Genre: Horror | Writer: Steve Niles | Artist: Sam Kieth | Release Date: 2011
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Government analyst Alice Blood receives a cryptic letter from Barrow, Alaska, sparking an investigation. Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, rebellious vampires plot to overthrow ancient traditions and reveal their existence to humanity.
Plot
The story picks up in the aftermath of the original 30 Days of Night events, but instead of returning to the snowy isolation of Barrow, Alaska, we’re thrown into the sunlit sprawl of Los Angeles. The transition in setting is a bold move, trading claustrophobic horror for something more urban and conspiratorial. The horror here lies not in isolation, but in infiltration—vampires in the city, plotting something big while the world remains unaware.
At the center of it all is Alice Blood, a government analyst with a morbid fascination for vampires. When she receives a mysterious letter from Barrow, it becomes the inciting incident that draws her into something far larger than she realizes. Alice is intriguing—level-headed, curious, and perhaps dangerously obsessed—but the issue barely scratches the surface of her motivations or backstory. Her development feels thin, though her potential is clearly present.
Meanwhile, vampire leaders Paul and Jill present an interesting shift in the mythos. These aren’t traditional monsters lurking in darkness; they are revolutionaries aiming to overthrow the old order of secrecy and bring vampirism into the public light. This subplot has promise, adding political and philosophical layers to the story’s horror. However, in this first issue, it serves more as vague setup than a compelling thread, and their screen time is limited.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Production
Writing by Steve Niles remains tight and accessible, maintaining the no-nonsense horror tone that made the original series a cult hit. His depiction of the vampire world still oozes menace, and his economy with dialogue helps maintain a grounded, suspenseful tone. However, this issue leans heavily into being a prologue—it’s all tension-building and not much delivery. Niles seems to be planting narrative seeds for future issues, which can be both a strength and a drawback depending on reader expectations.
Where the script succeeds is in its atmosphere and its balance between mystery and horror. Niles doesn’t bog the story down with exposition, trusting readers to follow breadcrumbs. But this approach also means key character motivations—especially Alice’s obsession—feel undercooked. There’s also a subtle sense of moral ambiguity, particularly in how vampires like Paul and Jill justify their uprising, that could become very compelling if followed through.
The art by Sam Kieth is a mixed bag. On one hand, Kieth’s style is instantly recognizable and brings a raw, almost grotesque visual identity to the series. His vampires look monstrous, feral, and alien in the best way possible, and his use of shadows and angular compositions amplifies the horror. On the other hand, his characters—especially from a distance—sometimes verge on caricature. Proportions waver, facial expressions skew odd, and not always in an intentional or stylized way.
The paneling and flow of action are well-executed, especially during tense moments. The color palette—dark, grimy, and blood-stained—perfectly matches the atmosphere Niles is aiming for. But there are moments when visual inconsistency pulls the reader out of the experience, especially in less important scenes where the detail drops significantly.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Verdict
In the end, 30 Days of Night (2011), Issue 1 offers an interesting if uneven return to the franchise. It lays the groundwork for a compelling vampire evolution narrative but doesn’t yet deliver the emotional depth or horror punch fans might expect. Alice Blood and the rebellion among the vampires are solid hooks, and the tone feels right. Still, inconsistent artwork and sparse character development make this a decent but not standout opener. 30 Days of Night (2011), Issue 1 gets 3 out of 5.
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