DC vs. Vampires: Killers #1

Graphic Policy

Written by Matthew Rosenberg, the one-shots have done a great job of expanding the miniseries event. They focus in on a specific aspect or character shifting the story from what was being told. If they were included in the main series, they’d feel like too much of a break and the flow of the series would suffer. As one-shots, that’s avoided though they fill in the gap as we wait for the series to return. (...) The art by Mike Bowden and Eduardo Mello is great. It captures the kinetic energy that is Harley Quinn while keeping a look that fits nicely with the main series. They’re joined by Le Beau Underood and Livesay, with Bowden and Mello, on inks, Antonio Fabela on color, and Troy Peteri handles lettering. The comic’s visuals are top notch matching the quality of the series as a whole. There’s some great physical and visual humor to go along with Rosenberg’s, at times, snappy dialogue. To see the fate of Clayface and where that goes and not laugh is difficult. Without the visuals, it just wouldn’t play well at all. DC vs. Vampires: Killers is a solid addition to the event. It’s another key comic and part of the story that just wouldn’t fit well in the main series. It’s a must for those already reading the series and might get those not interested in checking it out.

Geek Dad

The main DC vs. Vampires series is still taking a break, but regular writer Matt Rosenberg is giving us a few one-shots set deeper into the war—when the Vampires have essentially taken over the world, and the few remaining human heroes and villains are struggling to survive. (...) The main narrative has been strong, but these flash-forwards haven’t really grabbed me so far.

Weird Science DC Comics

DC vs. Vampires: Killers #1 can be skipped entirely, which is a shame since we haven't gotten a new issue of the main series in months. I am still looking forward to continuing the series, but I will admit that my enthusiasm is waning, partly from the delays and partly from these lackluster tie-ins.

Comic Watch

DC vs. Vampires: Killers #1 is not an essential entry into the budding Vamps-verse, but its fun if uneven character study for Harley Quinn. Fans of the character, or just want to see more of the world controlled by the vampires may enjoy this issue, but otherwise, this may not be the book for those looking for a similar aesthetic as the main title. The art and coloring are inconsistent, highlighting just how distracting two distinct styles can be on a title when set next to one another. In a vacuum, this issue is a solid, fun one-shot, but it can’t help but shrink against the stunning art and coloring of the main title and Otto Schmidt. With more tie-ins confirmed for this universe, it will be interesting to see if this inconsistent style continues, or if those other works will feel more cohesive with the foundation that the main title set.

Batman-News

DC vs. Vampires: Killers takes another big step in moving DC vs. Vampires‘ story forward. However, some poor artwork, dialogue, and continued wonky characterization for Harley make it so I can’t call this comic good.