The Vampire Brat and Other Tales of Supernatural Law (A Madman Re-Read)

The Batton Law series goes through a bunch of changes with this volume. 

First Wolff & Byrd: Counselors of the Macabre changed its title name to Supernatural Law. Then the super couple of Mavis & Toby splits with Toby heading to Hollywood to become a movie producer and lawyer. Then when the monster friend of a troubled youngster runs amok, the law firm will need to find new office space.

The level of homages and tributes really multiply in these volume as well. There's at least a dozen or more famous teen bloodsuckers peppering the background of the 'Vampire Brat' story. Horror movies legends Vincent Price and Peter Lorre show up in a tale about a mad scientist who discovers a way to capture the human soul. And if you were a fan of the Fat Fury, Herbie, from the 1960s, then you are going to love the last story line of the book!

Plus, the only holiday issue of the series (not counting how it's Halloween every day!) Not sure which winter holiday is being represented. But issue #25 is a great tribute to all of the previous cases and characters to have ever graced the pages of this hilarious series!

When I first read this book, I gave it an 8 out of 10. I think I am going to stick with that rating. The Ally McBeal parody subplot to the Vampire Brat story was absurd. I'm not sure if Batton Lash was trying to be topical or was he really fed-up with feminism? The romance angle seems to be taking away from the fun of the unusual practices of the law. With the Mavis spin-off issues, I think that's okay as it focuses more on the private lives of all the characters as opposed to judicial services. But I feel that Mavis' relationship woes are affecting the rest of the firm.

The series when it deals with the supernatural, macabre and strange is just perfect. Not big on when this series starts being a soap opera. Maybe I've missed something. But I didn't think this was supposed to be like Dark Shadows.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.l