Review of Vatican City by Mark Millar and Per Berg
As I sat down with Vatican City, a comic series that plunges us into a chilling vampire apocalypse, I couldn’t help but marvel at how deeply intriguing the juxtaposition of such a revered and sacred place with horror truly is. Mark Millar and Per Berg have crafted something that isn’t just a tale of survival; it’s a reflection of humanity, faith, and the primal instinct to persevere against overwhelming odds.
The premise captivated me immediately: Vatican City, a sanctuary amid a world ravaged by vampires, serves as the last bastion for the remaining two thousand humans—a motley crew of tourists hiding behind its sacred walls. There’s a palpable tension that runs throughout this series; the historical weight of the Vatican becomes almost a character in its own right, sheltering its inhabitants from the relentless night outside, while the vampires, with their bloodlust and numbers, represent the chaos that has drowned the world.
The series has a beautiful, unsettling pace, drawing you in with evocative panels that feel both grand and claustrophobic at the same time. Per Berg’s artwork merges exquisite detail with a gritty realism, making the horror tangible. Watching the remaining humans navigate their fear and despair while clinging to hope taps into a primal part of the reader’s psyche. The characters, while largely archetypal, possess depth—each with their own motivations and fears, making their struggle relatable and poignant.
Moreover, Millar’s writing stands out for its ability to blend sharp dialogue with incisive commentary on society and spirituality. Lines like, “In a world that has turned its back on the light, we must seek sanctuary in the shadows,” linger in the mind long after reading. These themes resonate with anyone who has ever grappled with despair and sought solace in their beliefs, however fragile they may be.
I’d be remiss not to mention the existential dread that pervades the story—how long can they truly hold out? The vampires, patient and calculating, serve as a metaphor for the threats lurking in our own lives, waiting for us to let our guards down. This undercurrent of psychological horror elevates Vatican City beyond mere spectacle; it examines the very essence of what it means to be human in the face of monstrous adversity.
Vatican City is undoubtedly for mature audiences, weaving complex narratives that may not sit well with all. However, for those who enjoy horror that provokes thought, offers depth, and doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of existence, I wholeheartedly recommend this series.
In conclusion, if you’re fascinated by tales where faith battles against despair, where survival meets the supernatural, then Vatican City deserves a spot on your reading list. Engaging, haunting, and beautifully illustrated, this comic isn’t just a reading experience—it’s an exploration of fear, hope, and the enduring spirit of humanity.
I can’t wait to see where Millar and Berg take us next. Who knows? Maybe even the spires of Vatican City will rise to meet the dawn once more.
You can find Vatican City here >>