We’ve been huge fans of writer Fred Van Lente for years; check out our coverage and talks with him over the years for more. And Luca Pizzari’s art is simply a kinetic, stylistically-captivating treat, as seen in his work across publishers. That’s why we were so excited about their new book Vampyrates with BOOM! Studios. Both creators have an aesthetic and approach to storytelling that’s not afraid of pushing the boundaries of what the comic medium can do. From the creative team of Van Lente, Pizzari, colorist Adam Guzowski, and letterer Jodie Troutman, Vampyrates mixes the horror of vampires with the swashbuckling adventure of the seas in a story about adjusting what your life was to what it must be for survival. As the description of issue #1 puts it:
Through the darkness of the thousand-year eclipse they sail, seeking adventure, treasure — and blood!
In a world ruled by vampires, Empress Nira of the Night Isles has always cared more for sword-fighting and carousing than ruling. But when she escapes a vicious coup by stowing aboard VMS Abyss, a pirate ship run by the mysterious Captain Akeyo, she gets more than she can handle of both.
She must rise through the ranks of the Vampyrates from lowly swab to queen of the Sea of Night — so the oceans will run red with her vengeance!
We were already hooked with the creative team, but vampires and pirates?! Sign. Us. Up!
That’s why we’re so over-the-moon happy to be able to share an exclusive preview of Vampyrates #2 that BOOM! Studios was kind enough to share! Continuing the aforementioned premise of issue #1, this second issue focuses on Nira’s adjustment to her new normal on the high seas.
Check out the covers by Pizzari, Rebeca Puebla, and Malachi Ward and pages by Pizzari below before the issue goes on sale Wednesday, August 19, 2026! Final order cutoff is Monday, July 13, 2026! And remember to pick up issue #1 next Wednesday, July 8!
Vampyrates! #2 cover A by Luca Pizzari
Vampyrates! #2 cover B by Rebeca Puebla
Vampyrates! #2 cover C by Luca Pizzari
Vampyrates! #2 cover E by Malachi Ward
Vampyrates! #2 cover G by Luca Pizzari
Vampyrates! #2 page 1
Vampyrates! #2 page 2
Vampyrates! #2 page 3
Vampyrates! #2 goes on sale Wednesday, August 19, 2026, from BOOM! Studios. Final order cutoff for the issue is Monday, July 13, 2026.
From the official issue description:
The adventure takes to the high seas as Nira attempts to flee for her life!
Nira may have escaped the usurpers of her throne by stowing away on a pirate ship, but she’s not out of danger yet.
The ship’s captain seems to hate her for her own mysterious reasons, and suddenly it’s all hands-on deck for the onetime empress!
Will it be execution by way of a stake through the heart? Dying in a blast of sulphury cannon fire? Or can Nira figure out a way to survive this next round?