Vampire Game, Volume 7

One arc ends and another begins in the seventh volume of "Vampire Game," which also introduces some startling new facts about the characters. Judal's art has gotten a little rough around the edges, but her knack for humor and taut vampiric storylines is still in top form. The secret of Illsaide's birth is revealed -- not only is he half-monster, but he's Jened's own son (and in love with his half-sister, yeech). But as Jened reveals his plan for Pheliosta, Illsaide turns on his father. When Jened flees seeking revenge on his traitorous son, a shocking killing leaves the battle with no victors at all. As Ci Xeneth settles down, Ishtar receives the news that her Aunt Sonia is deathly ill -- only to discover Sir Keld tricked her. Her cousin Yuujel is nowhere to be found (although his past amours are everywhere), but his ex-girlfriend Leene (his best pal's wife) is very much there -- and determined to off Ishtar so that she can't marry Yuujel. Volume Seven is a pretty packed little manga. One story arc concludes, there are some gory deaths, and another arc begins as Ishtar goes off to meet yet another branch of her family. But there's a twist in this branch of the family, as well as another vampiric presence that is playing with puppets. Judal does stumble a little with the end of the Ci Xeneth arc -- everything wraps up just a little too quickly. Fortunately the new arc seems to be proceeding nicely, and Judal reverts to her previous art form -- lots of beautiful men, baubles and palace finery. Not to mention hilarious dialogue ("There are other people out there who care about you! And my guess is that only a few of them are cross-dressing kittens"). Judal also reveals some new information about the characters, especially some rather shocking info about Sir Keld's motives, and the mysterious past of Yuujin. It's obvious who he is, but interesting anyway. And fans of Duzell will be delighted that he now has enough power to shapeshift into his true form -- but Ishtar treats him just the same. Fans of "Vampire Game" will want to have the eighth volume on hand, to find out what happens after the action-packed seventh volume. A solid entry.

In this volume Duzie gains the ability to turn into his old self and the arc of Zi Alda starts! Judal's amazing, I hope they publish her other works!