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The Strain Volume 1 (2012)

by David Lapham(Favorite Author)

3.78 of 5 Votes: 5

ISBN

1616550325 (ISBN13: 9781616550325)

languge

English

genre

Horror

publisher

Dark Horse Books

series

The Strain

review 1: I started the novel version of this story but couldn't make it very far. Part of that was just my inability to find time and energy to read but some came from the dry nature of the book.However, my interest has been renewed with talk of the television show. When I saw that it was in graphic novel form, I was excited. I couldn't wait to read it. I was not disappointed. This version is full of energy and excitement. It's tough to introduce such a vast cast without confusing the reader but this worked. I found myself wanting to know what happens next. I'm completely ready for the next chapter and I can't wait to see what happens when it comes to the small screen.I'm even thinking of going back to the novel.This is a great revival of the vampire genre - no happy sparkl... moreing vampires here. The people don't even have to die to become a vampire. There are so many things I love about this story. In graphic novel form, I think it works even better. The art works well - it's bright but not completely crisp so it leaves you thinking. There were some images I didn't quite get but I like that it makes me ponder. I love it when a book gives you just enough to let your imagination take over.
review 2: Not usually a fan of vampires or horror, I picked up this book without knowing much about it--it was a review copy, after all. After finding out that Guillermo Del Toro was involved, I opted to give it a chance.This book does not hedge around the gruesome, bloody, or gothic, and at times I found myself flinching at the mess. The vampires are not pretty or sexy, the killings are gorey, and overall the novel gave me the creeps--not easily unsettled, I consider this a success. It's a different way of looking at vampires (a different kind of vampire, really) and it's refreshing. Rather than being lauded as mysterious, sexy creatures of the underworld who melt in and out of the shadows of society, the vampires in The Strain are near-brainless murderers, driven only by their thirst for blood and vampiric intuition (with a few exceptions, being the oldest--master--vampires). Nearly a cross between a vampire and a zombie epidemic, I think fans will rejoice in this twist on a classic tale.At times the characters hedge on tropes--a father willing to do "whatever it takes" to win his sons trust and a potentially juicy affair; males who depend on muscles and women who depend on smarts. Near the conclusion of this first novel there are hints of unexpected development, and future installments may prove to be very original. For this issue, I'm willing to forgive cliche as part of the genre. less

Download links for: The Strain Volume 1

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