Planet of Vampires #2
Published and © by Atlas (Seaboard), April 1975
Title: “Quest for Blood!”
Synopsis: Astronaut Chris Galland and crew convince savage tribes of post-apocalyptic humans to unite against the “blood-sucking dome dwellers.”
Writer: John Albano
Penciler: Pat Broderick
Inker: Frank McLaughlin
Review: Two issues in and Planet of the Vampires still lacks a single iota of originality (see review of the series’ debut). And the scripting, this time by Jonah Hex co-creator John Albano, is often painful (e.g., “This punk’s blood is gonna be splashin’ like shook-up seltzer!”) But as a product of its time, PoV is surprisingly enjoyable. Gallant, longhaired heroes? Check. Jive-talkin’ soul brothers? Check. Mad science, brutish barbarians, and damsels in distress? Check to all that, too. Throw in decent art by Pat Broderick and Frank McLaughlin, and this one makes up with fun what it lacks in quality.
Grade: B
Cool factor: This is Atlas (Seaboard) at its screamingly ’70s best.
Not-so-cool factor: The cover has almost nothing to do with the story (i.e., Dracula does not appear inside!)
Character quotable: “The war seems to have left everyone touched with a little madness!” – Elissa, astronaut and damsel in distress
Editor’s note: This review was originally published by Comics Bronze Age on May 3, 2010.
