*"And just like that..."* (a mini-review of ***Rapaces / Raptors***)

It's a non-standard vampire-thriller (4 tomes) by a great writer-artist duo, Jean Dufaux & Enrico Marini. [BDT]

Just before the above, our two detectives leap for their lives:

https://i.imgur.com/AIPNTa6.jpeg

While two raptors comfortably watch, a brother and sister:

https://i.imgur.com/S18uBSo.jpeg

Hundreds of years before, a ruling council of vampires decided that in order to better manage humans, they should embrace the light, renouncing their traditional, raw meat & blood-loving ways.

Now, one member of the council vehemently objected, the father of the two we see above. He was destroyed, and his children became bitter enemies of the 'new-age' vampires, who went on to rule humanity in secrecy.

Over time, the new-age vampires developed vulnerabilities that the raptors used to assassinate them, conducting a vendetta-based campaign of terror. Meanwhile, detectives Lenore & Spiaggi are assigned to investigate...

https://i.imgur.com/xIqqr5A.jpeg

...later, Lenore somehow manages to straggle home. (just above)

https://i.imgur.com/DkYoZzW.jpeg

On top of the fact that this was a cool, movie-like thriller, I enjoyed the added historical and political elements, plus the existential questions posed against the two vampire factions.

I also found the ending shocking but satisfying, in which there's a tragic, yet uplifting 'changing of the guard.'

It's a minor classic I'd say (it's really good), and another feather in the cap of Dufaux, who consistently churns out fascinating series. Same for Marini, really.