This tale is a sequel to the hit comic, 30 Days of Night, a unique, original tale about vampires in Alaska during the period of time when there is no daylight. This great plot concept along with its thrill seeking predecessor lead us nicely into Dark Days, a refresing title, considering how many writers have failed to bring any originality to this genre.
The story begins as Stella Olemaun’s husband, who has self-infected himself to become a super vampire in order to save any survivors in Alaska from other vampires. When he is done he kills himself as to not be a plague against humanity. Stella's husband's death brings about the ultimate tale of revenge.
This is where we get into the meat of the story as Olemaun has decided to write a book about her experience and let the world know that vampires are real and can actually be killed through conventional, albeit exaggerated means. Now, all she has to do is convince a general population that these vampires are living among us, which proves to be difficult since her publisher naturally labels her book as fiction. There is only one chance to prove herself and it lies in a strange woman and a videotape of a grizzly murder committed by the bloodsuckers. Can the two women avenge the deaths of loved ones and expose the truth?
This story then shifts from the cold Alaska state to warm and sunny L.A. and toward a more Matrix-meets-Anne Rice feel as everyone wears black leather and sunglasses and take a no nonsense approach to vampires. Of course the vampires are quite perturbed at the fact that the world might find out they exist. Needless to say, Olemaun is now a target for vampire aggression and she is ready for an all out war. With her army in tow Olemaun means to get the job done, but the vampires have some tricks up their sleeves.
Unfortunately, Dark Days does not hold that spooky and deadly feel of 30 Days of Night but at the same time, by not copying the original, Dark Days moves on to new logical steps and furthers the series, giving it legs for future stories. The story is well thought out and sets up nicely for what should be an action packed series with some twists and turns to keep it interesting. The artwork is a bit strange, but fits in with the gothic themed story where otherwise, I would call rather ugly.
Vampires are just so cool and with Blade, CVO: Covert Vampiric Operations and Angel still prominently on display, the vampire myth still gets the opportunity to live on in our minds. I am fascinated with them and thankfully, Dark Days sheds new light on the creatures of the night.
Send your comments and or questions about this article to Blackhart@ybfree.com.