It’s always fun to dive into a comic that feels absolutely fresh and while Vampyrates! is not something I would typically gravitate towards with Fred Van Lente at the helm I knew I was in for an adventure. Van Lente, along with artist Luca Pizzari, colorist Adam Guzowski, and letterer Jodie Troutman capture the pulpy adventure style comic wonderfully in a story that blends vampires with pirates in a way that was unexpected and fantastic.
Through the darkness of the thousand-year eclipse they sail, seeking adventure, treasure — and blood!
In a world ruled by vampires, Empress Nira of the Night Isles has always cared more for sword-fighting and carousing than ruling. But when she escapes a vicious coup by stowing aboard VMS Abyss, a pirate ship run by the mysterious Captain Akeyo, she gets more than she can handle of both.
She must rise through the ranks of the Vampyrates from lowly swab to queen of the Sea of Night — so the oceans will run red with her vengeance!
At this moment there is no shortage of vampire stories to dive into, but one that blends the vampire lore with the swashbuckling adventures of pirates is few and far between. Leave it to Van Lente to grip us with a tale of vampires and pirates that we haven’t seen the likes of, at least in my memory. Blending two iconic groups of characters into a weird story that pulls you in from the start was kind of what I expected from even the title and am even more glad to finish the first issue, awaiting more!
Let’s be honest, if vampires were real, at some point it wouldn’t be crazy for them to have crossed paths with a pirate over the many years. So, while this is an utter work of fiction and is weird from top to bottom, it kind of makes sense at the same time. Vampyrates! is a fun and wild adventure that packs a punch in the first issue which doesn’t take a break from start other finish. A lot happens between the covers of issue one, which can have you stumbling to follow along, but in the end it all makes sense and leaves you eagerly awaiting the next issue.
Vampyrates! is an action-packed, epic fantasy that is driven by this new world and characters crafted by Van Lente. It’s a world I can see myself getting lost in as the series progresses. Van Lente sets a great foundation, launching Vampyrates! with these unique characters, ships, and locations. What I have learned over the years is that Van Lente isn’t one to go simple, he is full force with every story he tells, Vampyrates! is no different.
The first issue is only emboldened by the artwork of Pizzari which is filled with energy that exudes the adventure at hand. Mix this with the colors of Guzowski and wonderful lettering of Troutman and we get wonderfully attractive visuals that pull us into the story even more. The book feels as equal vampire-y as it does pirate-y.
Vampyrates! is exactly the type of story I love stumbling upon, a new series built on a wild idea that is fully committed to. Fred Van Lente has a way of crafting stories that surprise and entertain in unique ways and when joined by artist Luca Pizzari brings an energetic feeling. Vampyrates! is a thrilling adventure that is filled with vampires and pirates, just the comic you were looking for.
Vampyrates! #1 hits local comic shops on July 8, 2026 from BOOM! Studios.
Vampyrates #1 Preview
