Speaking of vampires, is there a more romantic monster? Judging by this week’s release of Summer Shadows #2, the answer is no. The series focuses on a young man named Nick who is searching for his ex-boyfriend on a remote Greek island. A mysterious black yacht that appears to have vanished from the face of the earth is floating offshore with sinister intentions. In issue #2, Nick may find himself in even more danger by letting love get in the way of reason.
Summer Shadows #2 opens in a temple, with a naked man standing forlornly in front of a woman wearing a vampire-like cloak. The caption includes a chilling quote from Sylvia Plath. “Something very evil comes this way.”
The issue begins, perfectly weaving romance in several different ways. A romance about a man who lost his lover. The romance of a journey and the rich and powerful vampire who targets Nick. When it comes to music, there’s even a bit of romance, especially in the small bar where you meet Nick. Writer John Harris Dunning captures the romanticism well, especially through Nick’s captions.
dark horse comics
Nick was sad when we first met, but quickly got the information. His ex-boyfriend went on a yacht. There are also detectives nearby who are tracking down another missing person. At this point, the problem splits and the detective focuses more on friends back home and new leads. One person he meets leads to a story that exalts the agelessness and vanity of vampires.
Vanity is an interesting aspect of beautiful vampire storytelling, and it’s very evident in this series. Artist Ricardo Cabral captures the beauty of vampires with their perfect faces and slender bodies. It looks like a Greek statue, but behind its beauty lies something violent. The juxtaposition is clear in this issue.
This issue is also quite dark, with longer night scenes. The night sky under the colors of Cabral and Brad Simpson is very beautiful. As visually evident in this issue, like Vampire, Moonlight is haunting, but also quite beautiful.
One of the most unsettling scenes in this issue takes place at night and utilizes the clever visuals of a telescope. This story takes another look at how vampires work, but it’s a little more than undead bloodsuckers, almost spiritual and supernatural.
This issue isn’t just about fact-finding and ruminating about romance and heartbreak, there’s also some action. Nick has a small accident that leads to a tragic accident. This scene feels natural to his mental state, where he is prone to getting lost and having accidents. That leads to an even bigger mistake, and the next issue should be a must-read.
My only complaint about this issue is how much Nick looks like one of the vampires. I don’t think it was intentional, but I was surprised because I thought it might have something to do with it.
If you’re on the fence about Summer Shadows #1, the second problem is a home run. It combines fascinating themes and horror with delicious food. Not since Coppola’s Bram Stoker’s Dracula has horror been so romantic, haunting, and hypnotic.
“Summer Shadows” #2 is romantic, haunting, and hypnotic
Summer shadow #2
If you’re on the fence about Summer Shadows #1, the second problem is a home run. It combines fascinating themes and horror with delicious food. Not since Coppola’s Bram Stoker’s Dracula has a horror movie felt so romantic, haunting, and hypnotic.
The romantic nature of this story really comes through.
very creepy moment
A wonderful story within a story
Visually, I was confused as to whether the vampire and Nick were connected in some way.
