Following their recent 2023 Bram Stoker Award win for Superior Achievement in a Graphic Novel, the creators behind Carmilla: The First Vampire are set to launch Carmilla Volume 2: The Last Vampire Hunter.
The second volume of Carmilla will hit the shelves on Tuesday, July 9, and The Mary Sue has a first look at this next chapter in the acclaimed graphic novel adaptation inspired by Sheridan Le Fanu’s 1872 vampire tale, Carmilla.
In this installment, Athena follows leads to the local nightclub named after Carmilla, where an encounter with the enigmatic vampire herself raises questions about her involvement in a string of mysterious deaths. This contemporary adaptation of Le Fanu’s work is not only textually queer but also centers on Athena’s journey as an Asian American lesbian navigating her identity.
In The Last Vampire Hunter, Athena journeys to San Francisco’s Chinatown, burdened by grief and self-doubt after the loss of her loved ones back in New York. As she seeks to uncover her family’s secrets, she unexpectedly encounters a dangerous group of Asian American vampires. With each revelation, Athena becomes increasingly haunted by Carmilla’s ghost—and the vampires find themselves equally affected by her presence. Athena is left questioning her loyalties as time runs out.
Artist Lee shared, “Creating these characters has captured my heart, and Athena holds a particularly special place within it. I hope that by introducing a fresh cast of Asian vampires, we can reshape the genre in a way that has lasting significance. This story has woven itself into my existence, and I aspire for this sequel to resonate with many, especially those who hold family dear.”
Writer Chu expressed, “I’m thrilled to continue exploring Athena and Carmilla’s narrative, this time on the West Coast, and to unveil a vibrant array of pan-Asian supernatural characters to our audience. My hope is that through The Last Vampire, Soo Lee and I can help define Asian American horror as a distinct genre.”
Get an exclusive preview of Carmilla Volume 2: The Last Vampire Hunter below.
Sheridan Le Fanu’s original Carmilla novel predates Bram Stoker’s Dracula by twenty-five years and is widely recognized as a cornerstone of the horror genre. Over the last century, readers have often interpreted the relationship between the alluring vampire Carmilla and the human protagonist Laura as profoundly sapphic. Recent adaptations have embraced these queer themes, amplifying their significance.
The graphic novel version by Chu, Lee, and Cipriano enhances the original narrative, showcasing the team’s adeptness in crafting horror stories. While numerous adaptations exist, none have resonated quite like this one.
Carmilla Volume 2: The Last Vampire Hunter will be available at all major retailers on July 9, thanks to Dark Horse.
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