Comics and Graphic Novels From the House Of Buffy: Spike Vs. Dracula

Are you a devoted Whedonite? Do you love all things Buffy, everything related to the Buffyverse, and by correlation, all things Angelic? If you are, and do, then you almost certainly have a favourite character, one who makes your heart beat just a little faster than all the rest. Which is it? Xander? The Host? Drusilla? If you’re like many of us, then the baddest, hottest, naughtiest vamp in the entire Buffyverse just has to be Spike – or William the Bloody. (Or William the winsome, slightly wet nineteenth century poet, for that matter).

If you are indeed a Spike acolyte, then the existence of a graphic novel dedicated to and all about the wonder and glory that is Spike will be great news indeed. So what is Spike Vs. Dracula all about? It is a graphic novel that focuses on the relationship between our own well-loved peroxide vampire, and the legendary vamp that is Count Dracula. Published by IDW Publishing, it is written by Peter David and drawn by Joe Corroney amongst others.

The relationship between Spike and Dracula begins when the well-documented cursing of Angelus by the gypsy Kalderash tribe occurs. (Resulting from his killing a well-loved daughter of the tribe – pretty much asking for it there, Angelus!) In vengeance for the loss of their father figure, Spike, Drusilla and Darla have run rampage through the Kalderash clan, killing many – including one old woman who turns out to be a favourite and pet of Dracula himself. Possibly not a good move!

This sets the scene for confrontation after confrontation between Dracula and our Spikey, and sometimes Darla and Drusilla too. Over decades they pursue, harass and attack each other: in the nineteenth century, in 30s America, during the 1939-1945 war, in romantic 50s Italy right up to the present day. Dracula initially attacks Spike by charming and luring Drusilla and Darla away, intending it to end in their death… but will our Spike allow that? I think probably not!

Their enmity takes many twists and turns, even being put on hold at times when they have a common aim in view e.g. protecting their loved ones. But eventually the final showdown must come…

Different artists worked on the various comicbooks that make up this collected version in graphic novel form. This leads to a slight jarring in the transfer between one and another, particularly in the final comicbook set in Wolfram & Hart’s LA offices. But overall the graphic rendition of so many characters who are so dear to the hearts of so many, is pleasing and makes it easy to become absorbed into the tale.

Love Spike? Love comicbooks? Then ‘Spike Vs. Dracula’ is an unmissable addition to your bookshelves. Go out and get yourself a copy today!