THE ACCURSED VAMPIRE

At the command of a cruel witch, a vampire child seeks a stolen grimoire of dangerous power in this graphic paranormal fantasy.

Long ago, Dragoslava, a White, hairless vampire, drank the blood of an old, White woman, a witch in disguise who promised to “rend [their] flesh and sinews to crawling worms” unless Dragoslava agreed to serve her. When the witch demands that Dragoslava hunt down her stolen grimoire and curse the thief, their only two friends, Quintus (a Black vampire prince) and Eztli (a presumed Nahuatl vampire with bird feet), want to help them. However, two unlikely allies, an adult vampire (depicted with pale skin) and her witch girlfriend (depicted with darker skin and curly hair), complicate the three young vampires’ feelings about their quest. In order to fulfill the witch’s task, Dragoslava may have to betray people who matter to them. Underneath the magical conflict, the characters encounter themes of abuse, prejudice, and belonging. Although the evil witch wields frightening power, the real harm she causes comes from manipulation and unkindness toward those who trust her. Her curses are not the only threat to Dragoslava and their friends. Another unexpected enemy hides hatred for vampires behind small-town niceness. Quirky art and characterizations balance the heavier aspects of the narrative. Queer representation within the story is prevalent and casual, and the satisfying resolution emphasizes the joy of chosen families.

A mischievous and treacherous adventure.