Back in August I got to review the second volume of this series having never read the first volume.  I really enjoyed it enough that at New York Comic Con I made sure to grab the trade paperback for Impaler Volume 1 published by Top Cow.

Written by William Harms with art by Nick Postic and Francis Tsai the story covers a vampire infestation and the warrior tasked with stopping them.  All set with the backdrop of a brutal winter storm

When one of the worst blizzards in modern history descends upon New York City, the blinding snow and wind are the least of the city’s problems.  For hidden in the weather is a growing army of ravenous vampires, and humanity’s only hope lies with Vlad Tempes, the “historical Dracula.”

It’s a great take on vampires adding in a ravenous appetite and onslaught more akin to an attack of nature that can’t be stopped.  This is a tidal wave of evil instead of plotting humans with fangs.  That gives it a better feeling of dread and doom.  This is a force of nature that’s coming to get you.

The art is beautiful and the whole book has a tone of dread.  Inclusion of the “every man” in Vic and his tragic back story infuses a humanity often missing.  The writer is speaking through Vic including his own personal tale through this main character.  A nice touch that adds sadness to the horror.

I loved the second trade paperback and the first is just as good.  Go out and get both now.

Plot: Harms does a great job in mixing the every man with the super natural.  We care just enough about the characters and can feel their emotion to the point we care when they get brutally killed.  This is that beginning of the end and you don’t know what to expect.  And the ending comes out of nowhere in a fantastic way.  Rating: 8.5

Art: Postic and Tsai switch off at a point and it’s noticeable but both styles are pretty damn impressive.  There’s lots of dark tones but you can still make out what’s going on, which seems to be an issue with a lot of folks lately.  Overall, the art fits and at times makes the tone, it’s bleak like the story, and at time beautiful to look at.  This mix of the two makes me want to come back for more.  Rating: 8.5

Overall: I liked the second volume and like the first as well.  It’s a great take on vampire lore and the pacing tone and art are all fantastic.  Fantastic overall, now can we get a third volume?  Overall rating: 8.5

Recommendation: Buy

Page count: 176 pages    Price: $14.99    Release Date: Out Now

Top Cow provided Graphic Policy with an advance copy of this issue for FREE for review.