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Vampirella: Still in Color, Back in Black & White
Vampirella debuted in magazine format in September 1969 from Warren Publishing in a run that lasted 112 issues (with a later 113th issue several years after the regular series ended in 1983). Harris Publications brought the femme fatale back in a succession of series in comic book format beginning in 1991. Now the magazine format is back. This October, Vampirella Comics Magazine, a 48-page, combination color and black & white magazine hosting brand new and classic material, debuts from Harris. According to Harris editor Maureen McTigue, each issue of Vampirella Comics Magazine will spotlight new Vampirella stories by some of the best and brightest comics talent, the up-and-comers, the fan-favorites, the award-winners, and the cutting edge. Additionally, it will feature work from other creators, including previews of their projects and in-depth interviews. But why change now? "Vampirella the comic book was going along OK, but it wasn't gaining too much momentum in this market," McTigue said. "With a magazine format, we can move things around, provide some interesting editorial content, give more creators an opportunity to tell a Vampirella story, and pay tribute to what's come before." She said facsimile edition of Vampirella #1 had sold very well, and added that though the regular comic-sized Vampirella is done for now, it could come back if a project warranted. "Our goal is to give as much new as possible, so not only will we have our own original stories (two each issue), but we're working with other publishers to give them a platform for more exposure. We're also open to allowing the magazine to be a showcase for new talent looking to get their projects out into circulation," she said, adding that she's concentrating on the exciting opportunities the new magazine creates. "I have a good group so far, and I've barely begun to make inquiries into who's interested. Steve Lieber provides the first black and white story, 'The Killing Floor.' Jimmy Palmiotti & Justin Gray (21 Down) write the satirical 'Vampirella Must Die' which is illustrated by Gabriel Rearte and Avalon Studios. That's quite a sexy story. Jeff Parker is working on one. Stuart Moore wrote 'Mo' Money, Mo' Bullets' which John Lucas illustrated. Dan Jolley wrote a Pantha story. Steven Grant and Matt Haley are working on a modern tale with some Western motifs. I have a couple of new writers in the mix. Becky Cloonan - who's definitely someone everyone should be watching - is having a blast drawing Vampirella for her story," she said. "We're not doing just black & white stories, so that opens things up for me. With black & white, I think that the artform gains so much from utilizing gray tones and shading that telling a story in black and white really tells a story. That's not knocking our color stories in the least, either. The stories that will be told in color utilize the color exactly like they should. As any good comic would. It's really just a lot of fun to dive into things like this, using both sides of the comics coin," McTigue said. Vampirella Comics Magazine #1 features a painted cover by fan-favorite Mark Texeira, and an alternate photo cover featuring brand new Vampirella model Kitana Baker (one of the Miller Lite girls from the infamous "cat fight" commercial). Also scheduled to appear in the first issue is a new interview with writer Alan Moore, discussing his work, life and his project The Voice of the Fire, accompanied by art from the novel by Jose Villarubia. Mark Wheatley continues his introduction of Frankenstein Mobster, following an online meeting with Vampirella, with art and an interview. For those attending Comic-Con International: San Diego, new Vampi Kitana Baker will be appearing the Harris booth on Friday, and various creators will be stopping by for signings throughout the show. Sized at the classic 8 1/4 x 11, this new publication is priced at $3.95, and the first issue is in stores in time for Halloween.
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