Diving Into the Darkside in Vampire: the Masquerade #2
The World of Darkness is back again in Vampire the Masquerade #2. The second issue in this series is already proving to be just as memorable as the first. And potentially even darker, an impressive feat, to say the least.
Fans of this world (courtesy of the RPG and video game) will surely love what is happening on these pages. There are two independent stories, and both have worked hard to capture the core elements and tone of the world so many have come to love.
The first, “Winter’s Teeth,” follows a courier for the Camarilla. Meanwhile, the second plot, “The Anarch Tales,” unsurprisingly follows the unique vampire coterie that has formed out of necessity – and the bitterness it brings with it.
Winter’s Teeth
The first half of Vampire: the Masquerade #2 focuses entirely on “Winter’s Teeth.” Written by Tim Seeley, “Winter’s Teeth” doesn’t hesitate to dive back into the story of Cecily Brine and the latest situation she has found herself in. As a courier for the Camarilla, she faces many responsibilities, and now she’s gone on and taken yet another.
The writing for this plot gets delightfully dark, and it’s all thanks to Cecily’s outlook on her life. Or rather, the condition she shares with every other Vampire out there. It showcases some of the struggles that every Vampire must deal with in their own way.
Devmalya Pramanik was the lead artist, bringing the story to life in a beautiful yet horrifying manner. Meanwhile, Addison Duke provided the colors, and Andworld Design the letters. Together, they created rich details, an intentional feast for the eyes that perfectly mirrors the world it is set in.
All things considered, this plot is rapidly proving to be highly fascinating. It’s wonderfully done, doing justice to the world. And to the characters within, of course.
The Anarch Tales
Next up in Vampire: the Masquerade #2, there’s “The Anarch Tales.” This foreboding and twisted story focuses on another part of the vampiric underworld. The characters in this story are a coterie, not by choice (from the looks of it), but thanks to that drive to stay alive (undead?).
Tini Howard & Blake Howard were the authors behind this plot, and they did a wonderful job of it. This is one of those slow builds, as the past and future are carefully revealed one piece at a time. Everything is in balance, with the past coming up as it becomes relevant.
Honestly, the story leaves you on the edge of your seat. Eager for more. I’m excited to learn how it all connects and how bad it will get. (There’s certainly a lingering feeling that things will get worse).
Nathan Gooden was the lead artist for this half of the issue, with Addison Duke (colors) and Andworld Design (letters) making a second appearance. “The Anarch Tales” uses muted tones and colors to set the scene, and it is perfect. This is not a world infused with color, nor should it be.
Conclusion
Vampire: the Masquerade #2 is everything this fan had hoped for. It pulled in all the themes and much of the lore, all while weaving together two new stories.
Personally, I love that two plot arcs are running simultaneously. It suits the world where there’s always something going on at any given time. But more than that, I’m just happy to see more new material again.
This review was originally written for Word of the Nerd, but has been ported over to Quirky Cat’s Fat Stacks now that the site has shut down.
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