Dynamite; $5.99  

A supernatural being is targeting the most vulnerable teenagers, leaving behind strange evidence of horrific crimes. Vampirella investigates the situation, and when she meets the mysterious perpetrator, Vampi must wrestle with her own complicated existence if she is to protect the children.  

This Halloween special by Liam Johnson is pretty deep. It has a villain who does awful things while thinking they are helpful, and Vampirella confronting her dark past in order to help people. It also touches on the ways that some children are forgotten by the system and must grow up too fast to stay safe. But unlike some modern comics, the social commentary isn’t forced into the story and doesn’t browbeat the reader. It comes across organically. 

Artist Jordan Michael Johnson and colorist Michael Woods deliver the emotional impact of the story with expressive characters and the juxtaposition between Vampirella and her foe. They also produce just enough detail in the background to set the scene while keeping the focus on the action. 

–Amanda Sheriff