Vertigo Readying New Comic Series American Vampire

Steve Barton |

Oct 26, 2009

Now here’s something we just don’t have enough of: Vampires! I know … truth be told, we’re all about to o.d. on bloodsucker tales, but here’s one that you should keep an eye out for: Vertigo Comics’ American Vampire from writers Scott Snyder and Stephen King and artist Rafael Albuquerque.

Launching in March, 2010, DC Vertigo‘s 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.

Snyder’s storyline is one of decadence and deception and Jazz Age glamour. Pearl is an ambitious modern woman with starlet dreams. She frequents Hollywood’s speakeasies and dance-halls searching for her first big break, only to find something far more sinister waiting for her. 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? Following the conclusion of the first story arc, Snyder and Albuquerque will trace Skinner’s bloodline through various decades of American history.

“Getting the chance to re-imagine a classic monster – to invent a whole new mythology and secret history – nothing could be more exciting for me … except getting the chance to do it with Stephen King at Vertigo. This is all a dream come true for me!” says Snyder.

“I love vampire stories, and the idea of following the dark exploits of a uniquely American vampire really lit up my imagination. The chance to do the origin story – to be “present at the creation” – was a thrill,” adds King.

And Albuquerque chimes in, “In a time where vampires are everywhere, Scott and Stephen seem to have done the impossible: an original, inventive and detailed new series. It’s a challenging and exciting project I’m proud to be working on.”

Check out some early artwork below, and look for American Vampire next spring.