Brothers Dracul Volume 1: Blood of the Dragon by Cullen Bunn, illustrated by Mirko Colak

Aftershock, 2018

ISBN-13: 9781935002473

Available:  Paperback, Kindle, comiXology

The first volume of Brothers Dracul contemplates the answer to the question of what could have possibly made Vlad Tepes, or Vlad the Impaler, one of the most disturbing killers in history. Cullen tells the story of a teenage Vlad, when he and his brother Radu were held hostage by the Ottoman Empire in 1442 so that the Sultan Mehmed II could solidify their father’s loyalty to the empire. Despite their imprisonment, they were taught combat, politics, and how to hunt vampires. The brothers are tasked with accompanying the son of the sultan who is himself taught to be a strong force against vampires. However, the young Mehmed does not live up to this, and Vlad and Radu end up saving him from the creatures that he is supposed to kill. This leaves a bad taste in Vlad’s mouth, as he is protecting someone who he sees as a not only a weakling, but a whining royal as well. The brothers are placed in awkward situations as Radu is offered a way to freedom, and Vlad falls in love with a young woman who may have a strange connection to the vampires plaguing the land.

I thoroughly enjoyed this volume. Bunn referenced real places in his story, rather than relying on the existing Dracula canon and mythos. He provides a great story and characters. The reader can sympathize with both brothers at different times, as they are both facing their imprisonment and treatment in vastly different ways. Radu is more willing to play nice with the Ottoman Empire, while Vlad remains angry at their predicament, and feels betrayed by his brother at times. Vlad’s willingness to hunt and kill vampires acts as a means to work out his aggression. Colak’s artwork is vibrant, and his character design is fantastic. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a strong plot, plenty of political intrigue, and blood and guts in their horror comics. Highly recommended.

Volume 1 collects Brothers Dracul, issues 1-5.

Contains: blood, gore

Reviewed by Lizzy Walker