5 of the Count's Best Crossovers

 

Photo via the BBC.

Over the 123 years he’s been with us, Dracula has encountered all sorts of other characters, some more memorable than others. Here are some of my favourite Count crossovers…

Dracula vs. King Arthur

After making a deal with Lucifer to become a vampire, Lucifer then decides to send Dracula back to Arthurian times to take over the world. Hi-jinks ensue over the course of this comic book’s four-issue run. It’s maybe not the best-executed crossover (Lucifer wants to send Dracula back in time to before vampires existed so the Count can start turning humans and spreading evil– so why send him back to the time of legendary heroes? Why not to, I don’t know, any other time in history that wasn’t legendary?), but the concept of Dracula vs. King Arthur is a good one, and Camelot fighting Dracula is a fun idea (Merlin as sinister anti-hero doesn’t hurt, either).

Dracula vs. Frankenstein

As two of the most popular monsters, it’s no surprise that Dracula has faced off against Frankenstein*. In fact, the two have met many times over the years in movies like Dracula vs. Frankenstein and Les expériences érotiques de Frankenstein (ooh la la); pulp novels like Frankenstein Meets Dracula; and comic books, including The Frankenstein-Dracula War and A Story of Dracula, the Wolfman and Frankenstein, which came with a corresponding LP so you could listen to the story as you looked through the book. Whether you root for the undead or the reanimated, these stories have you covered.

*Yes, Frankenstein is the doctor, not the monster. It’s been over 200 years of people calling the monster Frankenstein– can we just accept it?

Dracula vs. Zorro

Zorro and Dracula meet on a ship heading to Europe and become instant enemies. Although it’s hate at first sight, the fight doesn’t get serious until they meet up in the catacombs of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris (as one does). As a fan of both Zorro and the Count I’m not sure who to root for in this mashup, although I am slightly disappointed that (spoiler) Dracula doesn’t turn Zorro. Now that would be an interesting story…

Dracula vs. Sherlock Holmes

I don’t know why I was surprised that Dracula has met up with Sherlock Holmes, but he has– and numerous times, too. I haven’t seen or read any of the existing versions (yet), but there’s one Dracula/Sherlock crossover I would love to see, and that’s one put together by Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss, creators of the BBC’s Sherlock and Dracula (2020). It’s true I didn’t really enjoy their Dracula miniseries earlier this year, and the last season of Sherlock left a lot to be desired, but if the two of them were inspired and brought their A game, they could make a crossover for the ages with their versions of these characters. Dare we hope?

Dracula vs. Batman

It’s definitely worth seeking out the animated The Batman vs. Dracula if you’re a fan of either character. Based on The Batman TV series, the story brings Dracula to Gotham, while also featuring some of the typical characters you’d expect, like Penguin and Joker. The movie touches on the influence of Dracula on Batman, which I appreciate. The animation is fantastic, especially for Dracula and the other vampires. I actually reviewed this movie years ago, if you feel like taking a look (I have since come to appreciate Dracula more as a character). I don’t think there are any plans for a sequel, but I would love to see more Dracula-Batman stories.

There are other great Dracula crossovers, but I’m going to save those for another post. In the meantime, which is your favourite (including those not mentioned here)? Who would you like to see Dracula go up against? Share in the comments…

Want to read about vampires that aren't Dracula? Download my books...

Love Lies Bleeding: Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books
FREE Blood Magic: Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books
FREE Tooth & Claw: Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books

If you prefer paperback to ebook, order Love Lies Bleeding from Bookshop – a portion of each sale goes directly to independent bookstores, as well as to myself. Thank you for supporting indie! ♥

Cheers,

Aspasía S. Bissas

 

Dracula Around the World

Dracula Adult Panto in South Africa

It's probably safe to say that most of us in English-speaking countries are familiar with Bram Stoker’s Dracula. If we haven't read the book, we know the character, and it's likely we've seen at least one adaptation. But how do other countries view the Count?

Spain: Drácula

https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8848632

Lobby Card

Drácula, a 1931 Spanish film adaptation of Stoker’s work, was filmed at night using the same sets as the 1931 English version starring Bela Lugosi. Because the Spanish crew got to see the English dailies every night, they had a chance to adjust camera angles and other details to produce what many fans believe is a superior film.

 

Japan: Evil of Dracula

Evil of Dracula

Toshio Kurosawa in Evil of Dracula.

Evil of Dracula (original title: Chi o suu bara “Bloodsucking Rose”) is the third part of a Japanese trilogy, known as the Bloodthirsty Trilogy, of Dracula adaptations (some more loosely adapted than others). In this version, the vampire bites his victims on the breast, rather than on the neck (hey, it was the 70s).

 

South Korea: Dracula, the Musical

Dracula, The Musical, poster in Seoul

Dracula, The Musical, debuted in South Korea in 2014, starring Kim Jun-su in the titular role. Although based on a 2004 Broadway musical, the Korean version seems uniquely their own. This post has plenty of photos and info, including lyrics to one of the songs. Anyone else think North America could use a rebooted musical Dracula, including the pink hair?

 

South Africa: Dracula Adult Panto

Another stage adaptation, Dracula Adult Panto brings the gender-bent Count(ess) to South Africa, along with a dash of humour and an LGBT+ twist. At the end of the show, the venue transforms into a dance floor, and attendees spend the rest of the night partying.

 

Greece: Tomb of Dracula aka Κόμης Δράκουλας

Tomb of Dracula, Greek version

Not a unique adaptation, but I thought the Greek edition of Marvel’s Tomb of Dracula was worth a share. Interestingly, in Greek his title can translate to either Count or Earl (you’ve heard of Earl Grey–now tremble before Earl Dracula!) I wish my parents had thought to pick me up a few copies of these when I was a kid; alas, my Greek-language education remained pitifully vampire free.

Which is your favourite non-English version of Dracula? Is there another one you think I should know about? Share in the comments…

Cheers,

Aspasia S. Bissas

(Originally posted on my official website: https://aspasiasbissas.com/2019/05/26/world-dracula-day/ for World Dracula Day, Please like and follow there.)

Dracula!

Although Bram Stoker wasn't the first to write about vampires, his character (and book) started an ongoing obsession with vampires, inspiring countless variations over the decades, including dozens of versions of Dracula alone. Many of what we now consider essential characteristics of vampires: aversion to sunlight and garlic, lack of reflection, supernatural powers, vulnerable to a stake through the heart--all came from Dracula. A few have been discarded over the years too--how many modern vampires have hairy palms or need to keep the soil of their homeland handy? If you're a vampire fan and you haven't read Dracula yet--drop everything and get yourself a copy.

Nosferatu is an early, unauthorized, movie based on Dracula. The names were changed (Dracula became Count Orlok, for example) but that wasn't enough to keep Stoker's widow from suing (and eventually giving up after the film company went bankrupt and copies of the movie got out anyway). You can't beat Nosferatu, or Max Schreck's Count, for atmosphere, dramatic visuals, and general creepiness.

 Although Bela Lugosi may be the definitive Count Dracula (and no one is disputing that he did a great job), but Christopher Lee gets my vote for best film Dracula. Imposing and intense, it's hard not to agree that Lee is pretty awesome in this role (I'm not sure he really needs hypnotic powers--he'd do fine all on his own).

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JV39nnA8mGc?rel=0&w=560&h=315]

Go to video

I have to admit I'm not a fan of Coppola's version, Bram Stoker's Dracula (an inaccurate title, by the way), but I do enjoy Gary Oldman's performance in it. He seems to embrace the character, especially when he surreptitiously licks Harker's bloody razor, which is my favourite moment of the entire film:

Here's the entire scene if you want some context:

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzxXCjeMV2A?rel=0&start=00&w=560&h=315]

 Go to video

One of my absolute favourite portrayals of Dracula is in Buffy in the episode "Buffy vs. Dracula." It's a great episode overall (who doesn't love Xander as Renfield?) and Rudolf Martin does a fantastic job as Dracula. Aside from the show, Dracula makes an appearance in several Buffyverse comic books (scroll down to Appearances for the full list). It's well worth tracking them down (if for no other reason than to find out whether Spike ever gets the eleven pounds Dracula owes him).

And lastly (on what is by no means a comprehensive list), what's not to like about Community's Troy attempting to put together a cool Halloween costume by becoming a "sexy Dracula"? ;)

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_AViiBbkBw?rel=0&w=560&h=315]

Go to video

What's your favourite version of Dracula? Share in the comments...

Cheers,

Aspasia S. Bissas

 

 

 

Quote of the Day: World Dracula Day Edition

 

 

 

Happy World Dracula Day! What’s one of your favourite quotes from Dracula? Share in the comments…

Cheers,

Aspasía S. Bissas

(PS; This was originally posted on my website.)

 

 

 

World Dracula Day: 5 of the Count's Best Crossovers

Photo via the BBC.

Tuesday is World Dracula Day, when we celebrate the anniversary of the first publication of Bram Stoker's vampire classic Dracula. Over the 123 years he's been with us, The Count has encountered all sorts of other characters, some more memorable than others. Here are some of my favourite Dracula crossovers...

Dracula vs. King Arthur

 

After making a deal with Lucifer to become a vampire, Lucifer then decides to send Dracula back to Arthurian times to take over the world. Hi-jinks ensue over the course of this comic book's four-issue run. It's maybe not the best-executed crossover (Lucifer wants to send Dracula back in time to before vampires existed so the Count can start turning humans and spreading evil-- so why send him back to the time of legendary heroes? Why not to, I don't know, any other time in history that wasn't legendary?), but the concept of Dracula vs. King Arthur is a good one, and Camelot fighting Dracula is a fun idea (Merlin as sinister anti-hero doesn't hurt, either).

 

Dracula vs. Frankenstein

 

As two of the most popular monsters, it's no surprise that Dracula has faced off against Frankenstein*. In fact, the two have met many times over the years in movies like Dracula vs. Frankenstein and Les expériences érotiques de Frankenstein (ooh la la); pulp novels like Frankenstein Meets Dracula; and comic books, including The Frankenstein-Dracula War and A Story of Dracula, the Wolfman and Frankenstein, which came with a corresponding LP so you could listen to the story as you looked through the book. Whether you root for the undead or the reanimated, these stories have you covered.

*Yes, Frankenstein is the doctor, not the monster. It's been 202 years of people calling the monster Frankenstein-- can we just accept it?

 

Dracula vs. Zorro

 

Zorro and Dracula meet on a ship heading to Europe and become instant enemies. Although it's hate at first sight, the fight doesn't get serious until they meet up in the catacombs of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris (as one does). As a fan of both Zorro and the Count I'm not sure who to root for in this mashup, although I am slightly disappointed that (spoiler) Dracula doesn't turn Zorro. Now that would be an interesting story...

 

Dracula vs. Sherlock Holmes

 

I don't know why I was surprised that Dracula has met up with Sherlock Holmes, but he has-- and numerous times, too. I haven't seen or read any of the existing versions (yet), but there's one Dracula/Sherlock crossover I would love to see, and that's one put together by Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss, creators of the BBC's Sherlock and Dracula (2020). It's true I didn't really enjoy their Dracula miniseries earlier this year, and the last season of Sherlock left a lot to be desired, but if the two of them were inspired and brought their A game, they could make a crossover for the ages with their versions of these characters. Dare we hope?

 

Dracula vs. Batman

 

It's definitely worth seeking out the animated The Batman vs. Dracula if you're a fan of either character. Based on The Batman TV series, the story brings Dracula to Gotham, while also featuring some of the typical characters you'd expect, like Penguin and Joker. The movie touches on the influence of Dracula on Batman, which I appreciate. The animation is fantastic, especially for Dracula and the other vampires. I actually reviewed this movie years ago, if you feel like taking a look (I have since come to appreciate Dracula more as a character). I don't think there are any plans for a sequel, but I would love to see more Dracula-Batman stories.

There are other great Dracula crossovers, but I'm going to save those for another post. In the meantime, which is your favourite (including those not mentioned here)? Who would you like to see Dracula go up against? Share in the comments...

Happy Dracula Day!
Aspasía S. Bissas

Want to read about vampires that aren't Dracula? Download my books FREE...

Love Lies Bleeding: Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books
Blood Magic: Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books
Tooth & Claw: Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books

If you prefer a good paperback to an ebook, order Love Lies Bleeding from Bookshop – a portion of each sale goes directly to independent bookstores, as well as to myself. Thank you for supporting indie! ♥

Post originally published on my website: https://aspasiasbissas.com/2020/05/23/world-dracula-day-5-of-the-counts-best-crossovers/

Dracula 2020

Have you had a chance yet to watch the new Netflix/BBC Dracula? I was pretty excited to watch it, especially given the involvement of Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat. These two have done some amazing work on shows like Sherlock and Doctor Who (Moffat in particular is responsible for some of the best episodes of Doctor Who, ever, and is the writer of the brilliant episode "Blink," which introduced the nightmare-inducing Weeping Angels).

So, yes, excited for Dracula.

And it was...meh. Some great moments that didn't seem to go anywhere. Weird pacing. Pointless scenes. And I wasn't enthralled by Claes Bang's portrayal of the Count. I mean it was okay, but just okay...much like the rest of the show.

As a reminder of how scary (and fun) Dracula can be, here are some of my favourite portrayals of this most classic of all vampires...

I have to start with the original, Stoker's Count. Although Stoker wasn't the first to write about vampires, his character (and book) started an ongoing obsession with vampires, inspiring countless variations over the decades. Many of what we now consider essential characteristics of vampires: aversion to sunlight and garlic, lack of reflection, supernatural powers, vulnerable to a stake through the heart-- all came from Dracula. A few have been discarded over the years too-- how many modern vampires have hairy palms or need to keep the soil of their homeland handy? If you're a vampire fan and you haven't read Dracula yet--drop everything and get yourself a copy.



Nosferatu is an early, unauthorized, movie based on Dracula. The names were changed (Dracula became Count Orlok, for example) but that wasn't enough to keep Stoker's widow from suing (and eventually giving up after the film company went bankrupt and copies of the movie got out anyway). You can't beat Nosferatu, or Max Schreck's Count, for atmosphere, dramatic visuals, and general creepiness.

Count Orlok, Nosferatu

Although Bela Lugosi may be the definitive Count Dracula (and no one is disputing that he did a great job), Christopher Lee gets my vote for best film Dracula. Imposing and intense, it's hard not to agree that Lee is pretty awesome in this role (I'm not sure he really needs hypnotic powers-- he'd do fine all on his own).



I have to admit I'm not a fan of Coppola's Bram Stoker's Dracula (although after watching Gatiss and Moffat's version, Coppola's ranks a little higher now), but I do enjoy Gary Oldman's performance in it. He seems to embrace the character, especially when he surreptitiously licks Harker's bloody razor, which is my favourite moment of the entire film:




Here's the entire scene if you want some context:



One of my absolute favourite portrayals of Dracula is in Buffy in the episode "Buffy vs. Dracula." It's a great episode overall (who doesn't love Xander as Renfield?) and Rudolf Martin does a fantastic job as Dracula. Aside from the show, Dracula makes an appearance in several Buffyverse comic books (scroll down the link to "Appearances" for the full list). It's well worth tracking them down (if for no other reason than to find out whether Spike ever gets the eleven pounds Dracula owes him).





And lastly (on what is by no means a comprehensive list), what's not to like about Community's Troy attempting to put together a cool Halloween costume by becoming a "sexy Dracula"? ;)



What did you think of Netflix's Dracula? Who's your favourite version of the Count?  Share in the comments...

Cheers,
Aspasía S. Bissas

[Reblogged from AspasiaSBissas.com]

Bram Stoker International Film Festival

Bram Stoker International Film Festival - Whitby, England from Bram Stoker Film Fest on Vimeo.

If you're wondering whether it's worth the trip to Whitby (England) this October for what has been described as the "best genre festival in the world" then this video might help.

More info on the festival here.

Trailer: Renfield the Undead

Speaking of anti-glitter vampires, prepare yourselves for Renfield the Undead, the latest take on the Dracula mythology, this time centred on Dracula's servant (and now successor) Renfield. Personally, my vote for the best version of a Dracula "sequel" goes to Buffy, both the show (Season 5 premiere episode "Buffy vs. Dracula") and the Season 8 comics (various issues). But that's not to say I'm not happy to check out all the latest additions to the Dracula mythos. Bring them on!


Renfield The Undead Trailer

Dracula: The Un-Dead Goes Platinum

Just when I was starting to think that my cynicism over Dracula: the Un-Dead was misplaced, and that Dacre Stoker (who claims he'd rather go fly fishing and read Tom Clancy than have anything to do with vampires) isn't really just cashing in on his family name to produce an unnecessary sequel (and revision) to his great-grand-uncle's classic--along comes this:

That's right, it's a Dracula: The Un-Dead Platinum Visa card. According to Stoker junior's sales pitch in the official Dracula: The Un-Dead newsletter:

If the Dracula bloodline is in your DNA like it's in mine, you’ll want to carry this exclusive, limited edition Visa Card.

This amazing--did I mention it's a limited edition?--card is yours for no annual fee and low, low interest. And I'll bet you can use it to stock up on all sorts of Dracula: The Un-Dead official merchandise. Oh yeah, and there's a book in there somewhere.

Right.

Cynicism: comfortably back in place.

I'm not sure about anyone else but I'm getting pretty tired of people who are neither writers nor vampire fans writing books about vampires. To paraphrase Jorge Luis Borges, don't write unless you can improve the silence.

Vlad the Impaler: The Man Who Was Dracula

You wouldn't expect the people who brought you Richie Rich and Casper the Friendly Ghost to turn around and create a graphic novel about Vlad the Impaler, but if a 19th century Irish novelist can use him as his muse, why shouldn't Sid Jacobson and Ernie Colón be equally inspired?

For those of you who aren't aware, Vlad Dracula (aka Vlad Tepes aka Vlad the Impaler) was a 15th century Wallachian (Romania) prince and all-around psycho. He was an equal opportunity torturer and murderer with a penchant for impalement (nothing better to keep the riffraff out than rotting corpses--or squirming bodies--on pikes). Legend also has it that he was nearly impossible to kill, surviving where other men would have succumbed, and giving rise to early vampire rumours. Bram Stoker took inspiration from Vlad Dracula's history and used the name for the vampire Count in his own tale. So you can see why I jumped at the opportunity when Penguin offered to send me a review copy of a graphic novel about him.

Vlad the Impaler: The Man Who Was Dracula purports to tell Vlad's life story in all its gory detail, although I'm not too sure how accurate it actually is (the parts with Countess Flora leap immediately to mind). We'll just chalk it up to creative license. The writing is also clunky in parts ("Prince Vlad himself fought like a Greek god on a mission"), often tending to verbosity. It would have been nice if the narration could have taken more of a backseat to the artwork, letting the drawings tell the story rather than merely illustrating it.

And there is some really nice artwork in Vlad the Impaler, particularly some of the two-page spreads and, surprisingly enough, many of the impalements. They're disturbingly well done. At other times the artwork seems to be lacking in potency; this graphic novel might have benefitted from a slightly larger or longer format (or maybe just fewer small panels ).

The colour work is also nice, although maybe a bit on the obvious side. Most of the "good" characters seem to be blonde or fair, while the schemers and evildoers are raven-haired. Vlad's brother Radu looks like a golden cherub while Vlad always manages to seem a little darker than those around him, especially as he ages and becomes more brutal--brilliant from a character development standpoint, but also a little confusing, visually (why is adult Vlad so drastically different from childhood Vlad?) But colour is put to good use to portray the starkness and horror of certain scenes, utilizing simple yet highly evocative palettes. As well, the brightness of the hues in the depictions of the Ottoman Empire contrast nicely with the melancholy shades surrounding the Christians within it (although at one point I was reminded a little too strongly of the scene in The Simpsons episode "Home Sweet Homediddly-Dum-Doodily" when Maggie's viewpoint switches from the Flanders family--all rainbows, flowers, and blue sky--to drab and dismal Homer, Bart and Lisa accompanied by scary dead trees and angry frogs). Like I said--a bit on the obvious side.

Slight Spoiler Ahead

Vlad does finally meet his end (what--you didn't think he was still around, did you?) with the novel nicely depicting post-mortem fangs in his mouth. This is followed by an unexpected conclusion--and possible set-up for a sequel. I'm not sure how I feel about this final bit--to be honest, I don't think it entirely works. But I would be interested in seeing how a sequel plays out.

Vlad the Impaler doesn't give you Vlad Dracula's full story--you would need a series of graphic novels to do that. But it does give you a taste of an intriguing and disturbing history, and every vampire knows that sometimes a taste is enough.

Text Bites

Vlad: The Sultan has given me a huge force to help me regain Wallachia, Radu. Will you join me?
Radu: I cannot, Vlad. This is my home, these are my people, Allah is my god.
Vlad: And Mustafa is your lover! Our father would piss on you!

Vlad: (to his closest friend after slashing him with his sword and leaving him to die) And if I had time I would impale you. Goodbye, Stefan.

Vlad the Impaler: The Man Who Was Dracula. Written by Sid Jacobson. Art by Ernie Colón. From Hudson Street Press (Penguin).

Bram Stoker Film Festival

October continues to favour vampire devotees, this time with the Bram Stoker International Film Festival, featuring independent international horror/suspense/sci fi films, documentaries, and shorts. Most of the movies aren't about vampires, but there's still plenty of bloody good entertainment, should you happen to be fortunate enough to be within easy reach of Whitby, England this weekend. Besides films, there's a free all-ages Vampire Walk on the 18th (to be led by "The Countess Dracula herself" Ingrid Pitt); opening night festivities, including burlesque/cabaret performances and The Mocky Horror Show; and guest speakers including the aforementioned Ms. Pitt (Countess Dracula, The House that Dripped Blood), New York Times best selling author G.P. Taylor (Shadowmancer), filmmaker Devi Snively (Death in Charge), author/journalist Gavin Baddeley (The Gospel of Filth), and writer/producer Rod Morris (Dying Breed).

The fourty-four films at the festival are unrated and, therefore, open only to the 18+ crowd. Vampire fans might want to check out:

Blood on the Highway: Dimwitted teenagers mistakenly wander into a Texas town populated by even dimmer-witted vampires. The remaining humans band together and prepare for battle. Directed by Barak Epstein and Blair Rowan.








Dracula, the Vampire and the Voivode: "The first documentary ever to reveal the TRUE story of Bram Stoker and his legendary novel..." Directed by Michael Bayley Hughes.




How My Dad Killed Dracula (short): When two young teens don't believe their cousin's dad killed Dracula, he picks up a shovel and starts digging. Directed by Sky Soleil.





Nightlife: A mockumentary about six vampires and the amateur hunters who stalk them (think reality TV meets The Lost Boys). Directed by Timothy Sanderson.









Orlok the Vampire: From the bottomless pit he came... and was re-imaged in 3D! World premiere. Directed by Keith Carter/F.W. Murnau.







Temptation: A murder victim is turned by a sympathetic vampire, and then has 48 hours to decide whether to kill herself or embrace an eternity of being undead. Directed by Catherine Taylor.









Thicker than Water- The Vampire Diaries Part 1: No relation to the TV series or the books by L.J. Smith. "The family that prays together... slays together." Directed by Phil Messerer.









Day passes for films are £25 and tickets for opening night are £18 (a 4-day pass, including access to the opening night events, is £88). To buy tickets or for more info click here. The Bram Stoker International Film Festival runs from 16 October to 19 October 2009, in Whitby, England. For more info click here.