Dracula: An Interview with Matt Wagner & Kelley Jones

'The Tomb of Dracula' is a horror comic book series that revolutionized the portrayal of vampires in mainstream comics. Marv Wolfman and Gene Colan introduced a complex, tragic Dracula, and the series blended gothic horror with superhero action, influencing countless writers and artists. The introduction of Blade, the vampire hunter, added a dynamic element to the storyline, setting the stage for his own successful franchise. The dark, atmospheric art by Gene Colan perfectly complemented Wolfman's narrative, creating a unique and haunting atmosphere. The series explored themes of good versus evil, the lure of darkness, and the burden of immortality.

'Let the Right One In' is a Swedish vampire novel that tells the story of Oskar, a bullied twelve-year-old boy, who befriends Eli, a mysterious child vampire, in a Stockholm suburb. As their bond deepens, Oskar becomes entangled in Eli's violent world, grappling with moral dilemmas and the dark realities of her existence. The novel explores themes of loneliness, alienation, and the search for connection in a bleak, unforgiving world. Lindqvist masterfully blends horror with poignant character studies, creating a haunting and unforgettable tale of friendship and survival. The stark, snow-covered setting amplifies the sense of isolation and underscores the characters' desperate need for companionship.

The novel tells the story of Count Dracula, a vampire who moves from Transylvania to England to spread terror and create more vampires. The story begins with Jonathan Harker, an English solicitor, who travels to Transylvania to finalize the sale of a property to Count Dracula. Upon discovering Dracula's true nature, Harker barely escapes with his life. Dracula then travels to England, where he targets Harker's fiancée, Mina, and her friend Lucy. A group of characters, including Professor Van Helsing, Dr. John Seward, and Quincey Morris, band together to hunt down and destroy Dracula. The novel explores themes of good vs. evil, modernity vs. tradition, and the fears and anxieties of the Victorian era, including immigration, sexual desire, and the role of women in society.