Graphic Violence

Later this month, the Vertigo division of DC Comics will release a comic book fit for a king—Stephen King, that is. The bestselling novelist teamed with short story writer Scott Snyder and artist Rafael Albuquerque on American Vampire, a new monthly comic book series that puts a vicious, historical spin on the craze for blood-sucking humanoids. Twilight fans may wish to avert their eyes from King's lead-off tale of Skinner Sweet, a bank robbing, murdering cowboy/vampire of the 1880s. Think Daniel Boone with rattlesnake fangs. "I love vampire stories, and the idea of following the dark exploits of a uniquely American vampire really lit up my imagination," said King. "I owe big thanks to Scott Snyder for letting me share his vision, and sip from his bucket of blood."