Review: King Dracula #1
From Zenescope Entertainment
A new mini-series begins this week from Zenescope Entertainment, as the vampire lord rises again in King Dracula #1.
Beneath the streets of New York, the notorious Lord of Vampires plots to regain his rightful place atop his kingdom. But much has changed during his absence... the Vampire Lords, a ruthless cabal of powerful elders, have staked their claim upon the world, and they have no fear of their former leader--or anyone else.
Maybe they should...
Story: Joe Brusha & David Wohl, Writer: David Wohl, Artwork: Massimiliano La Manno, Colours: Jorge Cortes, Letters: Taylor Esposito (Of Ghost Glyph Studios), Editor: David Wohl, and Production & Design: Christopher Cote
Dracula has risen!
This time, the former King of Hell has to claw his way back from the bottom. After managing a desperate escape from the depths of Hell itself, Dracula finds himself stripped of everything—no throne, power, or followers. What was once his dark dominion has now been carved up by those who once served under him, and each of them is determined to keep what they’ve taken.
It’s a brutal setup: the once-mighty vampire lord, betrayed and captured, reduced to little more than a shadow of his former self. But Dracula’s ambition hasn’t faded. Beneath the hunger and humiliation, he’s plotting his comeback—one that involves breaking free of his captors, reclaiming his lost power, and taking vengeance on those who dared to betray him.
The issue perfectly captures this fall-from-grace storyline. Dracula’s situation is dire—he’s forced to hide in the city’s sewers, feeding on rats just to survive. It’s gritty and visceral, showing a side of the character we rarely see. He’s vulnerable, weakened, and hunted by enemies and the remnants of his past. Yet, even in this state, there’s still a dangerous spark in him, a reminder of why he was once feared as the King of Hell.
The pacing here is excellent, with a strong focus on atmosphere and tone. The creative team lays the foundation for what’s to come, giving us a clear sense of direction while leaving plenty of mystery. You can tell this is just the beginning of a long climb back to power—and knowing Dracula, it won’t be a clean or easy ascent.
The artwork is another highlight. It strikes a solid balance between quieter, moodier scenes and bursts of dark, violent action. The sewer sequences in particular are shadowy, claustrophobic, and dripping with tension. The way the panels shift between stillness and movement really sells the idea of a predator barely holding onto survival. It feels grimy and raw, precisely what you’d expect from a story about Dracula’s lowest point.
Overall, King Dracula #1 does a great job setting the stage. It’s dark, deliberate, and filled with potential. Seeing the once-powerful vampire forced to rebuild from nothing adds a fresh angle to a familiar character, and it’ll be exciting to watch how he claws his way back to the top.
Dracula has returned—and the world should probably start worrying again.
Let’s see what happens next!
Read it digitally on Amazon:
