The fun of the modern DC Multiverse books are two fold. We get to see our favorite heroes forced to strategize and face off with each other in unlikely circumstances and we get amazing art featuring new versions of old favorites. DC vs Vampires Hunters understands both these goals and gives us an interesting matchup to go with great visuals.
This issue centers on who would win in a face off between the King of Vampires Dick Grayson and Damian Wayne. The story by Matt Rosenberg is enjoyable but a bit too simple in structure. The undead Damian tries to play the part of hunter to work his way up the Vampire command structure to bring him face to face with Richard Grayson. This begins with an apparent attack on Martian Manhunter. Damian brings proof of his conquest to Black Mask but Mr Terrific tells him that he needs to bring in a core member of the Bat-Family for an audience. Damian visits Alfred and the very alive Martian Manhunter in the resistance headquarters. He pretends to bring Alfred in but once he gains an audience with Dick, ‘Alfred’ is revealed to be J’onn.
They face off against Dick and a cadre of vampires. Dick uses the fight as a chance to send his own troops to capture the remnants of the resistance. Damian fights his way to save Alfred but is burned by a vampiric Fire in the process. Alfred saves Damian by allowing him to feed and Dick let’s them both go with the promise that they will never be allowed to reach him again.
This is a quick, interesting story with a much narrower focus than these mega multiverse crossovers tend to have. The art by Neil Googe is brilliant with a playful tone and bright colors matching Damian’s more glib nature. There needs to be more meat on the bones to make this one shot a true must have, but it’s a fun side adventure. It is strange seeing Damian be the responsible Vampire and Dick be a controlling sadistic monster but it makes for a good matchup. This book feels like it’s trying to be a variation on Injustice but it’s definitely interesting in its own simple way.
Writing: 3 of 5 stars
Art: 4 of 5 stars
Colors: 4.3 of 5 stars
Overall: 3.7 of 5 stars
Writer: Matthew Rosenberg
Art: Neil Googe
Colors: Antonio Fabela
Publisher: DC Comics
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