Graphic Novel Review: SUPERMAN & BATMAN VS. VAMPIRES & WEREWOLVES

I've tried to stay away from most of the DC titles but this one had vampires and werewolves so it peeked my curiosity just a little. At least it had something I would be remarkably interested in. Having read both characters through various titles - Superman and Batman, when I was younger, I didn't have much hope for this series - Superman & Batman Vs. Vampires & Werewolves , which seems only to exist to join the bandwagon of popular horror comics.

Written by Kevin Vanhook with artwork by Tom Mandrake Superman and Batman (with a who's who of DC Universe help) must rid Gotham City of the infestation of vampires and werewolves. It's not that the story isn't interesting it's just that it isn't something I haven't already read before. The story is very familiar as most of the Superman/Batman team-ups (even though I've not read one is in long while the story seems very dated) are. Superman and Batman get together, argue about methods on how to deal with the problem, team-up with other superheroes for help, and then defeat the evil. It's the same story I've read a thousand times. Just add a vampire and werewolf twist and stir. I'm not too impressed.

What I did like about the series is Mandrake's artwork. The man was meant to draw Batman and Superman, more so the Caped Crusader. His artwork perfectly complements the dark material and it looks and feels as though he's at home drawing the character (I would love to see if he's drawn the character in a previous series).

Overall, there's nothing really special about this series for old school fans of these two characters but for those who don't read either and just like horror than there's a lot to be said for DC trying to broaden the appeal of their most iconic characters and for that, I guess, is as good a reason as any to take a look at this book. On a final note, despite the lack of extras, the book does have an intro by iconic film director John Landis, who directed An American Werewolf in London.