DC vs. Vampires: World War V #1 was packed with original twists and turns, reminding readers of the crazy twists and turns of series 1. The series is off to a strong start, with Damian Wayne being the driving force behind the collapse of global peace between humans and vampires, and the story is heating up in this week’s second issue.
As for the second issue, DC vs. Vampires: World War V #2 does a lot of globe-hopping to advance subplots. By my count, there are five scenes with different groups of characters, and each plot moves forward nicely. Because of this, the issue feels rich in progress, but also thin because each subplot can only accomplish so much. By the end of the issue, you’ll feel the story, but it’s moving along slowly, rather than rushing towards a big story moment.
The first subplot concerns a mysterious man found freezing in the snow holding a baby. We won’t reveal who he is, but the revelation of his true identity could have major implications for the overall story.
The second involves Aquaman and Damian acting as a peace broker now that the vampire power dynamics have been thrown into disarray: he meets with Lois Lane and a few others, and it’s clear that, like any world war, the power dynamics could hinge on key decisions made by key characters.
I’m glad Lois was there to help.
Credit: DC Comics
The third subplot involves Green Arrow and a motley crew trying to take down a vampire in Dakota City. The exchange between Green Arrow and Swamp Thing is entertaining and what they discover could mean big developments, but it’s still too early to tell.
In the fourth subplot, writer Matthew Rosenberg lets us know about John Constantine and all his happenings. It’s pretty strange, and his true whereabouts involve some familiar faces. I wouldn’t say that a lot is added to this scene, but it does feel like the start of something bigger.
The final character check-in involves Talia and a big showdown. Aside from a death, another familiar face, and a fantastic action scene drawn by Otto Schmidt, it’s the meatiest scene in the issue. As with the previous series, Rosenberg and Schmidt know how to surprise you with a big continuity reveal. While I can’t say we saw the rise of any particular hero, it’s interesting to say the least. That’s especially true since the previous issue saw the deaths of several Green Lantern characters.
Visually, outside of the action, Schmidt has fun playing with the layouts – some panels have no gutters at all, others shift diagonally from panel to panel, adding a nice bit of movement – and when it feels cold, it’s all thanks to the use of negative space and Pierluigi Casolino’s colors.
The issue feels important, but also thin. The story jumps around to different locations and characters, reminding us that this is a war fought by many characters in many regions, but it also means that each chapter only advances the story a little. Still, meaningful moments happen, and the larger war and all its implications become clearer.
DC vs. Vampires: World War V Part 2 is worth a shock
DC vs. Vampires: World War V #2
The issue feels important, but also thin. The story jumps around to different locations and characters, reminding us that this is a war fought by many characters in many regions, but it also means that each chapter only advances the story a little. Still, meaningful moments happen, and the larger war and all its implications become clearer.
The final scene with Thalia was worth the wait.
Schmidt has fun playing with the layout and always produces some big, explosive moments.
The reveal of a certain hero could have a major impact in the future.
Some subplots jump around too much and barely progress.
