This feels like a return to form, after what has seemed like a long run of side-stories and meanderings (not that that was a bad thing, but it’s nice to return to a central narrative that already feels like it will gain quickly in momentum). With Albuquerque back on art duties, we “come home” visually, and the characters have never looked so iconic.

At the same time, Snyder packs this issue with real character interactions and the VMS covert ops stuff that has always been my favorite part of American Vampire. If you loved the “Survival Of the Fittest” mini-series, this recalls those early scenes of the Smithsonian HQ.

And for anyone new to the series, this really is a great jumping on point. A new storyline, both unique enough to be interesting and familiar enough to grab onto immediately. The basic character relationships and the backstory are delivered exceptionally well and naturally here — and, as has often been Snyder’s strong suit on the title, you get a real sense of HISTORY between the characters and in the AV world itself. (Newby readers be warned: This will most likely result in you feverishly going back to pick up and pour through the older issues/trades ravenously. Great for you; maybe not so for your wallet.)

This has my POTW and my recommendation for anyone curious about the title.