Orginally published at Fangoria.com on May 21, 2011
TRUE BLOOD: TAINTED LOVE #3 (IDW Publishing) is absolutely a knockout hit for comic book buffs! Something has gone horribly wrong with the manufactured vampire drink, Tru Blood. The poisoned liquid spikes up the vampire’s adrenaline uncontrollably, letting the bloodsuckers run on a rampage. The ensemble cast suddenly finds themselves with a whole new batch of problems!
Hopeless romantic Hoyt wanted to do something truly special for his vampire girlfriend, Jessica. He rented out Sam Merlotte’s bar and turned the entire place into a homemade prom. Everything at first was going perfectly according to Hoyt’s plan. When Jessica took a sip of Tru Blood, something unexpected happened and unleashed her wild side. Out of extreme rage, Jessica attacked Sookie Stackhouse and then fled before Bill could capture her. With an unquenchable thirst for blood, Jessica prowls through the night, hunting for innocent prey.
While Bill, Sam, and Jason are on hunt for Jessica, Sookie and Lafayette are searching for aid elsewhere. Tension continuously builds between Merlotte and Bill, who are both vying for the attention of Sookie. Matters become even more complicated when Eric Northman shows up into the picture. With no one else to turn to, Sookie believes Eric might be the only person who can help them. With Eric’s assistance, they might be able to find the antidote for the tainted Tru Blood drink.
At Eric’s nightclub, Fangtasia, the room is filled with vampires, who have all had a drink of Tru Blood. Eric has to kill all of his regular customers before they can lay their hands on Sookie. He has to drive wooden stakes into their chests and chop their heads off. During that slaughterhouse, Jessica has become a loose cannon and is using her powers in unexpected ways, which even surprise Bill himself.
Authors Marc Andreyko and Michael McMillian bring to life the characters created by novelist Charlaine Harris, then adapted by TV creator Alan Ball. Andreyko and McMillian certainly have a knack for sharp dialogue, which readers will surely enjoy. The writers are clearly having tremendous fun with their portrayal of the mischievous Eric. You never know whose side Eric is on—himself or Sookie’s? The transitions between the two subplots run smoothly and never out-stage each other.
The artwork by Stephen Molnar has a style all its own. The violence escalates in this issue and runs at full speed with the gory details. The action-packed bloodbath at Fangtasia is the major attraction in this issue. Molnar keeps a subtle amount of references to the facial expressions, hairstyles and clothing designs to the supporting players. The artist keeps the essence of the TV counterparts, while never replicating the show itself.
If you’re seeking a rush of entertainment, definitely sink your teeth into TRUE BLOOD #3! New readers will be able to jump into this miniseries, as well as regular followers. With an exciting cliffhanger established, you will undoubtedly be excited for the next issue.
