The second issue for House of Night heralds continued pressure for fledgling misfit Zoey Redbird.

The vampyres of this world attend a boarding school called the House of Night and here they receive training and guidance not unlike those at a mortal school. However, newcomers to the series, regardless of age, will recognize the historic references scattered throughout the pages.

Based on a novel written by mother and daughter team P.C and Kristin Cast, this is a new comic series where puberty for some select teenagers will lead not only to odd skin and hormone changes, but adopting new vampire powers as well. With art by Joelle Jones and Joshua Covey, House of Night is drawn beautifully, with each page filling out the story wonderfully. Available here to order at Dark Horse Comics and on store shelves near you.

The cover was done by Jenny Frison, with lettering by Nate Piekos of Blambot and annoyingly authentic teenage conversations scripted by Kent Dalian. The conversations and tone in this comic will ring true to anyone within close proximity to a teenager. The series continues to deal with the drama of growing up as well as the harsh reality of not fitting into your own life.

From the first issue readers will know Nyx, the Vampyre Goddess, has given Zoey the task of learning 5 lessons of leadership with which each associated lesson correlates with a basic element. In issue two Zoey exhibits more confidence in her actions, no longer hiding behind a hooded sweatshirt like an outcast. She displays her ceremonial markings proudly and doesn’t appear concerned with the stir that it might still cause.

Zoey’s main concern is how she will lead the Dark Daughters, a student group that functions as a fledgling support group. The history of the Dark Daughters is revealed within this second issue, so readers from the first issue will have a more clear idea of just how their society functions. Whereas the first issue was rather light-hearted in many respects, this second issue is filled with dark themes and eventual rebirths.

Zoey’s arch nemesis, Aphrodite, is the former leader of the Dark Daughters. Her personality shows the archetype image of the female bully with emotional baggage. For the most part she has belittled, embarrassed, and bullied classmates she believed to be lesser than her. While her story will soon unfold, it is likely that she has a bigger part to play than just the mere bully of an international finishing school.

The newness of the series will make for surprising twists and turns while hopefully avoiding the pitfalls of vampire fantasy. These are all young people in the story, but the themes set deep into the plot are classic storytelling tools that guide a reader along on a journey that often mirrors life. The start of a new comic series, especially when the source material is a novel, should make for a very engaging storyline. So far, this has rung true, with the plot moving along at the proper moments.

This comic is hugely entertaining and gives a visual representation of characters from a long standing novel series, which should do well with fans and new readers alike. It is likely that fans will wait to see their favorite storyline moments unfolding while new readers of the comic will go to the novels for further reading. Pre-orders are also available for the next two issues through Dark Horse as well.

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About the author

Calvin Li
Calvin is currently a Politics and Entertainment writer, as well as the Assistant Gaming Editor for Toonari Post. He holds a Master's Degree in History and a Bachelor's degree in Marketing. A Native New Yorker, he enjoys speed reading and eating, as well as exploring, snowboarding and bowling.

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