This issue, vampire detective George Suttle ventures into Zone-B, home of the “Bright” or the lower class, otherwise known as humans.  (It was revealed last issue, that the upper class had agreed to “take the cure,” that is to say, become vampires, in order to protect London from zombies.)  Suttle is chaufered into Zone-B by a surly Bright named Bowes, who takes a few pot shots at him, but ultimately seems concerned for his safety in the slum-like Zone.  Suttle pauses a moment en route to stare down a pack of Restless (zombies) being kept out by a fence.  They can’t sense him because of his vampire state, one of the reasons the upper class embraced this “cure.”  Suttle ponders how alike the Young and the Restless… oh, I just got that joke… three issues in… I’m slow… ahem, he realizes that despite their differences, their immortality grants the two groups a certain kinship.

Once in Zone-B, formerly London’s East End, Suttle encounters an angry dog.  Animals don’t like the Young.  (Also discussed last issue.)  This is why they are travelling by car, despite the attention it draws.  Suttle wouldn’t be able to travel by horse-drawn carriage.  Not only do animals not take kindly to the Young, but it turns out most Bright don’t like them either as a filthy, homeless woman calls him “Filth.”

Suttle seeks answers at a brothel.  He seems disoriented but one prostitute named “Saphire” tells him to pick her before he gets into trouble.  She realizes he is a policeman on a case and takes him to a private room.  She understands that women like her can’t be seen in public talking to the authorities, but if they make it look like he’s there for more carnal pleasures, what happens behind closed doors stays secret.

Suttle comes to the realization that becoming a Young has robbed him of his libido and he is amazed that in 50 years he hadn’t missed it or even realized it was gone.  Saphire informs him that most of their vampire clients are the same way.  “They are sad.  They remember having the appetite and they miss it.”  She offers a smart theory that by becoming immortal, they no longer have the sense of urgency that the living do.  She confirms that there are some that do retain their hunger, like the murder victim that Suttle is investigating.  They discuss various aspects of vampirism in this world, with some interesting ideas that I won’t spoil here.

She recognizes the victim in a photograph Suttle shows her and gives him a lead, an artist friend named Pendleby and a general location.  Suttle goes to investigate the clues Saphire provided, but finds trouble instead.

Another excellent issue in this excellent miniseries!  It both furthered the murder investigation and filled in more back history and details about this take on vampires, with some really interesting thoughts and comments by both Suttle and Saphire.  There’s also a lot revealed about the Bright, the lower class humans who clearly don’t care much for their station in life or for the Young.  It’s all very interesting and entertaining.

The art by L.N.J. Culbard is simple, with tiny lines.  It’s detailed but not overly so.  It just works and fits the story perfectly.

This is definitely one of the best miniseries out now.  I highly recommend it!

Verdict: Buy

THE NEW DEADWARDIANS #3
Written by Dan Abnett
Art and Cover by L.N.J. Culbard