Storm King Comics is set to unveil an electrifying new addition to the horror genre this fall with Blood of the Taken, a graphic novel that reimagines the vampire narrative. This highly anticipated debut by writer and illustrator Sian Mandrake introduces readers to Theo, a 500-year-old vampire with a maternal instinct and a haunting past.

Theo, having lost her brood, prowls a small town in Western Massachusetts in search of new members for her ghastly family. Her sights are set on lifelong friends Ed and Liam, who soon find themselves ensnared in her deadly web. As they struggle to escape, they discover that Theo’s intentions are far more complex than mere companionship.

Mandrake’s storytelling shines through with a stunning visual style that captivates readers from the first page. Blood of the Taken promises to be a bold and innovative contribution to vampire lore, blending horror and emotional depth in a way that’s rarely seen.

Sandy King, founder and editor of Storm King Comics, expressed enthusiasm about Mandrake’s work: “The moment I discovered the work Sian had been doing on their own to create a crowdfunded version of this story, I knew that Storm King was the perfect place for this exquisite, fun and no-holds-barred approach. Sian has done nothing less than breathe new life into a classic horror tale, and I can’t wait for the world to see this gorgeous and captivating book.”

Blood of the Taken, featuring lettering by Janice Chiang, will be available starting September 18 directly from Storm King Comics and at major retailers from October 1. This graphic novel marks a significant milestone in Mandrake’s career, following in the artistic footsteps of their parents, Tom Mandrake and Jan Duursema.

The release of Blood of the Taken is part of an impressive lineup for Storm King Comics, which also includes new works by Steve Niles, Cullen Bunn, Heath Amodio, Amanda Deibert, Cat Staggs, and more. These titles will be showcased at the Storm King Comics booth at San Diego Comic-Con this July.

 

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