Baltimore Curse of the Bells # 1

America is under attack. Vampires are everywhere and their looking to steal our popular culture. First Twilight, then True Blood next was every television show the CW network and finally comic books. Since it seems like the crew from Buffy is a little bit preoccupied being stuck in the 90s the regular folks of the world need someone to protect us from Vampires and their blood sucking ways. That’s where Dark Horse Comics’ Baltimore comes in. Baltimore is a Mike Maginola creation (yes the Hellboy guy) and is just what the doctor ordered to take out the Edward Cullens of the world. This weeks new release “Baltimore: Curse of the Bells” issue 1 was my first interaction with Maginola’s character.

‘Curse of the Bells’ is the story of Lord Baltimore seeking revenge for the heinous deeds done to his family by the terrible vampire Haigus. The first few pages aptly set up the chase that Baltimore will go on throughout the issue in search of his nemesis. The book gives some great back-story on the world in which Baltimore lives, a post World War One Europe, and explains where all of these vampires came from. It was very easy to follow for a first time Baltimore reader like myself. But the book wasn’t only easy to follow, it was completely engulfing. Many times I found myself nervous to see what await Baltimore around the next corner and rooted very hard for him to catch his foe. The art is wonderful and very reminiscent of Hellboy, but that’s not a bad thing because nobody does the occult like Darkhorse Comics. As the issues progresses Baltimore’s character becomes more developed and he becomes even more a complete and total badass. Baltimore is to Vampire hunters what Skinner Sweet is to Vampires.

If your waiting around for the next issue of American Vampire and need something to hold you over you owe it to yourself to check out this book. Similarly if you’ve been looking to read quality comics that aren’t so super hero laden then Baltimore will be right up your alley. Its not as comedic as some books and has a more dry sense of humor, so if you read comics for those oh so great Peter Parker one liners than Baltimore isn’t for you, but that doesn’t make it any less good. A sparkling 7.5 out 10 with room to improve as more Baltimore issues come out.

Review By: Alex Ralston