As noted in the guide, the big thing here is the arrival of Rachel Van Helsing - she's the one in green on the cover. Her inclusion is yet another tie-in to Bram Stoker's novel, where the original Van Helsing dueled with the Count.
Some changes in the creative team : Archie Goodwin takes over the writing chores from Gerry Conway and Tom Palmer inks. But Gene Colan is still our penciller, for which I'm very thankful.
Rachel's arrival introduces the concept of professional vampire hunters; no longer will the Count be dealing with Frank Drake's brave yet amateurish and, occasionally suicidal, attempts at vampire hunting. This whole pro deal baffled me a bit because Dracula only recently came back to life, how could professional vampire hunters just appear out of nowhere? Fortunately, the story of Taj, Rachel's mute companion, points to the fact that Dracula is not the only vampire on earth.
Some minor details stick with me : Rachel's Rolls-Royce and signs of her obvious wealth gild the story nicely. The fist full-page panel of Frank Drake leaning from a foggy bridge looking down at the Thames with Big Ben looming in the background is a wonderful opening scene. Best of all is the introduction of the enigmatic Ilsa Strangway just before the issue closes.
Posted by Pete Albano - April 27, 2011
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