DC vs. Vampires: World War V #3 is written by Matthew Rosenberg and published by DC. Artwork and cover is by Otto Schmidt, colours by Pierluigi Casolino and letters by Tom Napolitano.
DC vs. Vampires: World War V #3 is available from today, in print and on digital where all good comic books are sold. Grab your digital copy from Amazon Comixology UK right here.
Synopsis
The war between vampires and heroes rages on with bloody casualties on all sides, but Damian Wayne, the vampire with the mind of a human, remains the most desired prize in the fray. Both Green Arrow and the vampire army seek to put him down for good, and it’s starting to look like Damian’s days are numbered…until a Dark Knight emerges from the shadows and offers unexpected salvation! And in a backup story written and illustrated by Tyler Boss, everyone’s favorite interdimensional imp, Bat-Mite, pops into our universe…only to learn the sad fate of his Bat idol. There’s other heroes to worship, though, right?…right?
Review
DC vs. Vampires: World War V is back in comic book stores today with the third issue of its current 12-issue run. As the various factions left in the DCU continue to charge forward in their missions, Matthew Rosenberg’s story shows the first signs of those coming together to form something greater.
When broken down there’s a lot going on in this book. Spoiler alert if you aren’t yet up-to-date. Aquaman has assumed control over the vampires following the assassination of their queen. Damian Wayne continues to fight back against the vampire leadership. The vampiric Wonder Woman faces off against the newly minuted Alfred Pennyworth, Green Lantern. Meanwhile John Constantine continues to search for a way to help humanity and Green Arrow’s investigations of the vampire storage units housing human food. Not forgetting the story of a baby born of human and vampire between Barda and Scott Free.
That’s a lot of different storylines all vying for our attention. Particularly when they are mostly acting in isolation. Though the direction of travel as the DCU on the precipice of an all-out warn between humans and vampires. The book risks alienating some of its audience by simply trying to do too much too quickly. Linger too long on setup and it could become boring. Introduce too many elements and it could overcomplicate the situation. So it’s great to see that with this week’s issue Rosenberg is beginning to stitch together at least some of these elements to make the book feel a little more cohesive.
Whilst there is an aspect of both humans and vampire firing off in all directions, desperate for survival. The looming World War V title feels like more of a distant eventuality than something we’re building towards. Instead it feels like this second outing in to the vampire-infested world is more about each of the factions planting their flag and searching for an identity. The vampires need a leader. Someone they can look to in order to cement their hold on Earth. Meanwhile the humans simply want to survive and are looking to do so with potentially genocidal consequences to the vampires. Now there’s an interesting socio-political topic this book could dig in to! What it exposes on both sides is how a lack of food is potentially going to drive each in to extinction.
But Rosenberg is also an experienced storyteller and isn’t ignorant of the fact there are still nine more issues in the series. It might be a slow burn. But for those who are invested for the full ride the pay off is gradually beginning to appear.
Issue #3 opens in flashback to which is most likely the conception of our miracle baby. They’ve been glimpsed in each issue so far but now it seems the importance is beginning to make itself known. Whilst the humans don’t seem to be aware of its existence we now know that Aquaman is fully aware and has Ghost Maker on Scott Free’s trail. It’s a tentative first step of connective tissue between storylines which is potentially furthered later when someone in a Bat-suit (we’ve seen one already in issue #1) catches up with Damian. Meanwhile Dinah, last seen with Oliver before departing on his mission, is now checking in on John Constantine who is typically caustic about his chances of finding a magical silver bullet to save the day.
Outside of those tendrils of connection each of the series’ various storylines take tentative steps forward this issue. The confrontation between Diana and Alfred offers up a potential shred of hope. It’s also a great example of Rosenberg using someone outside of the Justice League as a hero in the story. It also seems the next chapter of the story will tackle the mystery of who is wearing the Bat-suit full on. Could it be another of the Robins? Or someone else entirely? For now we’ll just have to wait and see.
Verdict
DC vs. Vampires: World War V slow burn storylines offer up the signs of what is come in issue #3. Whilst Otto Schmidt’s artwork is still an instant draw, Matthew Rosenberg’s complex and compelling story is rapidly becoming standout in its achievements.
⭐⭐⭐
