The word vampire evokes an image of a shrouded figure in the dark, stalking the night for prey. What if there were vampires who never gave in to their primal urge and co-habited with people? In The All-Nighter, a diner is run by vampires who don't want to give into bloodlust. They want to live a normal life alongside humans. However, one night of heroic escapades turns their lives upside down. From the same Eisner award-winning team that gave readers Afterlift comes another Comixology Originals that explores a world where vampires are real. And now they're being hunted by a mysterious shadow organization, The Takers.
The All-Nighter is run by four vampires and only operates at night. Other than that, there is nothing unique about the diner, so its patrons don't suspect otherwise. The comic's first issue depicts the lives of the vampires living a mundane existence. Since the murder of their friend Charlie, the group has been on their toes to avoid making the same mistakes that their friend did. But when Alex starts venturing into the night, hunting for miscreants and engaging in vigilantism, it piques the neighborhood's interest. However, there are repercussions to his actions that we see play out in the second issue, which introduces a mysterious character named Frankenstein who arrives with a warning for the group.
Chip Zdarsky presents a story filled with thrills, intrigue, and introspection. On the surface, the narrative appears to be a mash-up of the caped superhero and vampire genres. On a deeper level, it is an all-encompassing deconstruction of both. The All Nighter is packed with superhero references from the Big Two publishers, making the book a pleasant read. We don't fully know the characters' backstories. Zdarsky uses subtle nods in conversations and meticulously plotted flashbacks to depict his characters. Even after two issues, much of their history remains shrouded in mystery, which keeps the allure of the plot alive.
Artist Jason Loo is a master at illustrating cityscapes. Loo captures every brick and pavement in minute detail. His art complements Zdarksy's script, placing the characters front and center of the action. Loo uses minimal hatchings to create emotive facial expressions and clear action scenes. Colorist Paris Alleyne gives the comic book a purplish matte look. Aditya Bidikar's lettering also helps readers immerse themselves in the world of The All-Nighter.
The All-Nighter #1-2 is like a mixed bag of various tropes -- mysterious protagonists, a shadow organization, heroic adventures, and emotional reconciliations. However, they all combine to make a complex plot with grounded characters. Its opening chapters are steady, building a solid framework of the world. An intriguing and enthralling read from the first page to the last, The All-Nighter #1-2 will make you long for the release of the next issue.
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