With even more surprising and exciting plot twists, comic book fans are definitely going to enjoy TRUE BLOOD: TAINTED LOVE #5 (IDW Publishing). The manufactured vampire drink, Tru Blood, was originally supposed to suppress the bloodsuckers’ addiction. But now, vamps are on a rampage, because just one sip of Tru Blood spikes up their adrenaline levels. Someone has poisoned the drink and all the vampires are paying the price. As the problems keep getting worse, Bill Compton realizes he might not be able to fix them!

Because he is only human, Hoyt, the hopeless romantic, can just stand by and watch his vampire girlfriend, Jessica, wreck havoc across Bon Temps. The poisoned Tru Blood has unleashed a wild and uncontrollable streak in Jessica. Memories of her troubled childhood are tearing Jessica’s mind apart. As her recollections become distorted, Jessica suddenly attacks the students at their high school prom.

As the carnage continues at the prom, the exits are fastened by chains. No one can get inside, especially vampires, and not even humans can get out. The students are all trapped inside with Jessica, who is hungrily feeding on one of them. Once she is finished with her first victim, Jessica will continue slaying the rest. Will Sheriff Andy Bellefleur make it in time to save the day?

The Vampire Liberation Front, led by the sleazy Rev. Steve Newlin, is the actual source of Bon Temps’ problems. Eric and Sookie have broken into Newlin’s hideout, an abandoned amusement park. Even though she cannot trust him, Sookie believes Eric will find the antidote behind locked doors. Upon hearing the news of trespassers, Rev. Newlin sits back and devilishly smiles as he waits for payback against Eric and Sookie.

Authors Marc Andreyko and Michael McMillian definitely have an ear for snappy dialogue. Toward the conclusion, Lafayette has the best and unprintable line in the issue. Once you hear it, you’ll surely be repeating those words all day long! Adding to the mythology, the authors gradually reveal to readers what happened to Jessica before she was kidnapped and became a vampire. Was it truly destiny or just pure bad luck that Jessica ended up in Bill’s arms?

Artist Joe Corroney brings out an impressive visual style to the pages. The highlight is the searing image of Jessica tied up in chains. The close-ups of Jessica’s red eyes and bloody mouth pack such sheer intensity. In certain panels, the clothing and facial features are a spot-on recreation of the live-action counterparts from the TV series. Readers can tell Corroney is having a lot of fun with Pam’s outfits and moody expressions.

With a story and art that is undeniably entertaining, sink your teeth into TRUE BLOOD: TAINTED LOVE #5. This miniseries works very well for new readers, even for regular followers. Will Sookie be able to find the antidote before Jessica dies from the poison? Keep reading the comic to find out, and check out the current fourth season of TRUE BLOOD, Sundays on HBO.

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