DC vs. Vampires: World War V #2: Vampires, Humans, & A New God? Oh My!

DC vs. Vampires: World War V #2 finds the Earth teetering on the brink of war following the events of the cliffhanger of the first issue, as Damian sent Hush to kill The Queen Of The Vampires, Barbara Gordon.

The opening finds Lois Lane, John Henry, and Deadshot meeting the vampire Aquaman on the banks of the Hudson River to discuss the vampire / human relations with Aquaman the vampire. This exchange is well-written as it recaps the important parts of the story so far and sets the stage for the issue and the rest of the story in a mere three pages. Rosenburg works in some mild humor into the mix as Arthur tells Lois that with the death of Queen Barbara there now exists a power struggle in the vampire community which has yet to fully be seen but teased in the later parts of the issue. Rosenburg also shows that Aquaman’s request of Lois could potentially tear the remaining non-vampire coalition apart since he asks that they kill Daimian, which Tailia, who is part of the human camp would never allow. The cracks in the human coalition are given voice by Black Canary, who sees the turmoil in the vampire rulers as an opportunity to take back the Earth. The art and color work set a perfect mood for the events taking place at this part of the issue.

The scene shifts to Green Arrow’s team of Zealot, Killer Croc, Wildcat, and Swamp Thing as they are about to destroy Dakota City, a known vampire city.  The mission changes as Swamp Thing tells them that they should not blow up their target, as he senses the Green coming from the building. The team break into the facility, finding that food is being grown.  Wild Cat asks the obvious question: Why are vampires growing food they can’t eat? This portion of the story builds a new mystery to explore going forward, adding another layer to the story and overall mystery. This sequence flows nicely across the panels in both the action and exposition shots. There are a few instances where Swamp Thing’s features are difficult to see, as Schmidts art and Casolino’s colors get a bit mixed up, for some personal tastes.

The next scene shows Constantine asleep and confronted by Jason Blood, who is now a vampire visiting John. The sequence is brief and seems to be alluding that Jason/Etigran has done something to Constantine. The scene ends with Mary Marvel running into the room asking if John is okay. The last panel is a bit awkward as Mary is a weird pose and facial expression.

Next up is a return who rescued the baby and is about to have a autopsy performed on him, as he wakes up before the first cut. Of the two big moments in the issue this is the first as a certain New God reveals himself to be the father of the baby. It’s an intense moment but the reveal was worth it.

Finally, the scene cuts to Alfred and Talia, as the later is drinking heavily as Alfred returns and revels that the vampires have requested the humans turn over Damian in order to preserve the peace agreement. The tête-à-tête between the two is intense yet touched with a bit of humor, as Alfred refuses to back down or give any ground to Talia. Their conversation is interrupted when Vampire Wonder Woman breaks in, and after a fight with Talia goes after Alfred leading to fist-pumping cliffhanger page.

Rosenburg continues to move the story along through these short sections of the issue, providing a large view of the DCU on this Earth.