The Bloody Betrayal! Union Jack "Fate" Review

As Union Jack, Joey Chapman is mesmerized by his friend, Kenneth Crichton, who is now the new Baron Blood! It's a simple resolution to the cliffhanger of the previous issue. Almost too simple. Joey doesn't really escape the trap. Kenny takes another victim but then vanishes. The real action hero is the late Christopher. He's not really part of the coven, so without any allegiance, he can help Joey against the baroness.

Baroness Blood has set her sights on a party at Falsworth Manor. So, it's all coming together. The baroness, the vampires, the grail. Joey versus Kenny. Lady Jacqueline and her guests all in the middle!

Then comes the ultimate betrayal! The girl and the goblet! Plus, a set-up for a re-match.

Ben Raab and John Cassaday have crafted a very chilling horror story with underwear on the outside. Cassaday's art with Dave Stewart on colors along with Richard Starkings and Comicraft are pretty creeptastic in a chilling good way.

Blue is the color of the undead, friend or foe!

Union Jack, "Fate" earns four stars!
 

Bride of the Vampire: Union Jack "Faith" review

While his friend, Kenneth Crichton convalesces, Joey Chapman investigates the connection between the cadre of vampires and The Holy Grail. He visits an acquaintance at the museum who explains the history of the grail, the connection to Arthurian legend and divine and mystical properties purported to it. This acquaintance lets Joey know that the grail is on its way to New York. There's also vital information on an encrypted disk, which turns out to be a dead end.

The mystery is, Who is leading this new vampire group? The original Baron Blood was killed years ago by Captain America. And yet, he's returned!

It turns out that the baron took a bride! She's been gathering followers and even making an attempt to lure Kenny Crichton. The sheer irony - Kenny is part of the Union Jack legacy! Union Jack has been battling Baron Blood for ages. His mother, Jacqueline, was Spitfire with The Invaders during World War II!

Ben Raab and John Cassaday have woven a truly macabre thriller. This has all the elements of mystery, suspense, thriller and horror. Dave Stewart, Richard Starkings and Comicraft add all the shadows and the scary things that lurk around the corner. The story builds to a shocking cliffhanger for the final act!

Union Jack, "Faith" earns four stars.   
 

This Evil Undying! Union Jack "Tradition" Review

Kenny Crichton's friendship with Joey Chapman is a strained relationship. So is his relationship with his mother, Lady Jaqueline Falsworth-Crichton. Kenny's sickly, anemic. Joey inherited the mantle that has been in the Falsworth family since World War I - Union Jack! Ken has neither the stamina or the strength to fight crime, evil or vampires like Joey. His mother is still spry in her golden years due to a wartime blood transfusion from Jim Hammond, The Original Human Torch. Yes, she had a blood transfusion from an android. She joined The Invaders as Spitfire! Ken is somewhat bitter toward his mother and somewhat distant to his friend Joey. The only true friend he had is the now late and lamented Christopher Sinclair. 

Ben Raab and John Cassaday introduce Union Jack to a new generation and audience in the first issue of a three-issue mini-series. Recapping the Union Jack legacy from war to war, Raab and Cassaday open "Tradition" with Chapman fighting bad guys... that are vampires. They are seemingly defeated by the dawn's early light. It's an action-packed opening that develops into a genuine mystery.

Afterward, he joins Kenny at Christopher's funeral. There, he discovers almost unnoticeable bite marks on Christopher's neck. There's also a mysterious woman showing interest in Ken.

There's another wrinkle. Arthurian legend regarding The Holy Grail. What would vampires have with the legendary cup of Christ, the Savior?

It's interesting that Union Jack has become a vampire hunter. He used to be a war hero.

Colorist Dave Stewart enhances Cassaday's art. Richard Starkings and Comicraft add the "zing!" to the lettering. Raab and Cassaday's pacing is very smooth.

Union Jack 1, "Tradition" earns four stars.

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