He added so many great things to the character and the storyline and the relationships. He brought an incredible A-game. It was awe-inspiring to watch him do it."

[Nerak]

I am thinking I am going to have to get the King issues! :thumbsup:

[Gris]

I'll get the king issues. I just hope there are not 18 different versions of each issue I have to get.

Is DC know for the money grubbing bull-shit like Marvel is with it's 10 different covers of every comic they publish? When I was a real comic kid back in the 80s, DC did not, but Marvel was doing it to some extent even then.

[Daghain]

Oh, this sounds interesting. I might just have to pick these up.

[CRinVA]

Masn I am going broke buying comics! :-)

[flaggwalkstheline]

so isthis the "november surprise"?

[turtlex]

so isthis the "november surprise"?

Actually, I think the November surprise is the Discordia game teaser/info.

The game goes live the last day in November.

[Cloysterpete]

Shame King is only doing half of each issue and only for the first arc. Still if this gets a hc release i'll be all over it!, a comic series written by King with new characters in it quite a rarity!.

[Brainslinger]

To be fair Scott Snyder did create the characters . It is very much his project. King offered his contribution, which was expanded later. I know what you mean though, it would be good to see more comics work from King himself. If not here, elsewhere.

The ideas behind both stories seem quite interesting. I have to admit, when I saw the thread title I groaned a bit inside. "Not another vampire thing." I thought (and I like vampire stories!) but the overall theme here seems to be both bringing something original and getting back to basics with vampires as true monsters rather than misunderstood angsty people.

[Patrick]

I'm looking forward to this. I'll buy the five issues of the first story arc to get both stories. Then if I like it so far, I'll keep on buying.

I'm glad King is spreading the comic love to other publishers besides Marvel.

[CyberGhostface]

Now THIS is what I wanted to see from Marvel--King actually writing a comic. I can't wait to read this.

[turtlex]

Now THIS is what I wanted to see from Marvel--King actually writing a comic. I can't wait to read this.

CG - As soon as I read the release, I knew you'd be thrilled. :lol:

I'm looking forward to it.

I'm loving all the Sai King related comic news.

[Dean]

..

[Brainslinger]

There are two stories in the comic. King wrote just one. Although you have a point, it could have turned out that way...

On the other hand it could give the series a lift too. King is only writing for five issues after all, and it's quite possible those drawn in by King in the first place might still continue if they like the other guys work.

[NeedfulKings]

I've got my comic guy (yeah, I now have a comic guy) setting aside these issues for me when they're released.

:evil:

[turtlex]

Having a "comic guy" is a beautiful thing.

No word yet, at least not that I've read, if there will be variant covers or anything.

[flaggwalkstheline]

I have a comic guy as well :D
He's like my pusher:dance:

[turtlex]

I suspect our first chance to order American Vampires will be in the January issue of Previews.

( I just double checked Nov & Dec and nothing is listed there yet )

[Ari_Racing]

Cool! Thanks! :)

[nocny]

http://stephenking.pl/stephen_king/komiksy/av11_2.jpg

[herbertwest]

thanks !

[mae]

That is a cool cover. It kinda slipped through our watchful eyes, since USA Today posted it back on October 30: http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/2009-10-28-american-vampire-snyder-st_N.htm

There's a longish interview with Snyder here: http://io9.com/5401613/american-vampires-snyder-introduces-our-secret-toothy-cousins

[turtlex]

Wow! Super cover !! Thank you !!

[nocny]

Witness the birth of a brand new species of vampire in this new ongoing series that begins with five extra-sized issues featuring back-to-back stories by exciting new writer Scott Snyder and the master of horror himself, Stephen King! When notorious outlaw Skinner Sweet is attacked by an old enemy (who happens to be a member of the undead), the first American vampire is born... a vampire powered by the sun, stronger, fiercer, and meaner than anything that came before. Plus, Pearl Jones is a struggling young actress in 1920s Los Angeles. But when her big break brings her face-to-face with an ancient evil, her Hollywood dream quickly turns into a brutal, shocking nightmare.

40 pages, $3.99, in stores on March 17.

[Patrick]

How thoughtful of them to kick it off on my birthday. :D

[turtlex]

The January issue of Previews features American Vampire for ordering!!!!

Here's the info supplied from Previews:

Description AMERICAN VAMPIRE 1
Publisher DC COMICS
Text Written by SCOTT SNYDER & STEPHEN KING
Art and cover by RAFAEL ALBUQUERQUE
1:25 Variant cover by JIM LEE

Witness the birth of a brand new species of vampire in this new ongoing series that begins with five extra-sized issues featuring back-to-back stories by exciting new writer Scott Snyder and the master of horror himself, Stephen King! When notorious outlaw Skinner Sweet is attacked by an old enemy (who happens to be a member of the undead), the first American vampire is born... a vampire powered by the sun, stronger, fiercer, and meaner than anything that came before. Plus... Pearl Jones is a struggling young actress in 1920s Los Angeles. But when her big break brings her face-to-face with an ancient evil, her Hollywood dream quickly turns into a brutal, shocking nightmare. Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers.

[Patrick]

Pam, is that issue of PREVIEWS in comic shops now?

Thanks.

[turtlex]

Patrick - If you order you own comics, then yes, a comic shop will have a copy of Previews for you to order from.

Basically, Previews is a catalog of upcoming all comics and related items available to be ordered.

[Bev Vincent]

American Vampire marks King’s comic book arrival—he talks exclusively to The Daily Beast (http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2010-03-14/stephen-king-on-his-comics-debut/full/)about boy-toy vampires, loving Casper the Friendly Ghost, and wanting a “fun quotient.” Plus, VIEW OUR EXCLUSIVE GALLERY of pages from American Vampire.

[turtlex]

Super-cool... thanks, Bev!

[CyberGhostface]

Regarding the comment about King stealing Snyder's thunder. King contacted Snyder personally and asked him if he was interested, and Snyder went to Vertigo afterwards. So it wasn't like Vertigo went to Snyder and said "Hey, King's working with you, deal with it." Snyder had the option of turning King down in private, and he probably knew ahead of time that King would probably receive most of the hype.

Also, Snyder has final say, so if King does something that doesn't mesh with his characters or story, King changes it.

[mae]

The hardcover collecting King's input will be out October 5th:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/1401228305

[surly]

Regarding the comment about King stealing Snyder's thunder. King contacted Snyder personally and asked him if he was interested, and Snyder went to Vertigo afterwards. So it wasn't like Vertigo went to Snyder and said "Hey, King's working with you, deal with it." Snyder had the option of turning King down in private, and he probably knew ahead of time that King would probably receive most of the hype.

Also, Snyder has final say, so if King does something that doesn't mesh with his characters or story, King changes it.


Here's an interesting interview with Snyder on how things came together and his thoughts on working with King
http://www.aintitcool.com/node/44342

[mae]

A very cool variant cover:

http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/2546/33yrif6.jpg

[fernandito]

Purchased and read AV # 1 over the weekend, great read ! Looking forward to issue 2 ! :D

[Brainslinger]

I'm looking forward to this too. I think I'll wait for the collection though.

[Woofer]

Unless something has changed, our comic stores are a joke.

[Patrick]

I picked up Issue #1 over the weekend. I quite enjoyed it and am looking forward to the next installment.

[turtlex]

Unless something has changed, our comic stores are a joke.

This is a pretty big title, Woof, with a lot of publisher support - I'm fairly sure any comic store would have it.

Let me know if you need me to pick you up a copy.

[WeDealInLead]

I really liked American Vampires and I have a feeling it will only get better once things really get going.

I picked up the variant as well as the regular version. It's too bad Vertigo usually does the variant cover just for the first issue.

[jhanic]

It looks like Bernie Wrightson is doing the variant for American Vampire #2!

http://cgi.ebay.com/American-Vampire-2-BERNIE-WRIGHTSON-VARIANT-HOT_W0QQitemZ220579403959QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_Def aultDomain_0?hash=item335b8e98b7

The auction says it is coming out April 28.

John

[Patrick]

It looks like Bernie Wrightson is doing the variant for American Vampire #2!

http://cgi.ebay.com/American-Vampire-2-BERNIE-WRIGHTSON-VARIANT-HOT_W0QQitemZ220579403959QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_Def aultDomain_0?hash=item335b8e98b7

The auction says it is coming out April 28.

John
Thanks for the info, John.

(By the way, I think that auction is overpriced.)

[jhanic]

I agree.

John

[mae]

Did everyone see this? http://www.stephenking.com/promo/american_vampire/promo_video/hd/

[turtlex]

I think this series should be called

American Vampire: They Don't Sparkle! :lol:

Thanks for the link, pablo.

[WeDealInLead]

This is one time I liked being proven wrong! I googled this shit up and found the cover. It looks pretty good. I didn't find anywhere I can pre-order it other than Ebay.

P.S. A good website to for release dates (and an all around good website for comics-related stuff) is http://tfaw.com

[turtlex]

Wow... I have some super news about American Vampire ... I just found out that amazing comic artist JH Williams III is doing a variant cover for this title! If I get more info, I'll post.

[WeDealInLead]

Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck! My shop didn't order enough copies to get a variant. I guess the first issue didn't sell as well as anticipated.

I did snag a C2E2 variant of the 1st issue for $10 so that was alright. Actually the store had quite a few C2E2 exclusives but I only snagged AV and some new comic signed by Ben Templesmith.

If anyone wants me to buy him/her the C2E2 variant, I could go to the shop and buy it tomorrow. It's $10 + shipping. I'm in a giving mood today.

[Brainslinger]

I've already seen an ad for the hardback collection of American vampire from FPI.

[CyberGhostface]

Well, I finished the first two issues today and I liked them a lot.

Still, I have to say so far I'm more interested in Pearl's story than Skinner's. And honestly, it's a bit annoying how Skinner always says "I want some sweets!" Like at the end of #2, he says it for two pages in a row. :cowboy:

Anyone notice the name on the toe tag in #2?

[turtlex]

I've already seen an ad for the hardback collection of American vampire from FPI.

Yeah, according to Amazon - the hardcover is due out on October 5, 2010.

Product Details
Hardcover: 192 pages
Publisher: Vertigo (October 5, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1401228305
ISBN-13: 978-1401228309

Amazon Price : $16.49 ( list price : $24.99 )

[lophophoras]

Pam,

Have you seen the Retailers Variant of issue #1?

It looks just like the the other #1 variant but it dosen't have a barcode and isn't priced. Instead it states that the copy is a Retailer Copy - Not for Sale.

They've been popping up on Ebay the last few days.

[turtlex]

James, thanks for the heads up - I hadn't seen it.

ETA : Oooooh. That's not just a standard retailer variant. That looks like RRP variant.

Many thanks!

I'll post a pic as soon as I can.

Info on RRP Variants (http://www.thedarktower.org/palaver/showthread.php?t=6774)

[turtlex]

Here you go, friends. Again, thanks to lop for the heads-up.

http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/690/medium/AmVamp1_RetailerVariant.jpg

[lophophoras]

:thumbsup:

[turtlex]

My hunt for a CGC copy begins!!! :lol:

[WeDealInLead]

Here you go, friends. Again, thanks to lop for the heads-up.

http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/690/medium/AmVamp1_RetailerVariant.jpg

That's the variant I posted about a few posts up. It was in the "C2E2 swag" stack.

[jhanic]

James, thanks for the heads up - I hadn't seen it.

ETA : Oooooh. That's not just a standard retailer variant. That looks like RRP variant.

Many thanks!

I'll post a pic as soon as I can.

Info on RRP Variants (http://www.thedarktower.org/palaver/showthread.php?t=6774)

Thanks, Pam, for the link to the RRP information. I vaguely remembered something but I couldn't place it. This helped.

I've just been trying to get the variant for American Vampire #1--nothing special, just the regular variant--and I kept getting out-bid. Now I know why. I've been bidding on the scarcer RRP variant. I'll watch what I'm bidding more carefully now.

John

[CyberGhostface]

So what are everyone's opinions on how the series is going so far? Like it, dislike it, what?

[WeDealInLead]

So what are everyone's opinions on how the series is going so far? Like it, dislike it, what?

I like them both equally.

Edit: and by both I mean both stories

[disel24]

I have this sitting on my pile o comics and I'm afraid to read it honestly. Under the Dome left a bad taste in my mouth and I'm scared this is going to do more of the same. I have, however, enjoyed N. very much with Maleev's artwork!

[turtlex]

Give this one a shot, disel ... it's pretty cool.

[CyberGhostface]

Although I thought Under the Dome was great, even if you didn't like it, American Vampire is different enough that you should still give it a go.

[herbertwest]

Variant cover of #2

[jhanic]

There's been a second printing of American Vampire #1:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=370377627295&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT

John

[turtlex]

Grrrr. I can't get to that link from work.... I'll have to check it out later.

Thanks, John!

( my online shop is still just listing the first printing and the variant )

[jhanic]

I just got a note from the seller stating the issue is coming out Wednesday, May 12. He'll be sending it to me the day after.

John

[turtlex]

I just got a note from the seller stating the issue is coming out Wednesday, May 12. He'll be sending it to me the day after.

John

Ah!

Well, that sure explains why my online shop shows no listing yet!

Thanks, John!

[lophophoras]

Got mine ordered.

:thumbsup:

[jhanic]

Received my copy of American Vampire #1 2nd printing today.

John

[WeDealInLead]

Same colours on the cover?

I really liked what Marvel did with later printings of The Gunslinger Born. They had different covers... which I'm sure was done out of the goodness of their heart and not to sell more comics to weirdo collectors.

[turtlex]

Hey !!! I'm one of those weirdo collectors!! :lol: And I know for a fact that Marvel aims every single variant and 2nd and 3rd printing cover right at me!! :rofl:

I'll see if I can find a picture of the 2nd printing and I'll post as soon as I can. The description of the issue just indicates "recolored version of the original cover".

ETA: Here you go :

http://www.demolitioncomics.com/itempics/43543.jpg

Personally, I think it would have been cooler if they'd commissioned a whole new cover, but that's me.

[turtlex]

Artists JH Williams III (www.jhwilliams3.com) has previewed the variant cover for American Vampire 4. He's probably my favorite, current, comic artist.

Check this : ( I love that he shows the progress of the cover )

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1073/4724455655_215f72c131.jpg
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1035/4724455639_8da4c40de8.jpg
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1403/4724455635_7d3fec2bdf.jpg
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1114/4724455633_37467fe6e1.jpg

And from JHW3's blog : "This is the color version done by me. I wanted the color use to be unusual. I knew I wanted to use red, white, and blue to be viewed on the cover in that order, from top to bottom of the image. This is the order that we refer to America’s colors in conversation in this country, so it was key to get that across. But I was also dealing with a western image, so using that palette was difficult. But ultimately the strategic placement of those colors and using them in a such surrealist way in tandem with the more traditional western looking comics art really gives it that psychological punch. Bringing it more into a horror concept beyond just the gore of the scene…"

[lophophoras]

The black and white sketch is pretty cool too.

[turtlex]

I agree. He does amazing things with shading using only ink. He's a great artist.

[jhanic]

I see that Lilja has the cover of the second printing of American Vampire #2 on his site. Any idea on when this is coming out?

John

[herbertwest]

Issue #2 of the highly acclaimed new series AMERICAN VAMPIRE written by Scott Snyder and Stephen King and with amazing art by Rafael Albuquerque has sold out! So, for those of you who haven’t read it yet, you have another chance. We’re going back to press and copies will be available July 21!

http://vertigo.blog.dccomics.com/2010/06/24/american-vampire-issue-2-sold-out/

What is weird though, is that the cover have "june 2010" on it..

http://vertigo.blog.dccomics.com/files/2010/06/amvam_cv2_2p-666x1024.jpg


====

http://vertigo.blog.dccomics.com/2010/06/30/american-vampire-2-reprint-cover-reveal/

[jhanic]

Thanks, Jeremy!

John

[SkippyD023]

So it is my understanding that SK was only writing for the first arc. Does anyone know how many arcs are planned for this series? What are the chances of King writing another arc down the road?

I am trying to decide if I stop getting this comic now that king is done contributing or if I continue with the chance that he might contribute down the road. Any thoughts?

[turtlex]

Hey Skip - I will see what I can find out. Personally, I'm dropping as soon as Sai King is done with his run.

[jhanic]

As am I. The only reason I got it was because of King's participation.

John

[Brainslinger]

I am trying to decide if I stop getting this comic now that king is done contributing or if I continue with the chance that he might contribute down the road. Any thoughts?

I'd say it depends on whether or not you like the other guy's contribution. (I haven't read any of it myself yet to judge. I might get the collection at some point.)

I say 'contribution', to be fair, he is the creator of the comic and characters. Strictly speaking it's Mr King who is bringing the contribution.

I did read in an interview King was hoping to come back at some point (I think when the stories reach the 60s or 70s) but I don't know anything definite.

[WeDealInLead]

It's a good comic with two equally good writters. If SK jumped off a cliff would you too? I thought it was about the story and not the author? Seriously, how many of us would even know it was SK writting if his name wasn't credited? How many of us would know if he SK did a 'pepsi challenge' and switched out the stories with Snyder? It worked in The Talisman when Straub and King mimicked each other's styles.

I understand what you're saying from a collectors point but the story is either good or it's not, regardless of who's writting it. Lastly, if the issue that just came out is SK's last issue than his run was just a chapter in a book. I felt the last issue didn't really bring any closure and the last panel actually set the new arc up quite nicely. Why stop now? You won't know what happened and if SK comes back and he said he'd like too, you'll be left with a gap in the story.

Final note... AC/DC didn't stop when Bon Scott passed away. They actually put out their masterpiece (BIB) with the new guy and are still going strong. You either like them or you don't. Fact is they still bring it. Same could be said for this comic. Seriously, do the pepsi challenge and see if you can even tell the difference.

[turtlex]

Well.... I wouldnt' jump off the cliff, no - but I do have to have some kind of criteria for collecting and reading. There are only so many hours in the day. What attracted me to the title was Sai King's participation in the first place.

[WeDealInLead]

Each story takes about 10 minutes tops to read. Like I said, the story is either good or it's not, regardless of who wrote it.

[turtlex]

Um... my comic shop hates it when I just stand there and read their books for free!! :lol:

I know it doesn't take long, but still - I'm about reading and collecting. That costs money as well as time. And space to put the comics when I'm done, and something to store them in... I should have mentioned.

[jhanic]

"It is the story, not he who tells it."

Except to us collectors who have to put limits somewhere.

John

[lophophoras]

I haven't decided if I will continue with them or not. My compulsiveness tells me I must have every issue (even the non King issues) in order to have a complete set.

:scared:

[turtlex]

My thing is - I am getting them CGC graded, so that a big pop every month. Then, I get a copy to read, and then a copy to bag and board and put away. It really adds up. I have to be picky, and I just can't see myself keeping up if Sai King steps away.

John - You're sig'd my friend! That's awesome!

[Brainslinger]

Taking that into consideration, it makes sense to limit what you buy.

I'm not really a collector myself. I just buy what I'm going to read, although I have taken measures to store it well. In the case of the DT comics, I tend to order them via e-bay and they usually come bagged and boarded already. At some point I actually hope to put them in magazine binders (this kinda thing (http://www.ryman.co.uk/0925010774/Ryman-Magazine-Archive-Binder-A4/Product?istCompanyId=724692e0-2f99-4874-9565-6fc82074fe86&istItemId=pxxpxqr&istBid=t), although A4 size is a bit big for American comics) , kind of create the illusion of a graphic novel collection without forking out for the collection separately.

The only other comic I buy regularly is 2000 AD each week. I used to get that on subscription and it only ever arrived in an envelope, no board or anything! I just store those in boxes, I've never bothered to board them. I recently found out Ikea sell A4 size boxes (http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/00100467) for 69p! They're just fold up things but they're fairly strong and they do the job well.

Buying em is a bit of a bind as you have to go to the store. I have one fairly local to me, but Croydon is still a 2 bus trip each way. More than the cost of the box, but they're quite big.

[jhanic]

John - You're sig'd my friend! That's awesome!

I'm honored, Pam. Thanks!

John

[CyberGhostface]

I'm going to stick with the series for now. Personally, I enjoyed Snyder's story a lot more than King's. King's story started to pick up steam in the last two issues but then he left. And I'm much more interested in Pearl as a character than Skinner Sweet, who is pretty much a one-dimensional douchebag.

I would like to see King write more comics in the future, though.

[pixiedark76]

I think I will stick with comic even after SK leaves.:thumbsup: I will admit, the only reason I started reading the comic was because I heard that SK was going to write in a few issues. Once I started reading the comic, I was hooked! The idea of an "American Vampire" from the old west intrigues me! (I am so tired of the European, snobby, rich vampire. I am also tired of the nice, sweet Edward Twilight type vampire!) I also love the character Pearl and I can't wait to see her get her revenge on the nasty Europeans! I am also curious to see how Skinner and Pearl will evolve throughout the future decades of the comic.

[Brice]

If SK jumped off a cliff would you too?

My mother used to ask me this question (not in reference to King). The answer is simple really...it depends on how high the cliff is exactly.

[WeDealInLead]

If SK jumped off a cliff would you too?

My mother used to ask me this question (not in reference to King). The answer is simple really...it depends on how high the cliff is exactly.

$3 a month.

[turtlex]

American Vampire is $3.99 USD, an issue. Just sayin.

[Brice]

Actually I haven't been buying them.

[SkippyD023]

Thank you to everyone for the comments.

Like others, the only reason I started getting this comic was because of SK and my compulsiveness to "collect" what he writes. It is a good story and I am enjoying it but as others have said I have to draw the line somewhere due to monetary reasons. I wish I knew how many more arcs/issues are planned to know what it would cost to see this thru. As lophophoras said, the compulsiveness in me wants to keep going so I have a complete set and on the off chance that SK comes back near the end to contribute I would definitely want to keep going.

For now my "comic guy" is still holding each issue for me. I guess we will see.....

[Bev Vincent]

King's 3-page intro to the hardcover ("Suck on This (http://www.ew.com/ew/special/0,,20397912_20430023,00.html)") is now up exclusively at EW.com

[Brainslinger]

This is one GN I hope to grab. (Although I might wait for a paper-back cover if they do one.)

Speaking of King's criticism of present day vamp stories I do agree in part. I do like Angel and True Blood though. I think vampires as monsters are great, but I don't mind a bit more extra dimensionality as well. S'all good in different ways. Doesn't the female vampire in this very series have an added dimension outside the dark killer side of things? A human side that wars with the creature she has become? I haven't read any of the comics, but that was the impression I got from reviews.

Then again having a human side doesn't need take away the killer side to their nature. It can highlight it in fact. That picture of the lady 'vamping out' was actually pretty scary.

As for the Twilight series... I haven't seen or read any of them so I can't really judge. The whole teen angst romantic thing isn't really my cup of tea though, so I'll probably dislike it. I'm not all that keen on the romantic stuff in True Blood either but it adds a lot of dark humour which can be very funny. (I like horror with comedy.)

[turtlex]

http://shelf-life.ew.com/2010/09/29/ew-exclusive-stephen-king-talks-vampires-in-introduction-to-comics-series/


SUCK ON THIS

By Stephen King

Here’s what vampires shouldn’t be: pallid detectives who drink
Bloody Marys and only work at night; lovelorn southern gentlemen;
anorexic teenage girls; boy-toys with big dewy eyes.

What should they be?

Killers, honey. Stone killers who never get enough of that tasty
Type-A. Bad boys and girls. Hunters. In other words, Midnight
America. Red white and blue, accent on the red. Those vamps got
hijacked by a lot of soft-focus romance. That’s why I was so excited
when Scott Snyder—a writer I knew from his excellent book of short
stories, Voodoo Heart—mentioned to me in an email that he was in
talks with the folks at Vertigo about doing a vampire comic series.
His take was unique, his enthusiasm infectious.

His ambition for the continuing story of Skinner Sweet (and his
victims) was awesome: nothing more or less than to trace the
emergence of America through the immortal eyes of a new kind of
vampire, one that can walk in the sun. I saw the potential for some
terrific stories, and I also liked the resonance of the thing. There’s a subtext
here that whispers powerful messages about boundless
American energy and that energy’s darker side: a grasping stop-at-nothing
hunger for money and power.

Scott wanted a blurb.

I asked him if I could write a story, instead. In fact, I wanted to
light a blowtorch and burn one in, incise it like a big ole scary tattoo.

I ended up writing the Skinner Sweet origin story, and nobody
is happier about that than I am. If you like it, don’t thank me; I wrote
it from Scott’s detailed outline, adding bells and whistles here and
there but never straying too far from his narrative line. Why fuck with
genius?

If you don’t like it, you can blame the fact that I’m new to this
kind of storytelling. (Of course, if you don’t like it, why the heck are
you even here???) I’ve been a lifelong comics reader—cut my teeth
on Plastic Man and Combat Casey—but in the last fifteen years or
so, the medium has grown up. I owe great thanks to Mark Doyle,
who edits AmVamp. It was Mark who eased me in, sending me
scripts for most excellent comix like Northlanders and Scalped. I
learned as much from these as I could (and re-read all of my son Joe Hill’s
Locke & Key stories), then listened humbly when I was
instructed on some of the new rules (thought balloons, I discovered,
are now passé).

It was Mark and Scott who (with great tact) corrected my
layouts when they went wrong. And this, most of all: it was the
remarkable Rafael Albuquerque who brought our words and
descriptions to vibrant, scary life. I can’t thank him enough. As a guy
who can’t even draw stick figures, I am in awe. Seeing those panels
grow from rough sketches to finished art has been the most
rewarding thing to happen in my creative life for quite some time. I
can do story, and I can do dialogue, but the spell Rafa’s art casts
adds a whole new dimension to those things.

In the end, though, it’s all about giving back the teeth that the
current “sweetie-vamp” craze has, by and large, stolen from the
bloodsuckers. It’s about making them scary again. Thanks, you
guys, for letting me be a part of that. Skinner Sweet really sucks, and
man, that’s a good thing.

Stephen King

May 8, 2010
Thanks Pablo!

[jhanic]

Today my comics guy gave me a two-sided poster that has Batman and Robin on one side and American Vampire on the other. It's very large (about 3' x 2'). The American Vampire side has the girl on the left with the statement "There's something wrong...I can feel teeth behind my teeth..." While the right side of the poster has the guy and the quote "I'm talking about evolution..." The poster also says "Monthly beginning March 2010."

John

[turtlex]

Today my comics guy gave me a two-sided poster that has Batman and Robin on one side and American Vampire on the other. It's very large (about 3' x 2'). The American Vampire side has the girl on the left with the statement "There's something wrong...I can feel teeth behind my teeth..." While the right side of the poster has the guy and the quote "I'm talking about evolution..." The poster also says "Monthly beginning March 2010."

John

Oh, cool, John.

Gosh you have a cool comic store!

I'll try to find an image of the poster online somewhere and post it.

[jhanic]

Here's an eBay auction for the poster:

http://cgi.ebay.com/American-Vampire-Vertigo-Promo-Poster-/360306495209?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item53e3f0cee9

John

[turtlex]

Stephen King's vampire is anti-"Twilight" and evil
By MATT MOORE, Associated Press

.PHILADELPHIA – Skinner Sweet's his name, but the long, lean drifter is anything but.

The titular character in Vertigo's ongoing "American Vampire" series, the former outlaw turned bloodsucker is charting a course of decadent evil, pacing the expansion of growing United States as Hollywood moves from silents to talkies and Las Vegas begins its bloom of avarice, greed, lust and power.

Created by writer Scott Snyder, Sweet's story was augmented by Stephen King, the author whose literary creations have been creeping out readers since the early 1970s.

"Scott and I did each other a favor. I lent my name, which got the mag going with a little bit more of a higher profile, and he lent me his expertise," King said of the collaboration.

But unlike the wave of pop culture vampires in recent years — grounded, lovelorn, conflicted — Sweet is shiftless, selfish, utterly without redemption and pure evil.

King wouldn't have it any other way.

Sweet, he said in an interview, is the "anti-'Twilight' vampire, the anti-Edward," a "dissolute Kurt Cobain" with a mean streak a mile wide and a sweet tooth for hard candy to match.

He likens the story arc prepped by Snyder to the work of crime writer James Ellroy whose work has explored the "underbelly" of America.

"Scott put this thing together where you have a chance to see all these aspects of American life, American growth and American expansion," King said, and Sweet is "sucking the life out of everything."

The aim of the series — King helped write Skinner's origin in the first five issues, now collected in a hardback edition for sale at book stores and local comic book shops — is to chart how a new world means a new type of vampire. The art is done by Rafael Albuquerque.

The story concerns Pearl, a wannabe actress from the Midwest who is fed upon by a cabal of old world vampires from abroad and left for dead in 1920s.

Her story runs parallel with Sweet, the bank robber also left for dead and infected by the vampire virus in the late 1800s, his coffin below not just the ground, but a newly created lake. He's released when souvenir hunters dive down to reclaim his bones or hat or anything that they can sell to collectors.

King said he was exposed to the character when Snyder e-mailed him a draft of the initial script, seeking his thoughts and, maybe, a blurb for the cover. Snyder got more than that.

"I read it and I was turned on by the whole idea that it was the anti-'Twilight' vampire, the anti-Edward. I said I absolutely loved this and would like to be involved and he brought me on board," he said.

King said it was also a chance for him to get involved in a medium he had, until now, largely not been part of, comic books. Some of his works have been adapted for the format, including his "Dark Tower" series, along with others.

"The more that I came to it, the more that I saw, the more that I thought the whole comic book thing — there's such a tendency for people who are, particularly my generation — to think of comics as Caspar the Friendly Ghost and Little Lulu," King said. "But there's some amazing things. ... It's a serious format and I think a lot of people come to it expecting juvenilia and they find something that's a lot more sophisticated.

"If 'American Vampire' helps to open up people's minds to that, then I'm happy."

So far, King said, he's hooked and "American Vampire" won't be his last foray into comic books. He's mulling a creator-owned book for Vertigo and possibly another tale about Sweet, too, that he's discussed with Snyder.

"I did talk to him a little bit about doing a Skinner Sweet rock 'n' roll story. You know, around the time of Elvis and Carl Perkins and Little Richard and all that," King said. "That would be fun."

King said the format is ripe for storytelling.

"There's room to grow. I like new stuff. Short stories, novels, screenplays, all those things are great, but I've done them all and this is something new and it's kind of fun," he said.

___

Online:

Vertigo: http://www.dccomics.com/vertigo/

Stephen King: http://www.stephenking.com

[Erin]

Wow. I hadn't heard of this before, but I can't wait to pick up the first issues now that I read that article. Sounds awesome!

[turtlex]

Erin - the first 5 issues are the King issues. It's already out in hardcover now!

[Erin]

Woot! Christmas present!

[Ari_Racing]

Last year, American Vampire artist, Rafael Albuquerque, attended a local comic con which included several guests like Jim Lee, Brian Azzarello, Will Denis, Humberto Ramos and several others.

When I met him I received American Vampire HC just one day before the event, and he was really kind to do two remarques in my two copies. I was able to film part of the process:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMMfrIleP5w

[Ari_Racing]

And another one


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yl8jaK9wFMY

[jon10g]

Is it true that the hardback of American Vampire 2 has an essay by King in it? I see no mention of it on Amazon. Thought I heard somewhere that he was writing something for it.

Thanks

Jon

[SkippyD023]

I thought I had heard that also. I did a quick look thru my copy when it arrived the other day and i did not see anything. I will hopefully have time to take a closer look thru the whole book tonight.

[Ari_Racing]

I didn't receive my copy yet. As soon as I receive it I'll let you know. :)

[jon10g]

Thanks. Jon

[SkippyD023]

I have had a chance to read thru my copy and there is no essay from King. Maybe it will be part of the third installment.

[jon10g]

Thanks for looking.

Jon

[DanishCollector]

It's true that Snyder said in an interview that King was doing a little foreword for vol. 2 but it could be it's postponed for vol. 3.

[mattgreenbean]

I see that the 4th hardcover is due out in Oct on Amazon. It mentions the end of the story. Is there going to be a omnibus for this one you think?

[WeDealInLead]

I'd say no. Snyder has become quite a heavy hitter in the comic book world since the first issue of AV but it's popularity is nowhere close to his Batman and Swamp Thing ongoing runs.

[Ari_Racing]

Just finished reading the last series. Despite being one of the best series made, it has a S. King reference. The car Skinner Sweet drives is a red Plymouth Fury with license plate CQB241.

http://rafaelalbuquerque.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/American-Vampire-23.jpg

[Ari_Racing]

Scott Snyder confirmed this series continues in 2014! :onfire: