"Beware, the dangers of a pretty cover. It lures men away from reason."

-Bram Stoker, maybe


Cult of Dracula, out this week, has 2 covers. They're both quite nice. The main cover feels like a mix between Eric Powell's painted work and a 70's Italian horror film poster. That's a good look. The B cover is a lady vampire with a menacing snake around her neck instead of a necklace. It's also a good look. Those good looks will lull you into a false sense of security.

Why? Because after you open the cover, something changes. You're turning the pages so you will be able to put your finger on it. This modern telling of the Dracula mythos puts him front and center as a Charlie Manson type, down to the tired rants and crazy gesticulations. Up until his appearance, the book was at least a bit well written. The art has *some* good expression work, but the overall feel is a rough pass. Everyone has to start somewhere, and kudos to the creators for getting published, but this is reminiscent of indy books from the eighties.

Don't let the cover fool you.