EGS:NP is a sub-comic of El Goonish Shive. It is advised that one read El Goonish Shive comics prior to EGS:NP to avoid confusion and spoilers.

I've commented on this before, but I really do find the romantic appeal of vampires to be a little odd. I can understand some aspects of it, but the deal breaker in regards to my comprehension is that we're food to vampires. There's the romanticized "I don't drink human blood and try to be good" versions, and there's sort of a rebellious appeal to that which I can better understand. Nonetheless, I can't help but poke fun.

One issue I have with vampires is not vampires themselves, but how saturated the vampire market has become. They're everywhere, and finding decent vampire fiction amongst all that is available is no doubt tricky. I've liked Buffy and Angel, and the vampires in the Dresden Files are cool, but I consider the majority of the market a scary minefield.

Also, for each incarnation, they have to spend at least one scene explaining exactly what variety of vampires is being dealt with. I know it's something they have to do, but I can't help but be instantaneously bored during such moments (with the exception, once again, of in the Dresden Files). Must be karmic retribution for all the times I've over-explained things.

Frankly, if you want evidence that we've officially gone nuts over this whole vampire craze, look no further than this blood bag "energy potion". I've seen these things for sale. They supposedly have close to the same nutritional value and consistency of real blood, and include instructions on how to heat it to 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit in the microwave. An awesome addition to a Halloween costume, I suppose, but the finer details of this drink are pretty disturbing.

Note: Added emphasis within this particular commentary on EGS:NP being a sub-comic is due to the number of times this specific strip has apparently been linked to.

Tags: Grace, Sarah, Susan, Raven, fantasy, books, movie, TV