Vampirella 93

Interesting cover here by Enrich for this issue for the interior story "Cobra Goddess".

Up first is this issue's Vampi story, "Apocalypse Inc" by Rudy Nebres (art) and Rich Margopoulos (story). A mysterious woman working with Apocalypse Inc steals Vampi's blood serum, so she comes after her. Another horrifically boring story. In the end the mystery woman, killed by Vampi, ends up being Pendragon's daughter, who was part of a number of storylines in the past, but that certainly doesn't redeem this garbage story.

Next is the first part of a new series in this magazine, 'Cassandra St. Knight' in "The Psychic Assault" by Auraleon (art, miscredited to Nebres) and Rich Margopoulos (story). The story features Cassandra, a pyschic/witch who shows her friend Tarot the spirit world. An okay start to this series, which would be around for a while.

Third is Pantha in "Encore for Anubis" by the team of Leo Duranona & Alfredo Alcala (art) and Rich Margopoulos (story). A continuation of the previous Pantha story a couple of issues ago, this has Adam donning the same amulet that turned an ordinary thief into an alien being from the planet Lupae, and naturally he turns into the monster as well and fights Pantha, eventually turning back to normal because Pantha told him to. Lame ending to an otherwise average story.

Last is "Cobra Goddess" by Esteban Maroto (art & story). Taking place in India, the story tells of a rich man's son who seeks a forbidden relationship with a snake goddess. Killing his father when he threatens to cut him off, the son goes to see her and demands her for himself, killing a snake that appears after they embrace. As a result, many snakes appear, killing them both. While the story's not that great, Maroto's art is amazing on the last four pages.

Overall a so-so issue, with pretty good art for the most part, but rather dissappointing from a story standpoint. Margopoulos is just not that good a writer and with his dominance in this issue that's certainly bad news for the reader.