You may have heard that the next AMERICAN VAMPIRE storyline is a World War II epic. The first issue of this sprawling, romantic, action-packed tale of heroism and horror has a variant cover by the talented young artist Sean Murphy (JOE THE BARBARIAN) that illustrates the massive scope of what’s to come.

Here's an exclusive first look at the variant cover by Sean Murphy for issue #13:

We are excited to announce that Sean is drawing an AMERICAN VAMPIRE mini-series that will coincide with this storyline to begin this Spring. Amazing, right? We’re thrilled.

Today is the day to reveal the winners of the AMERICAN VAMPIRE Volume 1 hardcover!

This was a tough contest that really encouraged a close reading of the first arc. Thanks to all for participating and congratulations to the winners! I hope you enjoy this magnificent hardcover with intro by Stephen King!

If you see your handle/name listed here, per the Official Rules, please email me your mailing address at Pamela.mullin@dccomics.com.

geeklantern
marksullivan5
theredspectacle
cjscampbell
amberliz

Keep reading!

Next month Mateus Santolouco takes on AMERICAN VAMPIRE. Today, I have a conversation with him and ongoing series artist Rafael Albuquerque. Let’s get right to it.

How long have you known each other?

RA: We met in 2006, when my studio got a big deal of comic production for a Middle Eastern company and I was looking for help. A common friend introduced us and we’ve been working since then.

MS: Yeah, that's pretty much it.
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Mateus, when did you start drawing and when did you know you wanted to work in comics? Tell us what it’s like to work on your first full issue of a U.S. comic book.

MS: As most professional artists I know I've always drawn. And I've always loved storytelling as well. So when I was a teenager I did some trash movies and comics’ fanzines. It all began there.
Actually American Vampire is not my first full issue for the U.S. Comics industry. I did several books for Boom! Studios just as a mini-series for Marvel. But I'm really pleased to be working on a Vertigo title for the first time. Especially cause I've been practicing :) and I like to believe I'm much better now.
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Rafael, what’s it like to see the characters you brought to life from issue #1 drawn by one of your studio-mates?

RA: Mateus has been my friend and co/worker for a long time, and Its really nice to see an artist that i admire working on characters I helped create. Especially after creating “Mondo Urbano” together at Oni, he has proven to be one of the these guys who can bring the right mood and understand storytelling like just a few do, so, when Mark approached me to discuss the guest artists for the book, that’s what we were looking for. Different and fresh new looks at our universe.
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Mateus, where did you draw your inspiration for the look of the characters from? Have you always been fan of vampires? What's your favorite thing about this new breed?

MS: Being Rafael's friend I am following the creation of this book from the very first sketches. Much of how the characters' look comes from his stuff. I did enjoy Vampires, but I can't say I was always a big fan. That Coppola movie with Gary Oldman... “Bram Stoker's Dracula,” is probably my favorite on this genre. The new breed is awesome but after Twilight I'm just happy to see some real and scary vampires for a change.

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Have you both been posting vampire images all over the studio?

RA: HA! Not really. I mean, we do have the references we work with but its more over our tables than in our walls. In my room i have an American Vampire poster, but that’s all.

MS: Not a single vampire image. Sorry.
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Which of you draws a scarier Skinner Sweet?

RA: I didn’t see Mateus's version in comic pages yet, but, based in a quick sketch he did, i wouldn’t mess with the guy.

MS: This was the only time I ever draw Skinner Sweet. So I guess it is too early to tell. But I wouldn't mess with me either. >:)
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Anything you'd like to add about working on this incredible series?

RA: Its been really fun to be in this ride. The writing is just amazing and I’m personally eager to see more collaborations with different artists, different visions what will help us to expand this awesome universe created by Scott.

MS: I think there are two things that make this a fresh book, and not just another Vampire story. First is the characters, you got to love the way they are being built till now. I mean, you can relate to them. And second is the overall look on the history of the United States. Scott is doing a great job capturing these moments and creating a rich background for the whole series.

Have you ever been absolutely terrified in a candy store?

I have.

I was driving back from a wedding in Massachusetts a few months ago when my girlfriend suddenly shouted, “Ohmygodstopthecarstopthecar!” I hit the breaks. “Did I hit something?” “No,” she said, “there’s a candy store over there with Skinner’s name on it.”

As you know, Skinner Sweet is the dastardly vampire at the heart of “American Vampire” by Scott Snyder, Rafael Albuquerque and Stephen King. Snyder created the character but it was King who gave him one of his creepiest attributes—he’s got a sweet tooth. So whenever you see Skinner he’s usually chomping on a candy cane, lollipop or cotton candy. Whatever candy is en vogue for the decade Skinner is un-living in, he’s usually got it clenched in his fangs.

So to see a store called “Skinner’s Sugar House” tucked back from the road under a gnarled tree, on a beautiful, sunny New England day kinda creeped me out. But we HAD to go inside.

It was an amazing little shop, been around since the 1880s (as old as Skinner Sweet himself!). All the candy was homemade and delicious. As I walked through rows and rows of sweets I couldn’t help but get freaked out. Not by the store. The store was great and the staff was wicked helpful (that’s how we say it up in Massachusetts). But I kept imagining Skinner behind me, whispering “boo” in my ear before he battened down on my neck.

That’s the thing about American Vampires, they walk in the sun, not even the sweetest little candy shop on a sunny afternoon is safe.

“We gotta get outta here,” I said.

We picked out some candies to bring back to the AV team and skedaddled. As I pulled out of the parking lot, and watched the sign get smaller and smaller in my rearview, I wondered: if I can find Skinner’s candy shop on an American back road, what else is out there? You never know, maybe my next post will be about a haberdashery called “Hattie’s” or a place that sells old movie posters called “Pearl’s Posters.” Maybe…