By: Scott Snyder (writer), Danijel Zezelj (art), Dave McCaig (colors), Steve Wands (letters) & Mark Doyle (editor)
The Story: A one-shot Skinner Sweet story, taking place in 1919 Idaho.
What’s Good: The great thing about Snyder’s vampires is that they are observers of history. The world moves on, but they don’t and seeing a character like Skinner Sweet with the same physical appearance in 1919 Idaho (as in this story) as he had in the 1860’s emphasizes how much the world was changing during this time period and also how separate and apart from things a vampire like Skinner would be. In a way, you can almost be envious of a vampire because of all they get to see first hand, but as time changes, they simply don’t fit in anymore (even beyond their nasty blood habit) because they are products of a different time. The way Snyder plays with this aspect of vampirism is my favorite part of American Vampire.
The story in this particular issue really drives home this point as Skinner happens upon a old Wild West Revue-type of show that features a few characters from his past. But, while Skinner is the same man physically as he was during the reenactments he watches, his old associates/colleagues/enemies have all aged to the point where they are pathetic shadows of their former glory.
Of course, with Skinner involved, things are bound to get a little bloody, but I love the way that Snyder manages to keep Skinner basically likable even as he’s doing terrible things. I always think this is an interesting challenge for folks who write series like Secret Six or Thunderbolts: How do you make villains likable? But, Snyder’s challenge is even greater because none of those anti-hero teams are doing the terrible things that Skinner does. Skinner remains a very interesting and enjoyable character!
Danijel Zezelj handles Guest art duties this month. If the name doesn’t ring a bell, he did the outstanding Scalped #35 (the stand alone with the two old Native Americans) and the OGN Luna Park. His art is very different than regular series artist Rafa Albuquerque (or even stand in Matheus Santolouco), but it is very effective, especially during a scene when Skinner visits with an old flame. Zezelj gives her haunting eyes and sunken cheeks that make her look more shriveled up and dead than the undead Skinner.
What’s Not So Good: Nothing too huge.
I do kinda miss Albuquerque’s art. It’s kinda like when you’re a little kid and your parents leave you with a really cool babysitter: You enjoy the babysitter, but at some point you want your parents to come home. Nothing against Zezelj, but that’s how I feel about Albuquerque.
I also kinda enjoy Skinner more when he is being a smug, smart-ass. The Skinner we see in this issue is angrier. I always hate seeing fans say that a character isn’t being written the right way; they’re fictional characters and all they are is what is written on the page; doubly so with a creator-owned/driven series like AV. But, I still don’t enjoy Skinner quite as much when he isn’t being smug because he loses some of his roguish charm.
Conclusion: Another strong issue that emphasizes that Skinner Sweet and all the vampires are people out of time. Time moves on, but they stay they same. This is such a good series and every comic fan would be well served to squeeze this onto your pull list!
Grade: B
-Dean Stell
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