The Strain on TNT was my first introduction to its world. I had never read one comic, nor knew anything about it except that it looked different from the usual soft vampire stories we get on television. I didn’t have the comics to base my judgments on but it became one of my favorite shows. The Strain’s additions to the vampire mythology were fantastic, bringing some much-needed darkness back. When Mister Quinlan was introduced, he quickly became one of my characters. I was quite excited when I stumbled upon the tackling of his origin in The Strain: Mister Quinlan, Vampire Hunter #1.

Mister Quinlan has sought out The Master’s death for centuries, all the way back to Rome. Caligula, The Mad Emperor, reigned and a slave boy by the name of Thrax, stood by his side. But, this was no ordinary slave, this was The Master. The Emperor would feed him seven virgins each week, giving Thrax all the nutrition a growing vampire needed. Somehow, a pregnant woman had gotten thrown in the mix. But after being bitten, Thrax was called away, stopped before he could finish her off. Now infused with the vampire pathogen, the mother was able to overpower the guards and escape.

I didn’t know what to expect my first time experiencing The Strain in comic book form. I wasn’t disappointed. David Lapham’s writing is excellent, sharp as a vampire stake. The art is gorgeous; the death is brimming with life. Keith Champagne, Edgar Salazar, and Dan Jackson put together the best looking comic I’ve read since Tristan Jones in Aliens Defiance.

SUMMARY

The Strain: Mister Quinlan, Vampire Hunter #1 was a fantastic first issue. It had tons more action than I expected and gave us a brief glimpse into who and what made Mister Quinlan. If you’re a fan of The Strain, Blade or vampires in general this is worth your time. I’m glad Del Toro decided to bring Mister Quinlan’s story to the forefront.

Release Date:9/14/16

Writer: David Lapham

Artist: Edgar Salazar