Iconic Batman Creators Unite To Continue Dracula's Story

Two of the best to ever work on the Dark Knight are coming together to continue the story of Dracula.

Two legendary Batman creators are uniting to bring fans the continuation of the legend of Dracula, and ScreenRant is bringing fans a first look. One of the most revered novels of all time, Dracula has been adapted countless times to film, television, stage and comics. Dracula author Bram Stoker created something special when the book was published in 1897. Now, two of Batman’s best creators, Matt Wagner and Kelley Jones, are coming together to continue their Dracula saga.

Kelley Jones is one of the most distinctive artists to ever work on The Dark Knight. After years of illustrating covers for the line, Jones took over as regular Batman artist in 1995. Working with veteran Batman writer Doug Moench, Jones helped craft some of The Caped Crusader's best stories of that decade. Jones’ collaborator on Dracula is Matt Wagner, who has also worked on several Batman-related projects, but is best known for creator-owned books such as Mage and Grendel.

The pair joined forces a few years ago to tell the definitive story of Dracula, spread over a handful of volumes. So far, three have appeared. Beginning as a Kickstarter project, the first three are now available in trade from Dark Horse Comics. These books have been a hit with fans, setting Kickstarter records. Wagner and Jones’ Dracula has also drawn acclaim from creators such as Absolute Batman scribe Scott Snyder. Now, the duo are returning from the crypt with volume four of their take on Dracula.

Kelley Jones and Matt Wagner Go From Gotham to England in Dracula Book IV: The Undead

Fans Can Snag Some Awesome Rewards, Including a Black Light Poster

A Kickstarter campaign has been launched for Dracula Book IV: The Undead, continuing Jones and Wagner’s epic streak with the vampire lord. For this volume, the pair are joined by colorist Jose Villiarrubia and letterer Rob Leigh. A synopsis for the book reads as follows:

Bram Stoker’s classic 1897 book is one of the most revered icons of the horror genre, and throughout the first three volumes of their smash hit series, Wagner and Jones have stayed true to Stoker’s original canon while also providing an all-new and terrifying look at Dracula’s history and his nefarious actions that take place just off-stage in the novel’s chain of events. But, curiously…the novel’s climax has always left many fans with an unsettled feeling—as if perhaps the infamous vampire lord wasn’t actually destroyed by his enemies…

In addition, ScreenRant is pleased to showcase the covers for Dracula: Book IV, as well as debut an exclusive first look at the black light poster that will be available to fans as a reward.

Fans have debated Dracula’s conclusion since the book first saw print, and this ambiguity has helped make him into a pop culture icon. Dracula Book IV scribe Matt Wagner noted that none of the book’s protagonists used Doctor Van Helsing’s methods for killing a vampire. Of this, Wagner went on to say:

And yet, in the exciting climax of the story, the British heroes don’t really use those prescribed methods to attack their foe. That discrepancy, combined with the fact that the sun is just about to set and thus restore Dracula to the full extent of his vampiric powers has provided us with the perfect opportunity to explore beyond the events of the original novel.

Wagner and Jones are using the book’s “open to interpretation” ending to tell their own Dracula story. Both creators are excited to bring their vision for Dracula back to the fans, with Jones saying:

Matt has come up with an amazing continuation of Dracula’s story that doesn’t just repeat the tropes of Stoker’s novel. Collectively, I feel this series is something of a crowning achievement to my career. I’ve never felt more proud of a final product as when each volume of our DRACULA series arrives in my hands from the printer.

Jones also said Dracula: Book IV was the “most evil” of the set.

There Are No Two Creators Better Suited to Tackle Dracula Than Matt Wagner and Kelley Jones

Wagner and Jones are well suited to create one of the definitive editions of Dracula. Their experiences working on Batman, another creature of the night, have served them well on the series. Jones’ moody and atmospheric art on Batman in the 1990s ranks as some of the best of the decade, and he stands alongside other greats such as Norm Breyfogle. While Wagner may not be instantly associated with Batman, he too has written some fantastic stories involving The Dark Knight, such as Batman and The Monster Men.

129 years after he debuted, Dracula continues to hold sway over the public. New films and other adaptations continue to be made, as are new comics. Some of these Dracula books are good, others not. Yet Matt Wagner and Kelley Jones are channeling their time on Batman into the Lord of Vampires, creating a continuation that is challenging and bold, proving there is plenty of spark left in the character.