Genre: Erotic Horror | Writer: Steven Jones | Artist: John Ross
Publisher: Aircel Comics | Release Date: 1991
In this dark, erotic adaptation, the vampire Carmilla deceives her way into young Sarah’s home, forging false memories to earn her trust. As their bond deepens, Carmilla’s seductive, predatory nature slowly unravels in a tale of manipulation, lust, and danger.
Writing
The 1991 Carmilla comic (issues 1-6) from Aircel Comics, written by Steven Jones, offers an intriguing blend of gothic horror and erotic psychological drama. The story is split cleanly into two halves—first, a relatively faithful retelling of Sheridan Le Fanu’s 1872 novella, and second, a bold continuation that drags the titular vampire into a more modern, daring setting. What works best here is how the writing preserves the core of what made Carmilla an enduring literary figure: she is intelligent, manipulative, seductive, and—when necessary—lethally violent.
Steven Jones leans into the sensual horror of the source material, emphasizing mood, atmosphere, and tension over overt bloodshed. The dialogue is tight and often poetic, matching the gothic roots of the original while amplifying its themes of repression, desire, and power. The story’s erotic tone is ever-present but rarely feels cheap; it adds to Carmilla’s allure rather than distracting from it.
The modernization in the latter half of the comic is where Jones shows more creative risk, reimagining Carmilla in a contemporary context without losing the mystique that defines her. The supporting cast adds texture, but they’re clearly orbiting around the real center—Carmilla herself. She's not just a monster or villain; she’s a fully developed presence—predatory, tragic, and endlessly fascinating.
If you’re a fan of vampire fiction that leans more into erotic tension and atmosphere than action-heavy spectacle, this comic delivers a moody, character-driven experience. It’s a rare instance where a classic gothic tale gets a sequel that feels thematically consistent yet narratively bold.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Art Style
John Ross’ artwork in Carmilla is both a strength and a missed opportunity. Rendered entirely in black and white, the comic’s visual tone is immediately stark and stylish, lending itself well to the gothic atmosphere. The absence of color forces the eye to focus on shadows, expressions, and panel composition—something Ross handles with considerable control. His linework is clean and often elegant, with an eye for eroticism that feels intentional and narratively appropriate rather than gratuitous.
That said, the monochrome palette also introduces limitations. While it enhances the classic horror feel, it sometimes flattens the mood—particularly in more intense or emotional scenes where color could have helped convey depth or escalation. The lack of tonal gradients makes certain panels feel static or overly staged, reducing the impact of what should be dynamic moments.
Where Ross truly excels is in the sensual detail. The erotic scenes are tastefully drawn—suggestive without being overtly explicit. Bodies are rendered with care and attention, and Carmilla’s design in particular blends menace with allure. Her expressions shift seamlessly from seductive calm to violent threat, helping to carry the emotional weight of the story where the background art might fall short.
Panel layout is traditional but functional, and while it doesn't experiment much, it allows the narrative to breathe. If you're coming for atmosphere, this art style works—but if you're looking for kinetic action or visual complexity, it might feel a bit restrained. Still, for a story rooted in seduction, shadows, and subtle horror, the visual tone largely supports the narrative.
Rating: 3 out of 5
The Verdict
In the end, Carmilla is a seductive, intelligent reinterpretation of the gothic classic. Steven Jones crafts a moody, erotically charged narrative anchored by a compelling anti-heroine, while John Ross’ stylish black-and-white art delivers mood, if not always depth. The book shines in its character work and atmosphere, offering a darkly poetic vampire tale. Carmilla gets 3 out of 5.
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