American Vampire #13

Written by Scott Snyder
Art by Rafael Albuquerque

The first thing I noticed when I picked up this new issue, which is the first part of the 'Ghost War' arc was that artist Rafael Albuquerque was back, which made me very happy.  He has done a phenomenal job on this title, and it's nice to see him return to these characters.

Since it began, American Vampire has been moving forward through the 20th century, and this new story jumps us up to the Second World War, and returns the book's focus to Pearl and her husband Henry.  They've been living in hiding since we last saw them, but with the war underway, they've felt the need to get involved in the world.  Pearl is working as a nurse, and Henry signed up, although he was considered too old to be sent to the war.

Now though, the Vassals of the Morning Star have a task for him to perform in Taipan, and he jumps at the chance to do his duty.  The fact that the Vassals are involved means that there are vampires in Taipan, which is shown in the framing sequence.  This looks to be a pretty interesting arc.

What makes this issue work though, is not the plotting, but the touching relationship between Henry and Pearl.  He is getting older, but she is not, and as that disparity grows, so does their love for each other.  Snyder is really proving himself these days (read this week's issue of Detective Comics!), and Albuquerque is at the top of his game.  This is a great comic.