Fate is up to chance.
So this issue is the second to last issue of the Ghost War story arc and tensions are rising! So much suspense and apprehension is dispersed throughout this issue because we know it’s getting insanely close to the end of the arc. The main theme of this comic is survival and escape. Scott Snyder does a great job of evincing this through each character in the prison camp. They find some startling blood containers, which means this evil camp was planning on dispersing it throughout the island to infect many people. Before getting out Skinner is thought to be blown up by an air carrier bomb. They find a way out by going through the tunnels and run into a dead end. Vicar reveals his arm isn’t severed and he reveals a picture of his vampire son. His son bit him but Vicar hasn’t been infected yet, so he decides to make the ultimate sacrifice against the hordes of vampires. As time goes on Preston is the only survivor and is writing his letter to Pearl, but suddenly Skinner is alive and attacks Preston. The issue ends with Pearl coming to her lover’s defense.
Snyder is just so talented with his writing. I mean his concept of survival and how war plays out with the lives of people is so realistic and sublime. Vicar’s view on war is so raw and true that expecting something in war will lead to death. Victims of war are by chance. Snyder also creates tension constantly rising throughout the issue to see who will die next or how will they escape this one? The issue pulls together so well because I remember reading Preston writing his letter earlier in this arc. I also liked finding out about the blood tanks that were going to be used to infect people! Just so many good story elements in this issue!
Art: Will I keep repeating myself about how much I love Albuquerque’s art? I think I will! Albuquerque’s art just fits perfectly with Snyder’s story telling! How he draws the action, the facial expressions, the cover, anything he draws is awesome!
The BAD!
Sometimes Skinner’s situation irritates me. It’s always going to be a struggle between him and Pearl and he’s always going to try and kill her and Preston. It’s almost like a Wile E. Coyote and Roadrunner thing. Except Skinner is a pretty damn cool character! I also feel that we didn’t get to see enough of Pearl in this arc.
The VERDICT!
Once again Snyder and Albuquerque put together another amazing issue of American Vampire! This was definitely way better than last issue! I say pick it up! 5 out of 5!
