9781933929804

This was a fun read. When I first heard that Mellick was releasing a children's book I shrugged it off. I knew I would read it, but it wasn't really my thing (I'm not a child nor do I have children) so I didn't give it much thought. When it arrived in the mail I read it in one sitting (just over 100 pages with illustrations) and I was really surprised at how much I liked it. The best part is, this really is a children's book and when I have kids, I will read this to them. It's a light-hearted read and the word "faggy" is used in the same vein as "cool" or "awesome". There is no hate here, so calm down bleeding hearts. If you're looking for a fresh take on the Bizarro genre, pick up this book. I'm proud to say I have an original piece of art from the book signed by Mr. Mellick himself hanging in my office.

Who is the Faggiest Vampire? You'll find out. When I bought this book I was told it really is a children's book. So I decided to read it as I'd read most children's books--not read it myself until I read it aloud to my kids. I'm glad I did, though I must say, it was difficult to not read ahead. It was especially difficult after my wife DID read the whole thing at once and came to tell me how simply excellent it is. The boys and I (they are four and eleven) had a good time reading a few chapters a night. At first the eleven-year-old was not really hip on snuggling up for a bedtime story, but when I told him the title, he was in. It really is an excellent book. It really is a children's book. It's beautifully, hilariously illustrated by Carlton Mellick III. Both the boys liked to take time to check out the drawings inside. It's a gorgeous book. The story itself is wise, funny, and fabletastic. CM3 has done a fabulous job of writing a book that entertains both parents and kids, and teaches some lessons about life (and mustache grooming). We follow Dargoth Van Gloomfang and his quest to maintain his title as Faggiest Vampire in Broodsarrow while a younger, faggier vampire on the scene strives to steal it. We discover the ins and outs of champion mustachery and modern vampirical aspirations. We learn the mysteries of haberdasheries and happiness! Truly a pleasure to read, THE FAGGIEST VAMPIRE will please kids, make everyone laugh out loud, and even make you think. It was really fun to read it like I did, but my wife's pretty happy with reading it straight through, too. I loved my first Bizarro children's book. I know my kids loved it, too. In fact, my sons want to add that they loved it, and it's funny, and it rocks. And thank you for writing it, Carlton!

Dargoth squares off with younger, faggier vampire Baron Van Ravengraves in this hilarious "children's" book about a group of vampires living in a town that never changes. They are preparing for the annual mustache competition, and Dargoth the reigning champ fears he will lose. He and his assistant Rococo will stop at nothing to make sure he wins. Fans of Edward Gorey will love this book. The illustrations are similar to his and the story, while a bit longer than most of Gorey's work, is told in a similar style. The story is brief but interesting. The funny thing is, it could actually be told to children. The story, unlike many Mellick titles, is lighthearted, clean fun with a nice lesson at the end. Don't get me wrong... fans of Bizarro will love this one. Something for everyone. And don't forget to comb your mustache.