30 Days of Night

As with every comic/graphic novel these days, the complete "30 Days of Night" collection is available via iOS App. Head on over to Comixology to get stuck into the human claret drenched series, the vampire romp also has a dedicated App of its own via IDW Publishing. They'll even shout you 3 free comics when you sign up. Ace. Everyone loves free stuff.
We all know the story by now (even non comic fans, thanks to the movie) where for one month in every year, Barrow, an isolated Alaskan town, is plunged into darkness, leaving it a party town for murder loving vampires. Its a satisfying slice of gore and storytelling (Steve Niles) with some brilliant illustrations by Ben Templesmith.
I recently read "Beyond Barrow" and "Bloodsucker Tales" and enjoyed both. Vampires fans who have not yet taken the plunge into Barrow should definitely do so. I do have some niggles though. Firstly the lettering; some of the panels have bold red words over a black background which makes it difficult to read. It feels very hard on the eyes. Secondly, owing to some of the fine drawings which have a faded look, this series is better read on a larger tablet over the iPhone.


Books in the 30 Days of Night series:

30 Days 'Til Death
30 Days of Night Sourcebook
Annual
Beyond Barrow
Bloodsucker Tales
Dark Days
Dead Space
Eben and Stella
Juarez
Original Series
Red Snow
Return to Barrow
Scriptbook
Spreading the Disease
Three Tales

The Last Vampire

Bloody good

Blood: The Last Vampire was the first Manga DVD I ever bought, and flipping great it is too. You want blood? Check. Want a fantastic moody atmoshphere? This vampire film has oodles of it! In short this is a MUST see, whether you are a fan of anime or not. And everyone digs vampire stories don't they?
It was directed by Hiroyuki Kitakubo and starts off with Saya (films young lady protagonist) on a subway train hunting a suspected Chiropteran (blood sucker) for a hush hush organization known as the Red Shield. Unfortunately after being sliced like a fleshy cake, it turns out the man was just that...a man, nothing pointy teeth about him. Whoops!
After that little mess, Saya goes undercover posing as a shoolgirl in order to infiltrate a school adjacent to the American Yokota Air Base in Japan. Seems there has been Chiropteran activity in the area and its down to Saya, armed with a really big katana, to make 'em bleed. And because these critters can heal in seconds the only way to dust them permanantely is to cut big enough chunks out of them in order for them to lose massive amounts of Life's vino. Hence the big assed sword. (Swords with asses? Now theres a concept).
I won't reveal anymore in case a few readers have not yet seen it but I will say this; its a million times better than the film with real actors that Hollywood released a while back. That was an abomination compared to this sublime piece of anime and Hollywood should have left it well alone.
The artwork looks fabulous and brings everything to life in a dark, gothic style that captures the imagination. Seriously, do thyselves a huge favour and buy or rent this NOW. Regrets? You won't be having any. May Saya kick many more Chiropteran derrières.