"A Week of Twilight": More vampire stories

The "Twilight" series have quickly become some of the most successful vampire stories of all time, and the upcoming film should only add to that. But they are far from the first. Here's a list of some of the other best vampire-related stories I've come across:

• Interview With The Vampire (novel and film) - Before Stephenie Meyer, Anne Rice was the original queen of the damned. Her "Vampire Chronicles" series set the bar for future vampire stories, and "Interview..." is the most famous of them all. The confessional story style and the treatment of vampirism as an unwanted curse to the infected, along with viewing the vampire as a sympathetic/romantic character rather than just a villian, changed the way vampires were viewed in popular culture and laid the groundwork for series like "Twilight." And Lestat, the vampire anti-hero of the series (played by Tom Cruise in the film), could be an ancient ancestor to Edward Cullen, though Lestat can be a little/lot more wicked at times. The novel is excellent and, in my opinion, the film is still the best vampire movie currently in existence.
• 13 Bullets (novel) - In this novel by David Wellington, Pennsylvania State Trooper Laura Caxton is recruited by FBI Special Deputy Jameson Arkeley to help him thwart a series of recent vampire attacks. Despite a few flaws (including a cliffhanger ending that actually made me angry when I read it), this story has a strong plot, very engaging characters, and a cinematic style that I think could easily translate into a good film. This is a different world than that of "Twilight" and "The Vampire Chronicles" in two major ways: 1) the world is aware of the existence of vampires, and 2) the vampires in this story are all evil, bloodthirsty and very, very ugly. "13 Bullets" is the first of a planned trilogy, so now is a good time to get into what is shaping up to be a great series. I still hate the ending though.
• Blood + (manga and anime series) - This series concerns Saya, a high school student who can't remember her past. One day she is confronted by a man named Hagi, who gives her a sword and tells her the truth about her past: she is the last true vampire, and is charged with defending humanity against an evil race called the Chiropterans. The animation in both versions are excellent (the manga in particular is beautiful to behold), and the story is an intriguing one that is carried out very well. A lot of blood is spilled in this series, but it's a vampire story, so it shouldn't come as a surprise. It's also a good place to start if you're thinking about getting into anime and/or manga.
• I Am Legend (novel) - If you've seen the most recent film version of this story that starred Will Smith, you might not be aware that the creatures in Richard Matheson's original novel were actually vampires, not zombies. Robert Neville is the last man on Earth who is somehow immune to a virus that has turned everyone else into bloodthirsty vampires. Holed up in Los Angeles (not New York, another change in the movie), he spends his days looking for a cure to the disease and his nights trying to survive against the creatures. While I did like the film, reading the book makes you wonder why they didn't just film the original version (and hopefully someone will someday).
• 30 Days Of Night (graphic novel) - A story about a group of vampires who travel to Barrow, Alaska, where the sun sets and doesn't rise for thirty days and wreak havoc on the town. The story is interesting, but the artwork makes it worth checking out; it's very dark and nightmarish (think "Silent Hill"). This series was made into a somewhat lackluster film last year, but whether you've seen it or not you should definitely check out the graphic novel.
• Here's a few more quick recommendations: Salem's Lot (novel) by Stephen King, Vampyr (film), Vampire Hunter D and Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust (anime), Nosferatu (film) and Shadow Of The Vampire (film), and, of course, the original Bram Stoker's Dracula (novel and a vast number of films of varying quality).

All Things Batman

Hey guys! I'm so pumped...tomorrow The Dark Knight finally comes out, and I'm going to see it right after work! Honestly, I'm blowing a nerd-gasket just thinking about it. In celebration of the release, I've compiled a list of essential Batman-related DVDs and graphic novels that should be considered worth checking out by any fan. Take care and enjoy the movie (and I'll post my own review here on Monday).

• "Batman: Gotham Knight" (Two-Disc Collector's Edition DVD and Blu-ray) - This collection contains six animated shorts (all by different animators and writers) that collectively bridge the span between the events of "Batman Begins" and "The Dark Knight." For example, here's where you'll find out what happened to Scarecrow after Katie Holmes shot a taser in his face. David S. Goyer (co-writer of BB and TDK) contributes, among other appreciated artists. 75 minutes in length.
• "Batman: Year One" & "Batman: The Dark Knight Returns" - These two graphic novels, both overseen by veteran artist Frank Miller ("Sin City," "300"), were instrumental in reinvigorating the Batman character and helped set the tone for a darker, more internal hero (and sometimes anti-hero). "Year One" retold Batman's origin story, displaying Bruce Wayne's decision to save Gotham from the evil and corruption plaguing the city as the Caped Crusader. Lieutenant James Gordon and Selina Kyle (who would go on to become Catwoman) are also both introduced. This story served as a major influence on the tone and story for "Batman Begins." "The Dark Knight Returns" takes place after a ten year disappearance from Batman. Gotham has degenerated into a hell on earth, and Bruce Wayne is a broken man struggling to hold on to the hope that he can still change things. This graphic novel is celebrated as the definitive Batman story.
• "Batman Begins" (Limited Edition Gift Set [Blu-ray]) - If you own a Blu-ray player and don't already have a copy of "Batman Begins," this special set may be just what you're looking for. Along with the excellent film, the set also includes Blu-Ray high-def exclusive content: "The Dark Knight Prologue," plus Hollywood Movie Money to see The Dark Knight in theaters (a $7.50 value), 32-page exclusive "Dark Knight Prologue" book, 16-page comic book adaptation of the first 6 minutes of "The Dark Knight," a Batman Begins lenticular (I have no idea what that is), and five collectible post cards. So if you like getting lots of stuff, this sounds like the edition for you. 140 minutes in length.
• "Batman: The Killing Joke" - Whereas Frank Miller's work redefined Batman, this graphic novel by Alan Moore ("V for Vendetta," "Watchmen") recast The Joker. While he had devolved into a corny prankster, in "The Killing Joke" he was brought back to being the evil and insane villain he started off as. This book is most notable for The Joker's ruthless torture and eventual paralyzation of Barbara Gordon, aka Batgirl. This story is where Heath Ledger's version of the character comes from.

And finally, one more special pick...

• "Batman: The Movie (DVD and Blu-ray)" - BOW! ZAP! WHOOSH! Warning: do not confuse this with Tim Burton's version of Batman! This is the original Batman movie, based on the extremely cheesy television series that featured Adam West and Cesar Romero. In the film, Batman and Robin take on Catwoman, The Joker, The Penguin and The Riddler all at the same time...and on a yacht! If you can appreciate this type of style you will not be disappointed. 105 minutes in length.