BLOODSTONE #1
"Blood Runs Thicker..."
Mildly Recommended (6/10)
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Marvel Comics
Writers: Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning
Pencils: Michael Lopez
Inks: Scott Hanna
Colors: Color Arts
Letters: Jon Babcock
Editor: Mike Marts
Price: $2.99 US/$4.50 CAN |
Though Abnett and Lanning are resurrecting an old Marvel character concept and dressing it up a little differently, what's really going on is an attempt to tap into the current pop-culture fascination with ass-kicking and breast-thrusting heroines like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Tomb Raider. Fans of such properties might enjoy this accessible new take on the Bloodstone family name, but I found it to be only mildly diverting.
Elsa Bloodstone accompanies her pregnant mother from their home in England to the Boston manor of the late Ulysses Bloodstone, the father she never knew. The mansion that's been bequeathed to the mother and daughter freaks out the 18-year-old, and it doesn't help that she's been having weird dreams about fighting monsters. Some time alone in the spooky estate and a discovery of some hidden chambers gives Elsa a hint at her heritage, not to mention that dangers she will soon face.
Lopez's art is crisp and tells the story clearly. More importantly, he captures the seemingly contrasting moods of the book: the gothic and the goofy. The same can be said of the colors. Unfortunately, Lopez's art also accentuates the title character's assets, and I'm not referring to any arsenal of weapons to be used against the undead. Visually, Elsa is defined by her bust, butt and belly. It's terribly obvious and borders on grating.
To be fair, though, I found I did enjoy Elsa's goofy personality. She cracks wise a lot, and the way in which it's presented makes her seem more genuine. Abnett and Lanning capture an authentic sound in her dialogue, especially when she's talking to herself and goofing around. I'm also pleased to see her mother, Elisa Bloodstone, playing an active role in the story. Her feelings about the late Ulysses are only touched upon here, and I found I wanted to know a lot more about their relationship.
Aside from the book's emphasis on a teenager's T&A, the biggest weakness of this first issue of Bloodstone was that the nature of the introductory script comes off as somewhat tedious. The reader is miles ahead of the characters. Elsa's discoveries don't seem so interesting, and it's taking her way too long to realize there's a connection between her father, her dreams and the Bloodstone manor.
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