Vampire Hunter D: Message From Mars #1

Publishers: Stranger Comics
Writer: Brandon Easton
Artist: Michael Broussard

Vampire Hunter D! I love D, and I only found out about this comic about a month before its release through a post on Google. That was also the first time I had ever heard of Stranger Comics.

According to the Back Matter in the issue, and some research, this is based upon an unpublished short story by D Creator, Hideyuki Kikuchi entitled Message From Cecile.

In Message From Mars we witness D arrive on Mars and fight his way through vampires looking for his new ‘employer.’ This is the framing story to the main plot, which is told in flashback style as a woman named Cecile ‘addresses’ D about past event events and how she can see the future – which includes D killing her.




These past events include learning of the nuclear holocaust on Earth and seemingly how vampires came to Mars.

This issue is very strong across the board. The Writing, Art and Colors all shine, and one can tell this is something they worked hard on.

All the elements one wants from D are here. His Stoic personality, yet kindness and his seeming flawless skill, and his contentious relationship with Left Hand.

What really makes this book standout beyond the writing and the art is the colors. This is a type of story in which coloring is very important, and here the colors are sharp, crisp and beautiful. Especially in D’s first fight at the start.

Vampire Hunter D fans rejoice – and get both Left and Right hands on this title now.

Therein lies the only drawback of this first issue. D himself. If one is unfamiliar with D, his time in the book might be confusing. However Cecile’s part of the story should entice new readers into D’s world.

FINAL THOUGHT:
This is an excellent first issue and looks to be a good entry into the D Mythos.

RATING: 7.5