VAMPIRELLA VOL. 2, #1 – If Dynamite wanted to celebrate the 45th Anniversary of Vampirella, then picking horror writer, Nancy Collins (Sonja Blue/Swamp Thing) and artist Patrick Berkenkotter (Avengers/Invaders) to re-launch the sexy, sling-suited, daughter of Lilith seemed like the best way: To return Forrest Ackerman’s overexposed wet dream back to her horror roots with the “Our Lady of Shadows”. However, The Goddamn Wu, finds this re-launch to read more like a Sookie Stackhouse story. At least, some of the panels will bring loyal Vampirella fans to hold up the issue to their faces for a look-see. Who doesn’t like to see a sexy vampire left in bondage and branded? This only leads one to wonder which sexual fetish Collins will throw in next. Collins and Berkenkotter can forgo the prescribed self-flagellation if their intent was to be horrifically campy. Until Vampirella returns as the bad-ass we all want to see, this vampire vixen should be left alone with Sookie at Merllotte’s with a bottle of True Blood. 0.5/5
JIRNI VOL. 2, #1 – This ain’t no Disney. This ain’t no Jejhal Jiniri either. This is Apsen Entertainment’s Jiniri #1—J.T. Krul’s (Fathom) and Paolo Pantalena’s (War of Kinds/Epoch) hot fantasy action version of a genie! This purple Xena, Ara, struggles to save her mother from the evil grasp of Sorcerer Torintha at the same moment her nature as a jiniri, a female D’jinn (genie), is revealed. Even before Ara graces the pages of this issue, one can anticipate that Krul will counter the typical gender norms by the alternate Cover B with enslaved women wearing only white Brazilian bikini bottoms in the background and the first page with women gathered around a bonfire listening to a member– who I assume as Nylese, a Gabrielle style character, singing Ara’s victories over the Hrugites. The detailed artwork and vibrant coloring really transports you to Ara’s world, as well as the breathtaking illustration that reflects Ara’s bold and soft nature. Every page is cover art quality. The best way The Goddamn Wu can describe this issue is with an old school Xena “Alalae!” 3.25/5
