Vampirism, one of the mainstays of fiction for centuries, has always intrigued me. Definitely fascinating thematically, we've seen its presence morph from Bram Stoker's original Dracula, through Anne Rice's great mythologies, to various film versions starting with the silent version of Nosferatu and Bela Lugosi's stark & brilliant portrayal in the last century.
Modern cinematic versions such as The Lost Boys, Dracula with Gary Oldman in the titular role, and various series fare have consistently altered and/or augmented the mythos in one way or another. We've seen all manner or genre of creature of the night, from Marvel's Blade (well acted by Wesley Snipes in the original film version) as a Daywalker hunting vampires, to the Underworld franchise, to most recently the ill-fated Doctor Michael Morbius, to many other incarnations.
So many tropes, devices, and hard-lined aspects of vampire history exist that it makes it challenging to create fresh, revolutionary twists on the lore. Those weaving such a tale will need to keep this in mind.
I've often thought of taking up the challenge at some point, even writing a first chapter of such a story that takes place in the 90s. My oldest son Daegan thought it held promise. We'll see if I take it up again at some point down the road. Regardless, I'm sure I will always feel the pull of the vampire, the eternal life but yet still a curse, lives lived in the dark of night, preying on others yet hunted by some.
Themes of loss, redemption, eternity, right and wrong, justice, and much more abound in these colorful tales, which I think is why we find them so enticing and identify with them. These are flawed characters who are also very human in some ways, existing in the gray areas of morality. In that way, at least, they're just like us.
