Veronica Lodge Fights The Bite In Vampironica

Archie is a staple of a classic American comichood, blending slice-of-life and comedy in a recipe that has worked for nearly 80 years. Archie’s horror line takes all of that and throws it out the door. The normal dynamics of Archie and gang coming together are tested in many of the spin-off horror titles. Vampironica, in this sense, already stands out among other Archie Horror series. One prominent difference being that Veronica isn’t this horror terrorizing the town like Jughead in The Hunger or the zombie apocalypse that runs rampant in Afterlife with Archie. Pretty girl Veronica Lodge is craving, but not just Archie’s attention. After getting bit by an ancient vampire Veronica becomes one herself, battling the urge to feast on human blood whilst fighting an army of undead blood suckers. But the question remains, will she be able to fight her urges or will she conform to her new nature as a creature of the night?

The first issue, Vampironica #1, is a solid start to the series as a whole. I have high expectations for the brother and sister team of Greg and Meg Smallwood. Although not the most prominent names in the comic book industry, Greg Smallwood has worked on other books such Lemire’s run of Moon Knight. In my opinion, Smallwood’s art is very unique. One of his most distinct features as an artist is his use of lining and detailing, especially in facial features. The way he outlines distinctions in expressions really makes a lot of his work come to life. This, in combination with his art style and the coloring in this book, make for a collectively beautiful presentation. The art and colors really set an unparalleled tone for Vampironica.

For a first time writer, Megan Smallwood does a good job in creating a believable Veronica. The book begins with Veronica being the spoiled heiress we all know and love, until her traumatic encounter with the vampire changes her life. For fans of Riverdale, Veronica’s more humble nature is not something you often see in the comics. The collective team of Smallwood and Smallwood look to bring some of that out in this book, while still retaining a lot of her sassy and snooty attitude. The story’s concept can really go any which way and leaves a lot to be anticipated. I only hope it doesn't receive the slow release treatment that's plaguing books like Chilling Adventures of Sabrina.