DC vs. Vampires #3 Review

 

The Truth Bites

Writer: Matthew Rosenberg and James Tynion IV

Artist: Otto Schmidt and Tom Napolitano

Cover Price: $3.99

Release Date: December 28, 2021

DC vs Vampires didn't impress me much initially, but after the last chapter, I am all in.  I guess a vampire Hal Jordan killing Barry Allen will do that!  Batman is on the case, though, and guessing who could go down next is ramping up the tension and excitement.  So, does DC vs. Vampires #3 keep that momentum going?  Let's find out!

DC vs Vampires #3 opens with the Justice League investigating the death of Barry Allen. Of course, we all know Hal did it, and Rosenberg and Tynion play with that as Hal takes charge of the situation and talks a bit too much.  Nobody seems to notice, but I'm sure it doesn't slip by Batman, who is collecting evidence and keeping to himself.  On a side note, Otto Schmidt gives Plastic Man "sad arms" here, and yes, that is now a thing!

Next, we head to Gotham, where we see the Batgirl protecting Ratcatcher from a vampire with a bit of help from a friend.  It's a cool way to remind readers that the vamps are targeting villains.  Unfortunatley, not every villain has a guardian angel to save them as we see a major Gotham Rogue go down, but the surprise is who does it.  Vampire Nation is multiplying, and whoever is in charge, they are getting some heavy hitters right out of the gate!

While the vamps are multiplying, the heroes are still busy playing catchup.  We get to see what Green Arrow is up to, and he and his (usual suspects) team are checking their list to see who's naughty or nice.  This part is more setup than anything, but it's good to see they have pictures connected by yarn on the wall because that means business!

Rosenberg and Tynion begin setting up the book's heart by showing Jayna helping Batman investigate her brother's disappearance.  Hal Jordan killed Zan in the first issue, and it felt like it was more for laughs than anything else, but it's starting to pay off with some feels here, and I'm guessing more going forward.  I can easily see the book turning into a bit of Jayna the Vampire Slayer, and I am so here for that!

DC vs. Vampires #3 ends with a banger of a scene that tilts the odds even more in the Vampires favor.  Vampire Hal Jordan feels truly evil here, but somehow he isn't fully unlikeable.  It's such a weird thing because I don't think there will be any turning him back, but Vamp Hal seems like a fun guy... besides, you know, killing one of his best friends and trying to add to that list on the reg!

I am digging this series more with each issue, and Rosenberg and Tynion are pacing everything in a way that keeps you on the edge of your seat.  After a bit of a jokey start, things have gotten dark and intense, and I can't wait to see what's next.  Otto Schmidt's art is excellent and benefits from the more varied scenes and characters he gets to draw as the series continues. 

Bits and Pieces:

DC vs. Vampires #3 ups the stakes and shows the Vampires are way ahead of the heroes at this point.  There are some shocking twists in this issue, but James Tynion and Matthew Rosenberg also do a good job of setting up some feels.  The pacing and the excellent art by Otto Schmidt make this one easy to recommend.

9.0/10