American Vampire contains three dramatic, series-defining splash pages this month. The first, and probably lesser, finally gives fans the first formidable Skinner Sweet moment. Ultra cool, he no longer creates a sense of dread when around. In fact, he might be starting to embrace his antihero role once again. The Monster, known previously as May, is yet another terrifying Rafael Albuquerque creation. The beginning panels, obviously highlighted by Skinner ripping said monster in half, are basically a running fight scene. There’s some slight exposition with Cal, but it doesn’t really reveal anything other than the might/command that the Gray Trader has. These scenes, meant to show off the cruelty of the Trader, work well. They’re tense, playing right into the “creeping apocalypse” theme that Second Cycle has owned since it started.
The second splash page, a descent into the bowels of hell, is probably our best look at where the original vampires came from. It could quite possibly be the genesis of American Vampire as a series. If we’re to believe that the Gray Trader is the end-all, be-all force of monstrosity that’s shown so far, then this glimpse into his domain is most likely the denouement as well. The page is both a wrap-up of Skinner’s time with the refugee bus (shown in issue #2) and a revelation on his character. He almost admits to being truly scared. Since we know Skinner, this is alarming. Snyder has done excellent work in setting up how powerful our antagonist is. American Vampire is on the path to its ending, and we’re finally seeing the pieces come together.
The Pearl-Skinner reunion is wonderful and appropriately all-too-short. The two may never become partners, fighting the vampire menace with backs pressed against one other, but they represent every possibility the narrative has. Their relationship has come a long way since the bloody first few issues, forming a crescendo of encounters that peaked during the last arc. Regardless of what events or emotions happen, they remain the core of the book. For Pearl, her final few scenes equate to a slasher film. Viewers (readers in this case) shriek out for the character not to fall for the trap, as it’s almost always a demonic visage hiding in the shadows. Thankfully Snyder understands both the strength and experience of Pearl’s being, helping her to avoid the usually-fatal ruse. This leads into the third and final splash page, also acting as the end of the book. The Gray Trader is here. Will the apocalyptic fight begin? Seeing as how there are still plenty of issues left, it’s doubtful. Things will certainly be set in motion though. We also get final confirmation that the Trader does indeed seem to control the sky and clouds, answering a quandary that began when Second Cycle started.
It would be easy for reviewers to just copy and paste whatever comments were said about the artwork last issue. Everything is uniformly excellent, month after month. Albuquerque continues to blaze through this world, creating things that horrify and shock. The monster referenced above is a grotesque, amazing creation. The harrowing journey into what might be hell itself gets two of the more fascinating pages this series has ever seen. It isn’t only the horror though. He draws faces that are full of emotion, and helps bring a sense of urgency to the panels with Pearl and Skinner. There will never be any bad artwork in American Vampire.
Verdict:
Another strong issue for the Second Cycle. Improving on last month, Snyder has started to unveil his views on the entire world that’s been built. There’s still a long way to go, but “American Vampire: Second Cycle #3″ shows hints of the future like never before. If the dark depths that Skinner recounts are true, then the series is heading to a dark place. The Gray Trader continues to be a more fiercely realized power than anything that came previously. It would be nice to get more of Pearl and Skinner together, but the story has a way of separating them just as things could be settling down. Still a fresh and scary take on vampire lore, now is the best time to catch up. Terrible events are coming. Highly Recommended.
“American Vampire: Second Cycle #3″ earns a 9/10
(W) Scott Snyder
(A) Rafael Albuquerque
$2.99
Vertigo
Alex Smith
Alex Smith is a news and reviews writer for Capeless Crusader. When not wasting away in class, he spends all his free time with comics, movies, and video games, and has been since birth. He can spend hours discussing Saga, Hawkeye, or Game of Thrones. Lying Cat’s number one fan.
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