The Strain, Vol. 2
Story by Guillermo Del Toro and Chuck Hogan
Script by David Lapham
Illustrated by Mike Huddleston
Colored by Dan Jackson
Lettered by Clem Robins
Covers and Chapter Art by E. M. Gist
Dark Horse Comics
Release Date: June 05, 2013
Cover Price: $19.99

Adapted from the novel by Guillermo Del Toro and Chuck Hogan, volume two of the comic series The Strain has just been released by Dark Horse. Written by David Lapham, with art from Mike Huddleston and color by Dan Jackson, this action-packed thriller has really picked up the pace and shed some new light into the mystery of the vampire plague. Read on to find out my thoughts!

Dr. Ephraim Goodweather is on the run and wanted for murder. He and his partner Nora have teamed with the aging Jewish vampire hunter, Abraham Setrakian, to get the truth out about the vampire Sardu and human cohort Eldritch Palmer’s devious plans for world domination. Setrakian knows all about the vampire catastrophe hitting New York, as he has a long history with Sardu dating back to his time in a concentration camp; and for certain reasons, Setrakian feels it is his fault for ushering in the oncoming apocalypse. It’s a race against time as a disease is spreading through the five boroughs of New York City and other players are beginning to make themselves known, including other original vampires called The Ancients.

There’s a lot going on in this volume. Lapham has really picked up the momentum. He introduces us to some unique new characters, the story progresses with the strain hitting hard, some great character beats provide for heartfelt moments and a couple of huge reveals offer more insight into what’s in store. Lapham has done a wonderful job in building up a sense of impending doom.

Huddleston and Jackson are a great duo when it comes to illustration and colors. I’ve got to say that they’ve created the vilest, most revolting looking vampires I’ve ever seen. Every time their massive spike-tipped tongues come protruding from their mouths, my face shrivels with disgust. They’ve done a wonderful job at showing the grandeur of NYC while simultaneously making it seem like the scariest place around. The fear facet is enhanced with repeated masses of dark shadows and various shades of blue touched with black.

The suspense runs high in The Strain, Vol. 2. I was left guessing through each individual issue and shocked at some of the events that took place. If you liked the first volume, don’t hesitate with this one. If you haven’t read the first volume yet, get on it before it’s too late!