Comic Book Review: American Vampire "Survival Of The Fittest" #1

 American Vampire: Survival of the Fittest #1

Written by Scott Snyder

Art by Sean Murphy 

Colors by Dave Stewart

Published by Vertigo/DC Comics

Scott Snyder and Raphael Alberquerque's American Vampire has quickly become one of my favorite comic book series because of its entirely fresh take on vampirism, engaging characters with diverse backgrounds, while telling a lot about America's early days. Clearly, this is not your ordinary vampire story, for it not only shows monsters with fangs and supernatural beings killing each other, but it also takes you through America's history, culture and its heart like a real-life time travel machine.

The latest spin to the saga - Survival of the Fittest #1 - is more of like the "expansion" of the AV universe, and I think it is safe to say that this is Snyder's answer to the question as to whether or not AV will be an official franchise just like other Vertigo titles.

And I think the answer is a resounding yes, with this first issue giving us a glimpse of the team up of Cash McCogan and Felicia Book - the second arc all-stars - which is just the beginning of what could be another thrilling series.

Felicia Book. Not just another "Buffy".

Felicia Book is the main focus on this first issue with her getting some good action, while Snyder gives a complete background and summary of her life story that would surely keep new readers on the hunt. Its also clear right from the get go that the "Vassals of the Morning Star" (Felicia's "vampire hunting group")  is the main protagonist for this arc, with Snyder keeping readers excited by slowly giving more insight to the motives of the mysterious Vassals and orchestrating a new dimension to the vampire vs. vampire hunters war.

No Rafael Alberquerque this time, but do not fret, because Sean Murphy has saved the day. His linear and clean sketchy style of penciling worked perfectly in his first stint in the AV universe, while surprisingly mixing well with Dave Stewart's gorgeous colors, resulting in perfectly executed artwork each and every panel  I wouldn't mind if they become AV regulars from this point on, mainly because they did right the first time - and then gave everyone some more.

"Survival #1" adds another element to the growing legend of the epic American Vampire saga and overall, this was a very good first issue that would cater to both die-hard AV fans and newbies alike.

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