Genre: Horror Fantasy | Writer: Ralph Tedesco | Artist: Allan Otero
Release Date: 2018 | Publisher: Zenescope Entertainment
Robyn Hood and Liesel Van Helsing hunt a crime boss creating a deadly designer drug, uncovering horrific human experiments—and clashing in a shocking, high-stakes battle that threatens their friendship and lives.
Writing
Van Helsing vs. Robyn Hood delivers an engaging crossover that brings together two of Zenescope’s most iconic heroines. The narrative pits vampire-hunter Liesel Van Helsing and the bow-wielding vigilante Robyn Hood against supernatural threats while highlighting their differences, strengths, and unexpected camaraderie. At the heart of this story is a dynamic contrast between Robyn’s street-smart, impulsive energy and Van Helsing’s methodical, calculated approach. Their chemistry is natural and entertaining, making the pair a highlight of the book.
The story itself starts strong, offering exciting stakes and creative conflict, but unfortunately loses some momentum in the final act. The climax, particularly Robyn’s transformation into a vampire, feels undercooked. It’s a major plot point with intriguing potential, but the arc isn’t explored to the depth it deserves, and the resolution feels abrupt. There was real room here for emotional turmoil and moral complexity, but the narrative hurries to a close instead.
Despite these pacing issues, the writing by Ralph Tedesco is solid. Dialogue between the characters feels snappy and in-character, with humorous banter balanced by sincere moments of trust and conflict. The action scenes are paced well, and the script does a good job of letting each character shine in combat and strategy. Still, the story would’ve benefited from a longer format or more issues to fully realize its ideas.
Overall, while the writing has untapped potential, it still manages to provide a fun and exciting ride, mostly thanks to the strength of its leads and the unique supernatural premise.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Art Style
The art in Van Helsing vs. Robyn Hood, illustrated by Allan Otero, stands out with a bold, expressive style that perfectly suits the urban-fantasy atmosphere of the story. Otero’s work brings energy and emotion to each page, blending strong character expressions, dynamic poses, and vivid action sequences that give the battles a cinematic flair. From fiery magic to intense vampire confrontations, the visual storytelling never loses its momentum.
Character design is another highlight. Both Van Helsing and Robyn Hood are drawn with distinct personalities and physicality. Van Helsing appears composed and classy, often carrying an aura of danger and intelligence, while Robyn is fierce, agile, and more grounded in the visual language of a street-level brawler. Their differences are emphasized through posture, outfit details, and facial expressions that make their visual contrast just as strong as their narrative contrast.
Backgrounds are used effectively, with settings that shift from eerie lairs to bustling cityscapes and grim alleyways. The supernatural elements, particularly the depiction of vampires and magic, are exaggerated in all the right ways to enhance the book’s action-horror tone. Colors are rich and saturated, leaning into moody purples, fiery reds, and shadowy blues that enhance the night-time and mystical vibe of the series.
Overall, the art does a lot of heavy lifting and complements the story well. Even in moments where the writing could have gone deeper, the visuals pick up the slack by adding emotion, intensity, and flair to the experience.
Rating: 4 out of 5
The Verdict
In the end, Van Helsing vs. Robyn Hood is a visually compelling crossover that thrives on the strength of its two leads. While the writing occasionally rushes key developments—especially Robyn’s vampiric turn—the action, character dynamics, and expressive artwork by Allan Otero keep it entertaining. Ralph Tedesco crafts a solid script with room for more, but fans of Zenescope’s heroines will find plenty to enjoy. This clash of vampire hunter and vigilante is fast, fierce, and fun. Van Helsing vs. Robyn Hood earns 3 out of 5.
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