Prester John is Here to Pass Judgment On Vampirella

In a can’t-miss standalone tale coming this September, just in time for Halloween, Vampirella meets the newest member of her spine-tingling rogues’ gallery!  

Multiple Eisner Award-winning writer Bill Willingham (Fables, Robin) writes the Daughter of Drakulon for the first time ever in Trial of the Soul. Willingham is joined by artist Giuseppe Cafaro (Catwoman, Suicide Squad), colorist Andrew Dalhouse, and letterer Carlos Mangual. The blood-filled cherry on top is the haunting cover by Bart Sears (Justice League, Blade).

This extra-length special tale asks the question, “Does Vampirella have a soul?” New character Prester John has made it his mission to determine this and enact judgment on her. If she passes the test, she will be spared. If not, he must destroy her. No matter how charming he finds her…

“I always found Vampirella so intriguing and I’ve always had a crush on vampires so this one-shot for me will be definitely a great chance to test my skills with this classic character,” said artist Giuseppe Cafaro. “Plus, with Bill at the script, I’m sure that this will be an amazing journey! I always loved what he did with Fables and the Sandman Universe! Can’t wait to show fans what we are doing!”

Based on the legend of the medieval Christian leader of a lost wealthy African kingdom, the Prester John of the Vampirella universe represents a force that our heroine has occasionally found herself contending with. Based on a design by Willingham, John is portrayed as a handsome young man, though he’s lived well over 1,000 years. When not hiding among man, he dons an ornate armor made in the forges of Heaven. It pairs with his sword, which is actually on loan from Saint Michael the Archangel, who will reclaim it for the battle of the end times. Alongside his armaments and nigh-immortality, Prester John possesses great strength and can tap into a Godspeed allowing him to practically teleport.

Beyond the titular question of her soul, is Vampirella friend or foe to the forces of Heaven? Is Prester John a “villain” or something much more complicated, just as fans’ favorite vampiri? And if either survives their encounter, when could they meet again?

VAMPIRELLA: TRIAL OF THE SOUL is slated for release in September 2020.