Carmilla: The First Vampire is an important piece horror fiction that brings some much-needed eyes on the original story while also providing a good alternative to adaptations. It modernizes an important (but still undervalued at a popular level) gothic vampire story without sacrificing its original identity while also making sure it's also capable of claiming a level of originality that helps it exist on its own merit. Amy Chu and Soo Lee have created a brave new vampire book that I hope leads to future collaborations.

Creepshow #1 makes a strong case for it being a worthy successor to the original movie, the recent Shudder series, and the King and Wrightson graphic novel adaptation. It has its influences in place, but it isn't hindered by them. The stories feel like EC style versions of modern horror and it helps keep the comic balanced quite well between legacy and inventiveness. It's fun, disturbing, and indulgent and it more than earns your eyes on its pages, regardless of whether they're attached to your head or not.

The RQK saga is approaching what seems to be the most terrifying part of the story. The anticipation for what's to come has a way of sneaking up on the reader in this fairly quiet but still unnerving issue. So far, That Texas Blood has given its own spin on the slasher genre in this third arc, explored cult violence with a fair amount of Kolchak: The Night Stalker in its second story arc, and channeled the Coen Brothers at their most brutal in their opening arc. The only reason I have for wanting this latest chapter to end is to see what other horrors Condon and Phillips will dig up next for the people of Ambrose County and its tough as nails sheriff.

Blood Stained Teeth #1 is another great vampire comic in what can be argued as a new golden age of vampire comics. It holds its own alongside books like Killadelphia, Out, and Redneck. Ward and Reynolds are out to tinker with old traditions, to mess around with formulas and come up with new configurations. The creative team behind Blood Stained Teeth is quite simply dead set on tapping into veins that are bursting with fresh plasma, and they're not afraid to leave a dark and bloody mess behind.

I Hate This Place #1 is a strong start that knows the value of keeping some secrets locked up for future issues. It establishes a sense of place and character that makes it hard not to care for the story. Gore and blood abound but more as a promise of things to come. One thing is for sure as far as this first issue is concerned, you'll love hating the place Gabby and Trudy find themselves in, and you'll want more of it sooner rather than later.