Bleed Them Dry #1 begins a new series by Vault Comics in some post-disaster cyberpunk world. One where vampires who coexist with humans are not the most interesting thing about it. Instead, a ninja is going around killing these supposed immortals who hide a dark agenda. And the detective in charge of the case finds herself going deep into a potential conspiracy.
Bleed Them Dry #1 Background
Let’s talk about the creator Hiroshi Koizumi’s vision. Bleed Them Dry combines two things that fascinate audiences: vampires and ninjas. It’s not an exaggeration to say that vampires are a pop-culture norm. From the Castlevania Netflix series, new Vampire: The Masquerade video games and even Sony is trying to capture the craze with Morbius. This reflects the world in Bleed Them Dry #1; vampires have an entire culture that has been long established. For example, they can take blood substitutes in place of coffee. It’s a world readers just want to know more about, even if they have to theorize.
Especially since the allure surrounding the blood-sucking immortals is anything but mundane, the main character’s partner Atticus Black presents himself as the smooth-talking figure who steals the spotlight. With the way he talks, he always ensures that he’s on top of any discussion. This makes him interesting and a little intimidating, perfectly encapsulating the revelation near the end of the issue. A revelation that pushes POV character Harper Halloway into the hands of the ninja vampire slayer. Something that series writer Eliot Rahal is more than eager to show.
Artwork
Series artist Dike Ruan illustrates an always changing perspective where momentum shifts accordingly. In just the first pages, a police procedure quickly establishes its stakes, all while presenting the setting of Bleed Them Dry #1. The best part comes from how they never get in one another’s way. With a city like Asylum who wouldn’t want to feel like they’re on a ride. Thanks in no small part to Deron Bennett’s letters. Perhaps the best display of this comes from how Ruan and Bennett have Atticus’ quickdraw cuts a vampire. The bisected panels in addition to the letters popping out of the word balloon perfectly illustrates this action.
Colorist Miquel Muerto provides an equally shifting tone. The bright lights of the city of Asylum live up to its name, where the main characters feel safe. But then when something in shadows appears, this safety becomes compromised. It takes someone who knows their way around the shadows to feel safe again. Hopefully, Halloway finds that with her savior.
Bleed Them Dry #1 Is The Beginning of Something Great
Bleed Them Dry #1 does its job by introducing the reader to a world of intrigue. This opening issue wastes no time putting everything about the city of Asylum on display. From the coloring that emphasizing the themes of light and darkness to the flow of movement. Because in a world full of vampires, there’s always something more exciting. This issue certainly has me waiting for the next one where the ninja hopefully comes into focus.
