AMERICAN VAMPIRE VOL. 5 Debuts at #2 on THE NEW YORK TIMES’ Graphic Books Best Seller List

On Friday, THE NEW YORK TIMES published their Graphic Books Best Sellers Lists, and debuting at #2 on the Hardcover list was AMERICAN VAMPIRE, VOL. 5 from writer Scot Snyder and artists Rafael Albuquerque and Dustin Nguyn!

Scott Snyder is one of the comic book industries most talented breakthrough writers. With the launch of AMERICAN VAMPIRE written and created by Scott Snyder and co-written by none other than Stephen King, VOLUME 1 quickly became a New York Times bestseller. Snyder has reinvigorated vampire lore, not only by making vampires scary again, but by having his main character Skinner Sweet, become the first American vampire born of the American West. Through the lens of this eternal character, he explores what is both horrific and wondrous throughout the history of the United States.

AMERICAN VAMPIRE, VOL. 5 follows Skinner Sweet, Pearl and company as they return to Hollywood in the ‘50s during the Red Scare. Elsewhere, retired vampire hunter Felicia Book gets called back into action to kill the most powerful vampire of all time. Brought to you by critically acclaimed writer Scott Snyder (BATMAN and SWAMP THING), this hardcover volume collects issues #28-34 of the monthly series illustrated by Rafael Albuquerque (BLUE BEETLE), and the 5-issue miniseries AMERICAN VAMPIRE: LORD OF NIGHTMARES, drawn by Dustin Nguyen (DETECTIVE COMICS and BATMAN: LI’L GOTHAM).

Click here to read THE NEW YORK TIMES’ full list of Hardcover Graphic Books Best Sellers, which also includes BATMAN, VOL. 2: THE CITY OF OWLS (in the #1 slot for the second week in a row!), EARTH 2, VOL. 1: THE GATHERING, BATMAN, VOL. 1: THE COURT OF OWLS, and SUPERMAN: THE DEATH AND RETURN OF SUPERMAN OMNIBUS. And click here to see THE NEW YORK TIMES’ list of Paperback Graphic Books Best Sllers, which includes the debut of THE UNWRITTEN, VOL. 7: THE WOUND. Congratulations to all!

Tags: 
american vampire, Batman, Earth 2, the unwritten, The Death and Return of Superman, scott snyder, rafael albuquerque, dustin nguyen

Preview Monday: SWAMP THING ANNUAL #1 and AMERICAN VAMPIRE #32

For this week’s installment of Preview Monday, we’re giving you exclusive first looks at SWAMP THING ANNUAL #1 and AMERICAN VAMPIRE #32!

 

“Rotworld” continues in SWAMP THING ANNUAL #1, as the origins of Alec Holland and Anton Arcane's epic feud are explored. Years ago, when Holland was a young man and still a student botanist, he traveled to the Carpathian Mountains, at the request of Arcane, to study the residual radiation from Soviet testing. But something strange was also happening in this small and barren mountain town. How has it avoided conquest for hundreds of years from invading armies? And don't miss Holland's first meeting with Abby Arcane. From co-writers Scott Snyder and Scott Tuft and artist Becky Cloonan, SWAMP THING ANNUAL #1 arrives in stores this Wednesday. Earlier today, we showed you a sneak peek at the issue, but if that left you wanting more, click here to see a full exclusive preview!

 

It's the penultimate issue of “The Blacklist”! Pearl is held captive as Hattie reveals how she became allies with B.D. Bloch. But why did Hattie betray Pearl and what does she have planned for her as revenge? And where does Skinner fit in all of this? There are a ton of surprises in this issue you don't want to miss! Written by acclaimed author Scott Snyder and featuring explosive artwork by Rafael Albuquerque, AMERICAN VAMPIRE #32 lands in stores this week. Click here for an exclusive preview of the issue.  

Tags: 
Swamp Thing Annual, american vampire, scott snyder, Scott Tuft, becky cloonan, rafael albuquerque

Preview Monday: I, VAMPIRE #0 and AMERICAN VAMPIRE #31

For this week’s installment of Preview Monday, we’re giving you first bites out of I, VAMPIRE #0 and AMERICAN VAMPIRE #31.

 

Don’t miss the exciting and heartbreaking tale of how Andrew Bennett became a vampire! While fleeing the house of his father to start a new life with his forbidden lover from a lower class, Bennett’s horse carriage is overturned in the midst of a rainstorm. Stranded, he’s attacked by a vampire — but this isn’t your run-of-the mill blood-sucker! I, VAMPIRE #0 comes to you from writer Joshua Hale Fialkov and artist Andrea Sorrentino. Click here to see an exclusive preview of the issue.

 

Meanwhile, the tension is building in the pages of AMERICAN VAMPIRE as “The Blacklist” screeches towards its shocking conclusion. Pearl visits Henry as he recovers in the hospital but will she tell him the truth about her relationship with Skinner Sweet? And as their hit list grows shorter, can Pearl and Skinner continue to hunt the Los Angeles coven together or will their partnership dissolve? Plus, don’t miss the shocking ending when someone from Pearl’s past makes an appearance! From the acclaimed creative team of writer Scott Snyder and artist Rafael Albuquerque, AMERICAN VAMPIRE #31 goes on sale this Wednesday. Click here to see an exclusive preview of the issue.
 

Tags: 
I Vampire, american vampire, joshua hale fialkov, Andrea Sorrentino, scott snyder, rafael albuquerque

Preview Mondays: JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #10 and AMERICAN VAMPIRE #28

For this week's installment of Preview Mondays, we're giving you exclusive first looks at JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #10 and AMERICAN VAMPIRE #28!

 

Setting up shop in their new headquarters – Thoe House of Mystery – John Constantine, Zatanna, Deadman, Andrew Bennett, Black Orchid and Dr. Mist continue their hunt for The Books of Magic. But as Constantine gets outfoxed at every turn by the villainous Faust, his sometimes ally Madame Xanadu sees a prophesy that could signal the violent death of the entire team if they DON'T find the Books! The second issue from new ongoing series writer Jeff Lemire and artist Mikel Janin, JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #10 is in stores this Wednesday. Click here to see an exclusive preview of the issue.

 

“The Blacklist” begins here! With her husband, Henry, in the hospital due to an attack from rival vampires, Pearl finds herself once again being recruited by the Vassals of the Morning Star. What irresistible proposition do they offer her in exchange for her cooperation?  And which person from her past do they dig up to be her partner?  Set in 1950’s Hollywood at the height of the “Red Scare,” AMERICAN VAMPIRE #28 sets the stage for the series’ next epic. Written by Scott Snyder and illustrated by Rafael Albuquerque, the issue hits stores this week. Click here to see an exclusive preview.

Tags: 
Preview Mondays, Justice League Dark, american vampire, jeff lemire, mikel janin, scott snyder, rafael albuquerque

ARTIST RAFAEL ALBUQUERQUE ON THE “NIGHT OF THE OWLS” CROSSOVER

The wait is over, and the war for Gotham City is about to begin. Pitting Batman and the extended Bat-family against the Court of Owls and their sinister agents, the long-awaited “Night of the Owls” crossover kicks off this week.


A shadowy secret society with deathless assassins known as Talons to execute its malevolent will, the Court has roots that reach back into Gotham’s deep past – and now this cadre of killers has mounted an all-out assault to exert its influence on the city’s present. It’s the Court of Owls versus the Allies of the Bat to determine once and for all who will rule the shadows of Gotham City.


BATMAN back-up artist Rafael Albuquerque discusses his collaboration with writer Scott Snyder, and how their previous work together helped to inform the storytelling behind the BATMAN back-ups.


I have been collaborating with Scott [Snyder] for a while since we have teamed up to do AMERICAN VAMPIRE, so when I was invited to draw the back-ups for Batman I thought it would be a good opportunity to bring that "Vertigo flavor" to the most popular comic in the business. We did our basic game. Used different art styles to improve the storytelling and I can say that, besides all the pressure of drawing a BATMAN book, I believe this is one of my favorite works along with Scott.


(Art by Rafael Albuquerque for BATMAN #9)

 

The “Night of the Owls” begins this week in BATMAN #8 and NIGHTWING #8, exploding across the rest of the Bat-books in May. Stay tuned to The Source all this week for more insights from the architects of this epic event.

Tags: 
rafael albuquerque, scott snyder, The Court of Owls, night of the owls, Batman

WRITER JAMES TYNION IV ON THE "NIGHT OF THE OWLS" CROSSOVER

The wait is over, and the war for Gotham City is about to begin. Pitting Batman and the extended Bat-family against the Court of Owls and their sinister agents, the long-awaited “Night of the Owls” crossover kicks off this week.

 

A shadowy secret society with deathless assassins known as Talons to execute its malevolent will, the Court has roots that reach back into Gotham’s deep past – and now this cadre of killers has mounted an all-out assault to exert its influence on the city’s present. It’s the Court of Owls versus the Allies of the Bat to determine once and for all who will rule the shadows of Gotham City.

 

BATMAN back-up co-writer James Tynion IV discusses the dream job of getting flesh out the Bat-mythology – and the history of the Wayne family, in particular.

 

I could see the epic size and shape of the story as it began last September. I was devouring every issue waiting to see what might happen next. When Scott offered me the chance to help him build the mythology of the Court with the backups, and help launch "Night of the Owls,” how could I have ever said no? The Court and their Talons are my favorite additions to the Bat-Mythos in ages, with each of those awesome assassins offering a glimpse of Gotham's history. We're launching “Night of the Owls” this week in BATMAN #8, and using the back-up to lead right from the action of the feature into the other Bat-family titles with "The Call.” And with "The Fall of the House of Wayne," Scott and I are exploring the pre-Alfred years at stately Wayne Manor, with some incredible art by Rafael Albuquerque. I can't wait for everyone to check it out.

 

(Art by Rafael Albuquerque for BATMAN #9)

 

The “Night of the Owls” begins this week in BATMAN #8 and NIGHTWING #8, exploding across the rest of the Bat-books in May. Stay tuned to The Source all this week for more insights from the architects of this epic event.

Tags: 
Batman, night of the owls, court of owls, James Tynion IV, rafael albuquerque

NEWSARAMA talks the art of Scott Snyder

With series like AMERICAN VAMPIRE, BATMAN and SWAMP THING, Scott Snyder is definitely a comic book writer to watch. But what's it like to be an artist working on one of these books? This week, NEWSARAMA interviewed Rafael Albuquerque and Yanick Paquette about their collaborations with Snyder. And be sure to check back to NEWSARAMA next week to read their interviews with artists Greg Capullo and Sean Murphy.

Tags: 
scott snyder, rafael albuquerque, yanick paquette, Greg Capullo, sean murphy, Newsarama

Jason Fabok on his Variant Cover for BATMAN #8

Earlier this year, we told you that BATMAN #8 will feature the first of a series of back-up stories exploring the dark history of the Court of Owls, the mysterious and malevolent secret society wreaking havoc upon Gotham City.

 

Today, take an exclusive first look at the issue’s variant cover by fan-favorite artist Jason Fabok.

 

“The description for this cover was that Batman was being tackled, or smothered by the Court of Owls,” Fabok told THE SOURCE. “The idea of the court reaching down to Batman in a zombie like manner immediately sprang to mind.  Artistically I really wanted to play with the shadows on both Batman and the owl-masked men so I added a strong source light on one side to light the shot. I used my camera on my Macbook to get some rough shadow reference and went from there. I penciled the piece traditionally but inked it digitally on my cintiq. Peter did a great job as usual on colors. I'm very humbled to have had the opportunity to do a BATMAN cover, especially in connection with such an excellent BATMAN run.”


BATMAN #8 is written by Scott Snyder and illustrated by Greg Capullo. The back-up story is co-written by Scott Snyder and James Tynion IV and illustrated by AMERICAN VAMPIRE artist Rafael Albuquerque. Look for the issue in stores on April 18th.

 

Tags: 
Batman, Jason Fabok, scott snyder, Greg Capullo, James Tynion IV, rafael albuquerque

“NIGHT OF THE OWLS” – TALON DESIGN (1980s)

The “Night of the Owls” is coming this May, pitting the extended Bat-family against the deadly Court of Owls. A shadowy secret society with roots that date back to Gotham City’s earliest history, the Court employs a cadre of timeless, sinister assassins known as Talons to execute its malevolent will. Even the BATMAN back-up features its own Talon, brought to life by artist Rafael Albuquerque. "I've tried to bring a clerical look,” he said. “Ceremonial, but also, something an assassin could use. Needless to say that I've followed what Greg awesomely did on the original Talon design, but also tried to do something different, with more leather than metal, and a cloak, to resemble almost a religious look to him."

Tags: 
Batman, night of the owls, rafael albuquerque, talon
Subscribe to rafael albuquerque