I occasionally mock her for it, but I do so very much enjoy how she doesn’t shy away from comics blatant use of cheesecake. I find it amusing that she even calls it “cake”! Lol
"not every female should be or needs to be vampirella, but should also be a place for the vampirella's out there" love that quote, specially for artists renditions of all genres.
I'm a massive Vampirella fan...collector and all...and Im not the OG demographic. As a gay man, Im not interested in her sexually, but I appreciate the character just could giving 2 Fs and being so sensual and provactive. She has that Starfire thing going for her, but without the naiveté. She's tough as nails, sassy and sarcastic, and is just engaging. She can't be ignored when you pass her image. She's a melting pot of Elvira, Vampira, Buffy, Playboy Playmates, and B-action star. Cheesecake or feminist icon, she's an icon if you like her or want her to go away. I love her.
I totally agree with you. I am also a gay man and I appreciate her character design and personality. It’s so fun. I was thinking about it and came to the conclusion that drinking wine from a regular glass feels nasty when as drinking from a wine glass feels glamorous. I think Vampirella has a glamorous form. If she didn’t have that form it may be boring on the eyes.
I still have those 70s Vampirella magazines given to me when I was a kid by my dads Army buddies. The advantages of growing up as an Army brat, collection of of several different comic magazines of different genres such as Vampirella, Conan, Eerie Magazines, Spook, Creepy Magazines, Epic (80s), Heavy Metal Magazines (80s), ect... ect... previously read by and passed down to me by my dad and his Army buddies.
Vampirella is as her creator was: unashamed and unabashed about who and what she is. It's interesting to me that the reactions to her are typically what people have projected onto the character without much thought to her origins, it's mostly been to the costume and the poses artists have put her in and of course the many women who have cosplayed her. I grew up in the era where comics like her were lushly illustrated and you had even Red Sonja being done a little cheesecakey, but Gail Simone famously was able to demonstrate what you could do with that character to take them seriously and turning Vampi into a superhero (at the time of this comment) seems be a good way to go. At the same time though, she's harmless. A woman who embraces her sexuality and her body image in a positive way and doesn't pay attention to what others think? That's a GOOD thing in 2021. I'd take her for what she is and not attach meaning to her, because meaning isn't what she was created with.
Ackerman was also, like Ray Bradbury, a long-time friend of Ray Harryhausen and owned some of his old models. The three were something of a triumvirate of American SF/cultdom
I remember Ackerman & Harryhausen both giving a talk at the Plaza cinema in Stockport, UK, when it reopened after being returned to a cinema following many years as a bingo hall. The show was Laurel & Hardy 'The Music Box' (IIRC) followed by the 1933 King Kong.
Vampirella is a fascinating character with so much potential for a fantastic adult live action or animated series. If live action she doesn’t have to be as scantily clad to appeal to more viewers.
Vampirella's costume is pretty iconic, but for the reasons of "Look what we can get away with" and "Gotta put this down, can't be seen in public with this." now, it could be tamer (but still sexy enough), so if adapted, the actress isn't cold, or constantly has wardrobe malfunctions having to essentially wear a micro one piece bikini for most of their attire (Well, I said something controversial lol). To think, like with Bayonetta, both were designed by women, so it has that defense, but it's what you do with it... that's what defines it... Vampirella Begins. The Ackerman's: Mikasa, Levi, Kenny... Forrest?!
I choose to keep it simple. You really can't complain about a costume you created. That still looks the same from its first issue years later. By the way, I do have that first issue, bought it a con a few years ago for $10 just to see what the first appearance was like.
She HAS to wear the outfit, I mean, it's a lot of the reason why people like her. However, she doesn't have to wear the thing all the time. Maybe go in the direction of Wonder Woman and only have her wear it for certain scenes. In between the big moments, maybe she could wear civilian outfits or something. To be honest though, I don't know how they're going to film a new version. If they go dark and serious with this character, they're missing the point. The whole movie has to be intentional b-movie cheesecake or it won't work. If they filmmakers aren't winking at the audience, then you just got a bimbo doing unbelievable things and are supposed to take it seriously. You can't market at for everyone, it's a niche market.
I really love the cloth version of the outfit, it looks simple yet really elegant. Not a fan of that shiny/plasticky version in that old movie though with the bat undies lol. I agree that it'd be something that would need to be adapted for a future actress' benefit... Like maybe it could just be her underwear and over it she could wear her cool suit or whatever :)
There’s cloth tape to keep everything in place now. As a combat outfit, I’m not sure how anything short of superglue would work. But if it’s good enough for the catwalk, it’s probably good enough for… what do I say here, “casual wear”? No, that’s not quite right either….
@rackstraw "Sasha is...Salterella" Love It! Well First off I Too Would Like To Start off By Wishing Sasha A Happy Mothers Day. And To Say That As A Straight Male, There Is NOTHING Wrong With "Sexualising" Vampirella, That Female Creator of Vampirella Did. She Knew The Demographic of Comicbook Readers (Mostly Straight Male) She Had NO Problem At The Time of Profiting By "Selling" Sex. Only When Male Writers/Artists Took Over Did It Now Become A "Sexualization Issue" Women Sell Sex All The Time, "Lovers Become Mothers" I Gaurantee That The Majority of Sasha Viewers Are Straight Male, Both Because of The Content (Critiquing Comicbooks) And The Fact That Sasha Is An Attractive, Nerdy (But Also Intelligent And Articulate) Girl Who Shares Our Interests. I For One Would Love To Live In A World Where Women Acknowledge That Yes "They Sell Sex" And Stop This Pretense That They Are Victims of "Sexualization" When Women Victimize Men By Treating Them Like ATM'S (Success Objects) All The Time And Don't Give It A Second Thought.
I have questions, many, many questions. For starters: Do they ever explain what caused the blood draught back home? Has it been resolved? Does everyone there have the bat-birthmark? Do we know anything about their society? Was she a typical representative of her people?
She's my favorite characters bestie, still only have a few of the crossover she's done with Sonya but it did make me start looking at my local comic shop.
I could have sworn you did a Vampirella video before. I was super confused as why it was coming up as recommended until I looked at my notifications and saw the date. Now with that out of the way, I've only read one shots of the comic here and there because no one has ever recommended an intro arc for a novice and the second is that with so many photo cover variants at my local I didn't want to seem like a creeper!
Yes, I do remember when Vampirella first made her appearance but she was in keeping with the sign of the times when horror and nudity was the standard for many horror comics. She promoted strength in her character as well as strong sexuality, overpowering at times. But she also evolved and her stories became more convoluted and intertwined with mysticism and black magic. This elevated her to superhero status and a champion. And the costume, icing on the cake. I guess you will be doing some of her crossover, like Catwoman and Vampirella.
Thank you so much for doing this video on Vampirella. I've been a fan of her since her creation and have met Forry Ackerman a few times. Wish I could post a picture I took of him with a young lady dressed as Vampirella about 20 years ago.
I believe Vampirella would not have lasted without her Frank Frazzetta connection, if she would even have caught on. And because her art style changed to reflect Frazzetta's, so she kept her appeal. As for liking her, I wish I could but it's best summed up by Comic Trope's review; She's never had a great story line run. A lot of the time, stories either don't go anywhere or happen around her. It also doesn't help that I think some of the writer's just don't get her and veer into her being sexy or tough instead of following the line where she is both.
I was way too young when I read it. Some friends family member had Vampirella and Fangoria and some D&D books I looked at. I had to be about 6. I didn't keep up with it, but it started my interest in comics the way Akira started me in anime.
Vampi is my favourite comic character. She is what got me heavily into collecting comics in the 90s. I have every Warren Vampirella book including those from Japan, Germany, Australia, Brazil, etc. She is highly unappreciated. So many talented artists worked on her over the years and she is the perfect union of cheesecake and camp.
Forrest Ackerman! That explains A LOT! I loved seeing Vampirella from time to time through the late sixties and the seventies. She always struck me as something of a comic book version of TV horror movie host Elvira. It's not about the sexy, it's all about the fun!
Vamperilla is bloody amazing as she is bizarre. I’m not a fan but becoming one thank to this The costume fits and love it Vamperilla look bloody amazing and frightening as well!!! I think difference between sexy and hyper sexy. Quick thoughts off the top of my head one is empowering, dominating, dangerous, showing what you got and hot while the other is not. It’s all about owning the look and character being comfortable…. It’s like being cool it either you are or try to hard instead look utterly ridiculous. I also think it’s presence and think it’s all about preference because not all of us like the same cheesecake. Some of love it, like dislike, hate or well prefer another flavor or recipe…
I imagine anyone who wears almost-clothes like the this would rather be (or don’t care one way or another if they are) naked. Or they are really confident that the tape will hold. Perhaps they are just using superglue instead. Otherwise, short of a belt with two strips of tape, it body paint. Not sure any of these things count during combat (unless you’re trying to distract the opponent).
I first discovered Vampirella in a set of paperback books that I bought at a flea market in the early '80s for about 10 cents each. I didn't even know she was a comic book character or that she had her own magazine until many years later. IDK who the author(s?) of those books was/were, but I remember them being pretty good reads. I wish I still had them. I looked them up on Amazon and used copies (like the ones I had) are being sold for hundreds of dollars.
I do hope you'll at some point tackle Swords of Sorrow, the Paul Cornell run, or the crossovers with Dejah Thoris and Red Sonja (in the latter's case, also with Betty & Veronica).
Have you considered doing a video on famed illustrator Jose Gonzales? Not only was he the quintessential Vampirella artist, but was behind Romance novel covers and even Barbie illustrations!
I'm here for all the Vampirella stuff! I personally only knew her name & the costume never read the comics or anything. With her costume, there is an initial reaction for me about the over-sexualization of females in comics, but I also look at why the costume is the way it is. I mean since she's from another planet, if this is pretty standard there then that works for me. I don't mind cheesecake, as long as it goes with what else is going on in the comic, if its' totally out of nowhere, then that's different. My point is MORE VAMPIRELLA! I'm enoying this
Vampirella is one of those characters is see a lot of art for, but never knew who she was. I was very glad that I sat down to watch this vid. I might even try and read some more.
I always find it interesting when I read about how this or that oversexualized character was designed by a woman. Sure there are sexy illustrations and costume designs by male artists but they never really stir up people like a good Vampirella or Bayonetta or Amanda Connor style Power Girl
It was nice to know more about a comic character that I always see and never read stuff about her. There is a whole story of the bad girls in comics that would warrant a documentary because we usually just talk about the big 2
It can really be simplified. People like what they like. Vampirella works for some and doesn't work for others. It's entertainment. There is no pressing need for "a discussion" on the topic. If you like Vampirella, read Vampirella. If you don't like Vampirella, don't read Vampirella. Everything doesn't have to become an issue and have politics around it. Escapism is a good thing and comes in many forms.
You know this is literally a comic discussion channel, right? Are ya trolling here, new here, or are you just “that guy”?? …not trying to start a flame war, just really curious. Legit. Like, it’s in the opening & closing closing of every video, so I’m very confused by your point. Not shining you on, do you see how quashing discussion is antithetical to a comic discussion channel?
I started liking Vampirella only recently with her crossovers with Red Sonja and Betty and Veronica, then I learned about her origin and thought it was actually pretty good. I get what the creator of the costume is saying, some of the recent variant covers are a bit much, but the character definitely exudes an empowering feeling as she is a superhero of sorts.
A good presentation, but I think you should have also mentioned Archie Goodwin and artist José González. They were the ones who transformed Vampirella from "cutesy" to a legitimate bad-girl horror heroine. It was Archie who introduced the concept of the mad god Chaos, as well as Dracula in some really classic issues - issues which I still hold as a benchmark for the entire series.
I met Forry about 10-15 years ago. He was an amazing story teller too. I suspect he may have embellished a bit, he claimed to know Lovecraft, I think the dates don't work. My friends went to the Acermansion, were my Romanian friend Rosemary got to wear Bela Lugosi's dracula ring. He basically created fandom.
My Dad used to have some Vampi comics hidden in his closet back when I was a kid in the 70s. Being ALL about any comics when I was 8 years old, I read them. OFTEN. I was smitten. I've had a thing for dark-haired, curvy women ever since.
I never read any of her comics. I used to see them in the news stand along with magazines like Eerie, but they never appealed to me because of the fact that they were in B/W. That seems dumb to me now, but back then, it was how I felt. I used to get Ackerman's magazine, Famous Monsters of Filmland though. As for the costume, I like it. I knew it probably wouldn't happen, but I was kind of hoping to see you model a version of it at the end of the video. It would certainly increase the views. ;)
I always liked Vampirella. At the time she appeared, she was unique. She's dangerous and funny and sexy. Despite her appearance, she's not ABOUT sex. She knows she looks appealing, she's like a honey badger about it. There-in lies part of what fascinates about her. She does what she does and ALWAYS for her own reasons. You root for her cause she isn't malevolent, after all she didn't draw herself! She's a genuine badass and when she says "no" she means it. Anyone trying any stupid shit with her gets shut down. Perfect anti-hero feminist icon before anyone. Just because she's gorgeous and flaunts that doesn't mean she's not in charge. She clowns those who try to take advantage of her.
She's been one of my favorite characters for years. I never thought of her as overly sexualized. But the broken back pose needs to end for all female characters. Thanks for the video and I hope you had a great Mother's Day Sasha. Your wig today looks lovely.
Having been there to purchase the 1st Vampirella, (let's Not get into the whole “Famous Monsters”/“Castle of Frankenstein debate Here), I just want to say something about Vampirella's sexy costume. I've seen decades of Halloween costumes and cosplays and sexy lingerie versions of this costume and I can say that it works amazingly well for every figure. My first girlfriend in high school was seal sleek and she would've looked great as Vampirella. I think the secret is that that costume curves around a woman's natural curves in a way that proves that mountains of bosom or platform bras with enough lift to spank the space shuttle in orbit are simply not necessary. Both that bruised, blonde and bare Mother of Dragons girl from Game of Thrones and Katy Perry would rocking it out hot in the Vampirella costume. Look at the cover of the Vampirella Issue #One, that Alone proves the 'points' I've been trying to make. And I just proved I read a lot of “Vampirella hello and how you doing?” dialogue.
I like Vampriella, not just for the fun tongue in cheek cheesecake, but the mix of Sci-fi and supernatural horror. You don’t see those mix very often and it’s nice when it happens I think Paul Dini and Amanda Connor show and help demonstrate the difference between “sexy” and “hyper sexy”. It’s all about the posing and facial reactions.
HER HAIR AND OUTFIT IS ALWAYS COOL! If you were a cartoon character you would have a different design each episode lol. Need a compilation of every outfit from the videos so far lol
Me and my friends were all ready Creepy and Eerie fans so when Vampirella first came out we snagged that right up...a whole bunch of 10/11 year old boys we thought it don't get any better than this.
Vampirella always struck me as a meta aware comic when it came to how society treats women. She gave them a way to fight back. Been a fan since the old days.
Vampirella is actually an amazing comic series in her short stories, there's a certain reasoning for her to be seductive in order to manipulate people. Yet some versions lean onto implicit eroticism, ending up with lackluster story telling. With proper writing and decent production value this comic would be AMAZING! But nowadays its a relic at best.
Thank you! A video about one of my favourite superheros. As a bisexual woman, her and Lady Death are guilty pleasures of mine Edit: Also Purgatori. Purgatori gets forgotten about for some reason
Yes; Lady Death always felt like a “poor man’s Vampirella” (despite somewhat slightly more positive critical appeal, from what I recall). Edit: I totally dig the name by the way; I loved The Craft too! If “Manuel Deity” wasn’t already taken, I wouldn’t be just another madman on the internet.
In the late 60's/early 70's, the Feminist movement and the Sexual Revolution were both going strong, and I remember hearing women should be empowered to do what they want, and Vampirella showed a woman could be sexy and empowered! Just by being the star of her own book, and outside the Comic's Code (part of the appeal of those b&w comics), I will always think of her as a feminist icon.
I was trying to think up a witty variation of the "I just get it for the articles....excellent journalism" comment frequently used in years past by subscribers to Playboy magazine, but you did so unironically! Props to you.
I am new to her, reading her comics wise, a couple of days ago I read the first issue of her 2010 run and I enjoyed it quite a bit. She takes the best elements of Blade and Wonder Woman in her character and motivation. At least that is my first impression of her. I plant to read her 2019 run next and newer then I plan to move back and read older stuff
As far as cake goes, I had to pause to read (note: actually read) the delightfully pure cringe panels as they flashed by during the recent Starfire limited series had more serious cheesecake. And personally, I’m mentioning this because it was more cheese than cake; “…And I don’t even like sweet potatoes!” 😅
Ngl the introductory blurb from Vampi about her series kinda gave me the impression that she’d vibe really well with some characters from Marvel and DC (the first thing that came to my mind was Spider-Man being salty that she’s cutting into his shares in the quipping industry)
I love Vampirella. She’s just really cool, and a good mix of a character who can be funny, sexy and badass all at once. Also, she inspired the creation of Morrigan from the Vampire/Darkstalkers games, so we wouldn’t have her without Vampirella. I’m glad people still make comics about her from time to time. I’d love to see more stories delve into the cheesy and campy nature of the character instead of trying to make her super serious (even if some of those stories are also fun to read).
Vampirella's charcter design is beautiful, elegantly simple and upfront about it's campy cheesecake intentions, but i find her stories, from the Warren days to the present, close to unreadable. She seems to exist best as a pin-up, where all of her potential as a sly mix of sensuality and macabre can be distilled into one composition and a sense of mystery persists. Also, the new Jae Lee covers are stunning.
I was a kid when Vampirella first started. I always liked her costume. I've read that James Cameron is a fan, too. Maybe a good movie might be made someday. Or a mini-series or something.
Love Vampi! I figure, IMHO, the world now is 101% Hyper-EVERYTHING. I'm only against those who are hyper-tear-down anything that isn't completely in their wheel house
I've never seen these earliest Vampirella stories before. Never cared much for the Vampirella stuff that I saw in the '90s but this stuff looks less exploitative and a bit more better. Of course it's hard not to like anything that has Robbins or Frazetta involved. Thanks for sharing.
THANK YOU for that nuanced discussion of Vampirella. The same kind of thoughtful framing could be applied to other works (and people) that are considered problematic now, but were simply products of their time. We should seek to understand them while being clear why "what was OK then isn't OK now." Regarding "sexy" vs. "hyper-sexualized"...I choose to disagree. Accentuating the body (male, female, nonbinary) is inherently sexualizing unless the person in question lives on a desert island with no one else around. Clothing and style choices communicate to others, and inventing subtle exceptions is an exercise in futility. Better to just say, "yes, I am being sexy, but it's not an excuse for you to misbehave, nor does it diminish my agency over my body." Those are clear lines.
Brinke Stevens introduced me to Forry Ackerman many years ago, when they would come to local conventions together. The Vampirella puns are classic Forry Ackerman, and we got along famously. Our senses of humor were so similar, that during one exchange, Brinke Stevens looked at my wife and said, "Oh no. There's two of them." I miss him very much.
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Sasha is very unapologetically going on a full Vampirella streak, and I'm so here for it.
Me too. I was big fan of her 90's series.
I occasionally mock her for it, but I do so very much enjoy how she doesn’t shy away from comics blatant use of cheesecake.
I find it amusing that she even calls it “cake”! Lol
"not every female should be or needs to be vampirella, but should also be a place for the vampirella's out there" love that quote, specially for artists renditions of all genres.
Her thoughts on this match my own.
I'm a massive Vampirella fan...collector and all...and Im not the OG demographic. As a gay man, Im not interested in her sexually, but I appreciate the character just could giving 2 Fs and being so sensual and provactive. She has that Starfire thing going for her, but without the naiveté. She's tough as nails, sassy and sarcastic, and is just engaging. She can't be ignored when you pass her image. She's a melting pot of Elvira, Vampira, Buffy, Playboy Playmates, and B-action star. Cheesecake or feminist icon, she's an icon if you like her or want her to go away. I love her.
I totally agree with you. I am also a gay man and I appreciate her character design and personality. It’s so fun. I was thinking about it and came to the conclusion that drinking wine from a regular glass feels nasty when as drinking from a wine glass feels glamorous. I think Vampirella has a glamorous form. If she didn’t have that form it may be boring on the eyes.
I am a collector as well - I’m sure you’ve seen the Shannon Maer run! 🔥❤️🔥
I've never read one of her books but I'm happy she exists.
Cleavage AND midriff? Vampirella is strong influence.
I still have those 70s Vampirella magazines given to me when I was a kid by my dads Army buddies. The advantages of growing up as an Army brat, collection of of several different comic magazines of different genres such as Vampirella, Conan, Eerie Magazines, Spook, Creepy Magazines, Epic (80s), Heavy Metal Magazines (80s), ect... ect... previously read by and passed down to me by my dad and his Army buddies.
Vampirella is as her creator was: unashamed and unabashed about who and what she is. It's interesting to me that the reactions to her are typically what people have projected onto the character without much thought to her origins, it's mostly been to the costume and the poses artists have put her in and of course the many women who have cosplayed her.
I grew up in the era where comics like her were lushly illustrated and you had even Red Sonja being done a little cheesecakey, but Gail Simone famously was able to demonstrate what you could do with that character to take them seriously and turning Vampi into a superhero (at the time of this comment) seems be a good way to go.
At the same time though, she's harmless. A woman who embraces her sexuality and her body image in a positive way and doesn't pay attention to what others think? That's a GOOD thing in 2021.
I'd take her for what she is and not attach meaning to her, because meaning isn't what she was created with.
Ackerman was also, like Ray Bradbury, a long-time friend of Ray Harryhausen and owned some of his old models. The three were something of a triumvirate of American SF/cultdom
I remember Ackerman & Harryhausen both giving a talk at the Plaza cinema in Stockport, UK, when it reopened after being returned to a cinema following many years as a bingo hall. The show was Laurel & Hardy 'The Music Box' (IIRC) followed by the 1933 King Kong.
Vampirella is a fascinating character with so much potential for a fantastic adult live action or animated series. If live action she doesn’t have to be as scantily clad to appeal to more viewers.
Happy Mother's Day.💐🌞💜
Vampirella's costume is pretty iconic, but for the reasons of "Look what we can get away with" and "Gotta put this down, can't be seen in public with this." now, it could be tamer (but still sexy enough), so if adapted, the actress isn't cold, or constantly has wardrobe malfunctions having to essentially wear a micro one piece bikini for most of their attire (Well, I said something controversial lol). To think, like with Bayonetta, both were designed by women, so it has that defense, but it's what you do with it... that's what defines it... Vampirella Begins.
The Ackerman's: Mikasa, Levi, Kenny... Forrest?!
I choose to keep it simple. You really can't complain about a costume you created. That still looks the same from its first issue years later.
By the way, I do have that first issue, bought it a con a few years ago for $10 just to see what the first appearance was like.
She HAS to wear the outfit, I mean, it's a lot of the reason why people like her. However, she doesn't have to wear the thing all the time. Maybe go in the direction of Wonder Woman and only have her wear it for certain scenes. In between the big moments, maybe she could wear civilian outfits or something.
To be honest though, I don't know how they're going to film a new version. If they go dark and serious with this character, they're missing the point. The whole movie has to be intentional b-movie cheesecake or it won't work. If they filmmakers aren't winking at the audience, then you just got a bimbo doing unbelievable things and are supposed to take it seriously. You can't market at for everyone, it's a niche market.
I really love the cloth version of the outfit, it looks simple yet really elegant. Not a fan of that shiny/plasticky version in that old movie though with the bat undies lol. I agree that it'd be something that would need to be adapted for a future actress' benefit... Like maybe it could just be her underwear and over it she could wear her cool suit or whatever :)
There’s cloth tape to keep everything in place now.
As a combat outfit, I’m not sure how anything short of superglue would work. But if it’s good enough for the catwalk, it’s probably good enough for… what do I say here, “casual wear”? No, that’s not quite right either….
I think the costume in vampirella #14 variant cover is great it look boss as heck not really out of place in today fashion and fuctional
Vampy is the queen of cheesy horror cheesecake. The Warren years were the best guilty pleasure. 🦇
Love Vampi! I have almost half the original run. Anything Frazetta is too awesome to ignore. RIP
Viva la queso?!
Vampirella is cool.
I've recently become a fan of Vampirella through the modern Dynamite comics and she's definitely an interesting mixed with guilty pleasure comic
Should I feel embarrassed to admit that I'm 59 & have the 6 foot Jose Gonzalez poster in my bedroom? (yes, I'm single. What was your first clue?)
The Joker would say, "Nice outfit." Oh, and Vampirella's is nice, too.
I can remember being 11-13 and seeing this when i first started collecting comics..it affected my pre-puberty mind in ways i can not almost describe.
Vampirella was the first visual I can remember causing a certain male reflex down below.
Sasha is...Salterella. Happy Mothers' Day!
Salterella... love it! 😁
@@andrewgwilliam4831 That’s not entirely fair. She loved how cheesy the movie was.
@rackstraw "Sasha is...Salterella" Love It! Well First off I Too Would Like To Start off By Wishing Sasha A Happy Mothers Day. And To Say That As A Straight Male, There Is NOTHING Wrong With "Sexualising" Vampirella, That Female Creator of Vampirella Did. She Knew The Demographic of Comicbook Readers (Mostly Straight Male) She Had NO Problem At The Time of Profiting By "Selling" Sex. Only When Male Writers/Artists Took Over Did It Now Become A "Sexualization Issue" Women Sell Sex All The Time, "Lovers Become Mothers" I Gaurantee That The Majority of Sasha Viewers Are Straight Male, Both Because of The Content (Critiquing Comicbooks) And The Fact That Sasha Is An Attractive, Nerdy (But Also Intelligent And Articulate) Girl Who Shares Our Interests. I For One Would Love To Live In A World Where Women Acknowledge That Yes "They Sell Sex" And Stop This Pretense That They Are Victims of "Sexualization" When Women Victimize Men By Treating Them Like ATM'S (Success Objects) All The Time And Don't Give It A Second Thought.
You notice that cobwebby side passage in Vampy's rabbit hole? That's where Uncle Creepy and Cousin Eerie hang out- go there next!
Not overly familiar with the comic.
Yet god, I hope this isn’t some sorta euphemism! Lol
I've Always loved Vampirellas sci-fi origin! ❤ It made her a unique standout and quite the lovely host( think Tales from the Crypt and early Elvira!)
I have questions, many, many questions. For starters:
Do they ever explain what caused the blood draught back home? Has it been resolved? Does everyone there have the bat-birthmark? Do we know anything about their society? Was she a typical representative of her people?
@@CieJe.Alexander I do believe her current iteration at Dynamite returns to Draculon.
Old neard of vampirella....still have many of the comic books....which I have hidden from grandkids....how fun...
She's my favorite characters bestie, still only have a few of the crossover she's done with Sonya but it did make me start looking at my local comic shop.
Sasha getting her midriff on Not quite on the level of Vampirella's costume...yet but summer is coming
I could have sworn you did a Vampirella video before. I was super confused as why it was coming up as recommended until I looked at my notifications and saw the date. Now with that out of the way, I've only read one shots of the comic here and there because no one has ever recommended an intro arc for a novice and the second is that with so many photo cover variants at my local I didn't want to seem like a creeper!
@3:10 (the aliens from "Signs") "Score!" 😄
Also Happy Mother's Day, Sasha!🎁💐
I have the cover painting on the sleeves to my magic the gathering deck.
Yes, I do remember when Vampirella first made her appearance but she was in keeping with the sign of the times when horror and nudity was the standard for many horror comics. She promoted strength in her character as well as strong sexuality, overpowering at times. But she also evolved and her stories became more convoluted and intertwined with mysticism and black magic. This elevated her to superhero status and a champion. And the costume, icing on the cake. I guess you will be doing some of her crossover, like Catwoman and Vampirella.
I teach fashion illustration and history and love creative ways to barely be clothed 😈 also your hair looks great!🧛🏻♀️
haven't read much of the old Vampirella stuff, but I'm enjoying the Christopher Priest run, which is suitably trippy.
Wow that last line before the outro "Let's talk Vampi down below". . . . . . . interesting
Thank you so much for doing this video on Vampirella. I've been a fan of her since her creation and have met Forry Ackerman a few times. Wish I could post a picture I took of him with a young lady dressed as Vampirella about 20 years ago.
I believe Vampirella would not have lasted without her Frank Frazzetta connection, if she would even have caught on. And because her art style changed to reflect Frazzetta's, so she kept her appeal. As for liking her, I wish I could but it's best summed up by Comic Trope's review; She's never had a great story line run. A lot of the time, stories either don't go anywhere or happen around her. It also doesn't help that I think some of the writer's just don't get her and veer into her being sexy or tough instead of following the line where she is both.
Try the Paul Cornell run that Jeremy Whitley finished up. A _very_ good run, imho.
I was way too young when I read it. Some friends family member had Vampirella and Fangoria and some D&D books I looked at. I had to be about 6. I didn't keep up with it, but it started my interest in comics the way Akira started me in anime.
Vampi is my favourite comic character. She is what got me heavily into collecting comics in the 90s. I have every Warren Vampirella book including those from Japan, Germany, Australia, Brazil, etc. She is highly unappreciated. So many talented artists worked on her over the years and she is the perfect union of cheesecake and camp.
Forrest Ackerman! That explains A LOT!
I loved seeing Vampirella from time to time through the late sixties and the seventies.
She always struck me as something of a comic book version of TV horror movie host Elvira. It's not about the sexy, it's all about the fun!
Vampirella is definitely a lot of fun! I had no idea there was a movie about her, I'll have to check it out!
They should change the costume.
Thanks for the Vampirella videos, she needs her name out there. Great stuff here
Vamperilla is bloody amazing as she is bizarre.
I’m not a fan but becoming one thank to this
The costume fits and love it
Vamperilla look bloody amazing and frightening as well!!!
I think difference between sexy and hyper sexy. Quick thoughts off the top of my head one is empowering, dominating, dangerous, showing what you got and hot while the other is not.
It’s all about owning the look and character being comfortable….
It’s like being cool it either you are or try to hard instead look utterly ridiculous.
I also think it’s presence and think it’s all about preference because not all of us like the same cheesecake. Some of love it, like dislike, hate or well prefer another flavor or recipe…
I imagine anyone who wears almost-clothes like the this would rather be (or don’t care one way or another if they are) naked.
Or they are really confident that the tape will hold.
Perhaps they are just using superglue instead.
Otherwise, short of a belt with two strips of tape, it body paint.
Not sure any of these things count during combat (unless you’re trying to distract the opponent).
I first discovered Vampirella in a set of paperback books that I bought at a flea market in the early '80s for about 10 cents each. I didn't even know she was a comic book character or that she had her own magazine until many years later. IDK who the author(s?) of those books was/were, but I remember them being pretty good reads. I wish I still had them. I looked them up on Amazon and used copies (like the ones I had) are being sold for hundreds of dollars.
I do hope you'll at some point tackle Swords of Sorrow, the Paul Cornell run, or the crossovers with Dejah Thoris and Red Sonja (in the latter's case, also with Betty & Veronica).
Have you considered doing a video on famed illustrator Jose Gonzales? Not only was he the quintessential Vampirella artist, but was behind Romance novel covers and even Barbie illustrations!
Pepe was the best Vampi artist in my humble opinion. & cover artist Enrich was amazing, too.
Got the Gonzales door poster hanging in my living room.
@@jeffsuter344 AWESOMENESS they name is Jeff!
@@jeffsuter344 I bought mine last Christmas! Love it!!
You would make a hell of a good Vampirella.
I'm here for all the Vampirella stuff! I personally only knew her name & the costume never read the comics or anything. With her costume, there is an initial reaction for me about the over-sexualization of females in comics, but I also look at why the costume is the way it is. I mean since she's from another planet, if this is pretty standard there then that works for me. I don't mind cheesecake, as long as it goes with what else is going on in the comic, if its' totally out of nowhere, then that's different. My point is MORE VAMPIRELLA! I'm enoying this
Vampirella is one of those characters is see a lot of art for, but never knew who she was. I was very glad that I sat down to watch this vid. I might even try and read some more.
I always find it interesting when I read about how this or that oversexualized character was designed by a woman. Sure there are sexy illustrations and costume designs by male artists but they never really stir up people like a good Vampirella or Bayonetta or Amanda Connor style Power Girl
"Vampirella time, I've fallen down a hole!"
Well, we're on an adventure folks! Is it too soon to start a new playlist?
It was nice to know more about a comic character that I always see and never read stuff about her. There is a whole story of the bad girls in comics that would warrant a documentary because we usually just talk about the big 2
It can really be simplified. People like what they like. Vampirella works for some and doesn't work for others. It's entertainment. There is no pressing need for "a discussion" on the topic. If you like Vampirella, read Vampirella. If you don't like Vampirella, don't read Vampirella. Everything doesn't have to become an issue and have politics around it. Escapism is a good thing and comes in many forms.
You know this is literally a comic discussion channel, right? Are ya trolling here, new here, or are you just “that guy”??
…not trying to start a flame war, just really curious. Legit. Like, it’s in the opening & closing closing of every video, so I’m very confused by your point.
Not shining you on, do you see how quashing discussion is antithetical to a comic discussion channel?
I started liking Vampirella only recently with her crossovers with Red Sonja and Betty and Veronica, then I learned about her origin and thought it was actually pretty good. I get what the creator of the costume is saying, some of the recent variant covers are a bit much, but the character definitely exudes an empowering feeling as she is a superhero of sorts.
Ngl, the most shocking thing is that Vampirella has so much lore.
‘69 dude, that makes her almost as old as Spider-Man!
A good presentation, but I think you should have also mentioned Archie Goodwin and artist José González. They were the ones who transformed Vampirella from "cutesy" to a legitimate bad-girl horror heroine. It was Archie who introduced the concept of the mad god Chaos, as well as Dracula in some really classic issues - issues which I still hold as a benchmark for the entire series.
I just realized that Creati's(Momo Yaoyarozu) costume from MHA is basically Vampirella but with a belt.
I remember first reading about Vampirella in my uncle's old eerie comics that was the first time I recall seeing her
Say, were you reading those comics one-handed?
(I had to make that joke somewhere here today, sorry it was you man! Hahaha)
I met Forry about 10-15 years ago. He was an amazing story teller too. I suspect he may have embellished a bit, he claimed to know Lovecraft, I think the dates don't work. My friends went to the Acermansion, were my Romanian friend Rosemary got to wear Bela Lugosi's dracula ring. He basically created fandom.
My Dad used to have some Vampi comics hidden in his closet back when I was a kid in the 70s. Being ALL about any comics when I was 8 years old, I read them. OFTEN. I was smitten. I've had a thing for dark-haired, curvy women ever since.
The look in this video is AMAZING 👏 just had to be said
I never read any of her comics. I used to see them in the news stand along with magazines like Eerie, but they never appealed to me because of the fact that they were in B/W. That seems dumb to me now, but back then, it was how I felt. I used to get Ackerman's magazine, Famous Monsters of Filmland though.
As for the costume, I like it. I knew it probably wouldn't happen, but I was kind of hoping to see you model a version of it at the end of the video. It would certainly increase the views. ;)
I always liked Vampirella. At the time she appeared, she was unique. She's dangerous and funny and sexy. Despite her appearance, she's not ABOUT sex. She knows she looks appealing, she's like a honey badger about it. There-in lies part of what fascinates about her. She does what she does and ALWAYS for her own reasons. You root for her cause she isn't malevolent, after all she didn't draw herself! She's a genuine badass and when she says "no" she means it. Anyone trying any stupid shit with her gets shut down. Perfect anti-hero feminist icon before anyone. Just because she's gorgeous and flaunts that doesn't mean she's not in charge. She clowns those who try to take advantage of her.
Don't know much about Vampirella, but the cosplay girls at Comicon that dress like her look great!
She's been one of my favorite characters for years. I never thought of her as overly sexualized. But the broken back pose needs to end for all female characters. Thanks for the video and I hope you had a great Mother's Day Sasha. Your wig today looks lovely.
Oh we need more Vampirella.
I like Vampirella & her costume the way it is so don't change it at all Nuff said.
That's my favorite wig so far. Love it! Vampirella= M.Monroe meets Barbarella meets Dracula. How can ya go wrong?
Having been there to purchase the 1st Vampirella, (let's Not get into the whole “Famous Monsters”/“Castle of Frankenstein debate Here), I just want to say something about Vampirella's sexy costume. I've seen decades of Halloween costumes and cosplays and sexy lingerie versions of this costume and I can say that it works amazingly well for every figure. My first girlfriend in high school was seal sleek and she would've looked great as Vampirella. I think the secret is that that costume curves around a woman's natural curves in a way that proves that mountains of bosom or platform bras with enough lift to spank the space shuttle in orbit are simply not necessary. Both that bruised, blonde and bare Mother of Dragons girl from Game of Thrones and Katy Perry would rocking it out hot in the Vampirella costume. Look at the cover of the Vampirella Issue #One, that Alone proves the 'points' I've been trying to make. And I just proved I read a lot of “Vampirella hello and how you doing?” dialogue.
I like Vampriella, not just for the fun tongue in cheek cheesecake, but the mix of Sci-fi and supernatural horror. You don’t see those mix very often and it’s nice when it happens
I think Paul Dini and Amanda Connor show and help demonstrate the difference between “sexy” and “hyper sexy”. It’s all about the posing and facial reactions.
I never knew of her origins (probably just too lazy to track it down). Thank you for the wonderful breakdown of this iconic character.
HER HAIR AND OUTFIT IS ALWAYS COOL! If you were a cartoon character you would have a different design each episode lol.
Need a compilation of every outfit from the videos so far lol
I can't tell if that is her actual hair today. If it's another wig then holy shit it is realistic
I remember reading Vampirella comics back when I was a kid and loved it and still do love it today and I am 61 yrs old now .
I see you're taking cheesecake seriously.
Thank you, purdy librarian.
LoL
I grew up with this character and the skimpy-ness has changed A Lot.
I love the Warren issues, but not the Harris or Dynamite versions.
Me and my friends were all ready Creepy and Eerie fans so when Vampirella first came out we snagged that right up...a whole bunch of 10/11 year old boys we thought it don't get any better than this.
Vampirella always struck me as a meta aware comic when it came to how society treats women. She gave them a way to fight back. Been a fan since the old days.
Vampirella is actually an amazing comic series in her short stories, there's a certain reasoning for her to be seductive in order to manipulate people. Yet some versions lean onto implicit eroticism, ending up with lackluster story telling. With proper writing and decent production value this comic would be AMAZING! But nowadays its a relic at best.
Thank you! A video about one of my favourite superheros. As a bisexual woman, her and Lady Death are guilty pleasures of mine
Edit: Also Purgatori. Purgatori gets forgotten about for some reason
Yes; Lady Death always felt like a “poor man’s Vampirella” (despite somewhat slightly more positive critical appeal, from what I recall).
Edit: I totally dig the name by the way; I loved The Craft too! If “Manuel Deity” wasn’t already taken, I wouldn’t be just another madman on the internet.
Vamp's so underrated. Btw, Hpi Mom's Dei, my guy!! ♥️😊🇵🇭
Uff I love you for posting this!! 💜💙💜
Happy Mother's day 😁
I wonder how much the movie _Life Force_ was influenced by Vampirella?
Have you been reading the 'vengeance of Vampirella' comic????
I'm a big Frank Frazetta fan sooooo ... I rarely get past the cover.
In the late 60's/early 70's, the Feminist movement and the Sexual Revolution were both going strong, and I remember hearing women should be empowered to do what they want, and Vampirella showed a woman could be sexy and empowered! Just by being the star of her own book, and outside the Comic's Code (part of the appeal of those b&w comics), I will always think of her as a feminist icon.
Granted, that notion slips a bit when someone like Christopher Priest takes over...not known for flattering portrayals of women at all...
"Why? Blood water."
Yup, makes perfect sense.
Whilst her outfit is titillating, pun intended, asides from a few blips down the years, it was the stories that kept you reading, not the outfit!
I was trying to think up a witty variation of the "I just get it for the articles....excellent journalism" comment frequently used in years past by subscribers to Playboy magazine, but you did so unironically! Props to you.
7:03 I’m just thinking of that emerald rose song “vampire girl from the planet orn” lol
I am new to her, reading her comics wise, a couple of days ago I read the first issue of her 2010 run and I enjoyed it quite a bit. She takes the best elements of Blade and Wonder Woman in her character and motivation. At least that is my first impression of her. I plant to read her 2019 run next and newer then I plan to move back and read older stuff
I want devour some lore and cheesecake as much a vampire to drinks blood… Lol
This video will satisfied both hunger and thirst. XD
As far as cake goes, I had to pause to read (note: actually read) the delightfully pure cringe panels as they flashed by during the recent Starfire limited series had more serious cheesecake.
And personally, I’m mentioning this because it was more cheese than cake; “…And I don’t even like sweet potatoes!” 😅
A movie focusing on Robbins and Ackerman as they created Vampirella would be fascinating
Looking at her top I have never been so jealous of a microphone in my life.
I loved those comics as a kid in the 70s. I also remember Uncle Creepy and Cousin Eerie. The stories were a lot like the Twilight Zone.
Ngl the introductory blurb from Vampi about her series kinda gave me the impression that she’d vibe really well with some characters from Marvel and DC (the first thing that came to my mind was Spider-Man being salty that she’s cutting into his shares in the quipping industry)
I love Vampirella. She’s just really cool, and a good mix of a character who can be funny, sexy and badass all at once. Also, she inspired the creation of Morrigan from the Vampire/Darkstalkers games, so we wouldn’t have her without Vampirella. I’m glad people still make comics about her from time to time. I’d love to see more stories delve into the cheesy and campy nature of the character instead of trying to make her super serious (even if some of those stories are also fun to read).
I LOVE VAMPY’S BANGS, I’m so jealous
They're a mid to Betti Page
Warren Publishing was the best - and girl, you are looking good !
Vampirella's charcter design is beautiful, elegantly simple and upfront about it's campy cheesecake intentions, but i find her stories, from the Warren days to the present, close to unreadable. She seems to exist best as a pin-up, where all of her potential as a sly mix of sensuality and macabre can be distilled into one composition and a sense of mystery persists. Also, the new Jae Lee covers are stunning.
8:12 on the costume, yoy mentioned it’s inspired by horror show hosts and honestly? I def get it. The shape of the bust is very Elvira in feel.
My mother was never a fan of Vampirella, I collected all the cards that made almost a lifesized photo of her anyway.
I was a kid when Vampirella first started. I always liked her costume. I've read that James Cameron is a fan, too. Maybe a good movie might be made someday. Or a mini-series or something.
Definitely one of my Favorite of your shows! Very Cool!
Love Vampi! I figure, IMHO, the world now is 101% Hyper-EVERYTHING. I'm only against those who are hyper-tear-down anything that isn't completely in their wheel house
I've never seen these earliest Vampirella stories before. Never cared much for the Vampirella stuff that I saw in the '90s but this stuff looks less exploitative and a bit more better. Of course it's hard not to like anything that has Robbins or Frazetta involved. Thanks for sharing.
Sasha, loved your appearance on the JL Watchtower channel. Now we need a Casually Comics and Nerdsync colab. Pick a good, deep cut from comics.
THANK YOU for that nuanced discussion of Vampirella. The same kind of thoughtful framing could be applied to other works (and people) that are considered problematic now, but were simply products of their time. We should seek to understand them while being clear why "what was OK then isn't OK now."
Regarding "sexy" vs. "hyper-sexualized"...I choose to disagree. Accentuating the body (male, female, nonbinary) is inherently sexualizing unless the person in question lives on a desert island with no one else around. Clothing and style choices communicate to others, and inventing subtle exceptions is an exercise in futility. Better to just say, "yes, I am being sexy, but it's not an excuse for you to misbehave, nor does it diminish my agency over my body." Those are clear lines.
Brinke Stevens introduced me to Forry Ackerman many years ago, when they would come to local conventions together. The Vampirella puns are classic Forry Ackerman, and we got along famously. Our senses of humor were so similar, that during one exchange, Brinke Stevens looked at my wife and said, "Oh no. There's two of them." I miss him very much.