Vrykolakas, loosely translated is Greek for the undead. According to folklore they are vampire-type creatures and share some mythological similarities with both the vampire and the lycanthrope. However, it isn’t so much that they are monstrous, it is in the manner of their death that makes them abominations – but perhaps not irredeemable.
You may not think so from the beginning of Alex Dementia’s foray into the comic genre. “Vrykolakas: The Unholy†begins with men being taken out in the most fearful way possible – they never see it coming until it’s too late. Still the mystery is why these men and why did the killer (or perhaps mercenary) leave anyone alive? Dementia is no slouch in the writing department as he uses allusions to canonical literary work to propel the storyline. There’s also the references to Gypsies and some sort of sect or religious order. Just who are these people and what does it have to do with the mythology of Greek vampires?
The artwork of Isaac Carey Nejako adds to the uncertainty of the purpose of the protagonist and the other players in this tale. His illustrations are reminiscent of Robert Crumb – somewhat crude, yet revealing of the psyche of the characters. There is definitely an attempt to subvert the status quo of storytelling and Nejako’s art successfully does this.
What is most appealing about this comic is that although you see everything that’s going on there’s still something beneath the surface. In other words all that is drawn is not what it appears to be.
This 23 page work is constantly forcing you to query what this all is supposed to mean. You may think that the vampire motif has become overexposed, but this reinterpretation breathes new life into what seems today to be nothing more than teen-orientated, melodrama. Whatever the purpose you’ll be sure to seek out the next installment of this comic.
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