Genre: Gothic Horror | Writer: Pat Shand | Artist: Tony Brescini | Release Date: 2014
Publisher: Zenescope Entertainment:
Collects issues 1-4 and follows Liesel Van Helsing who receives a mysterious journal from her father, leading her to Europe on a dangerous quest—unaware she's being manipulated by Abraham Van Helsing’s most fearsome enemy.
Writing
Helsing: The Darkness and the Light follows the tried-and-true vampire-hunting formula but manages to deliver its story with enough flair and momentum to keep things engaging. The narrative centers on Liesel Van Helsing, daughter of the legendary Abraham Van Helsing, who receives her father’s journal and begins a quest that leads her straight into the shadows cast by Dracula himself. While the core premise—hunter versus vampire overlord—isn’t revolutionary, the execution is filled with enough pulp horror charm, character chemistry, and sleek world-building to make it stand out.
Liesel is more than just eye candy in a steampunk corset—she’s written with charisma, resolve, and intelligence. Her motivations are well-anchored in the legacy of her father and the trauma her family suffered at Dracula’s hands. The diary not only serves as a plot device but also lends emotional depth, providing backstory without excessive exposition. The interactions with her allies—Jonathan Harker, Mina, and Hades—are some of the book’s highlights. Harker, far from a useless sidekick, gets some strong moments, while Hades adds a layer of sexual tension and mystique.
However, the story’s climax is a bit underwhelming. The build-up to Dracula, arguably the most iconic vampire in fiction, promises a large-scale showdown, but what unfolds feels more restrained than expected. Dracula’s presence is ominous but underdeveloped, with limited dialogue or manipulation—something that could’ve elevated the narrative tension significantly. Still, writer Pat Shand keeps the pacing brisk, and the tone balanced, injecting humor and horror where needed. While some lines are cheesy, they suit the comic’s pulpy aesthetic. A deeper dive into the relationships—especially between Liesel and her enemies—would’ve made for an even stronger arc.
Pat Shand is the writer behind Helsing: The Darkness and the Light, known for his work in the horror and fantasy genres. His writing in this series is characterized by sharp dialogue, rich world-building, and a focus on character-driven narratives. Shand crafts a dark and immersive atmosphere, blending action with moments of emotional depth and suspense. His handling of Liesel Van Helsing’s journey is compelling, highlighting both her internal struggle and external challenges. The pacing of the story allows for gradual development, with well-timed twists and turns that keep readers engaged. Shand’s strength lies in creating relatable characters within a fantastical setting, making the supernatural elements feel grounded and impactful.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Art Style
Visually, Helsing: The Darkness and the Light is a treat for fans of stylized, high-gloss horror. Tony Brescini’s artwork and Fran Gamboa’s color palette come together in a bold, steampunk-infused aesthetic that perfectly matches the tone of the story. Liesel’s design is unapologetically sensual and flashy—something Zenescope is known for—but it also captures her dual nature as both monster-slayer and gothic adventurer. The corsets, goggles, and leather gear scream pulp hero, and while tactical realism is thrown out the window, the look is undeniably cool.
The panels are clean and well-structured, never feeling cluttered despite the story’s fast pace. The action sequences are crisp and easy to follow, particularly in vampire fights. There’s a fluidity to Liesel’s combat scenes that makes her prowess believable—even if the vampires don’t come across as especially threatening. Brescini’s line work gives each character a distinct visual identity. Harker is grounded and expressive, Mina carries an ethereal quality, and Hades is every bit the brooding heartthrob.
The gothic horror atmosphere is complemented by rich, moody coloring. Gamboa’s work uses strong contrasts—deep blues, eerie purples, and blood reds—to frame the more supernatural elements. Lighting effects also help elevate dramatic moments, especially scenes with Dracula and the darker vampire haunts. One criticism might be that the art is almost too glossy, leaving little room for grit or raw fear, which would have helped intensify the horror themes. Still, as a visual package, the comic nails its goal: seductive, stylish horror with superhero flair.
Rating: 4 out of 5
The Verdict
In the end, Helsing: The Darkness and the Light delivers fun, stylized vampire-slaying with a charismatic heroine and sleek artwork. While the plot sticks closely to genre norms, it’s told with energy and style, aided by a solid supporting cast and well-paced writing. The climax could’ve had more bite, and Dracula feels underused, but overall, it’s a satisfying entry in Zenescope’s monster-hunting canon. Fans of steampunk, horror, and sexy gothic action will find plenty to enjoy. Helsing: The Darkness and the Light earns 4 out of 5.
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