Baltimore: The Plague Ships

As a reminder: ALL REVIEWS MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS

Publication Date: December 21, 2011

Format: TPB, 7" x 10", FC, 144 pages

Price: $18.99

Age range: 16

ISBN-13: 978-1-59582-677-0

It’s been a year since the Plague ended the war, and Baltimore continues on his quest. The vampires are running rampant, and Baltimore bathes the streets in their blood as an old gypsy watches. She intervenes for him to prevent his prey from escaping, and he casts his suspicions on her. The Gypsy’s granddaughter wishes to align herself with Baltimore, unbelieving that all who side with him will subject themselves to death, for “his quest will cost the lives and souls of everyone he loves.” Baltimore prefers not to have company on his quest.

Baltimore’s enemy Haigus has already left the town aboard a ship, but before Baltimore can follow him, the villagers take a little vengeance upon him, thinking he brought the evil to their village instead of cleansing it. They plan to detain him until Judge Duvic arrives to pass judgment, and the Inquisition’s judge isn’t likely to find Baltimore innocent, no matter how noble his efforts.

Vanessa comes as a savior, but her gallant effort may lead to disaster for her as they make their getaway. On her father’s old ship she coaxes the story of Baltimore and Haigus’s story out of him. It’s a story of death, war, and ravishment, of hatred, fear, and the start of a plague that would kill far more than just those on the battlefield.

But in the present Baltimore’s luck doesn’t last long, as a storm destroys their ship and leaves them on a haunted island, with a dark ship and a nasty plague ship. Even after Baltimore kills all of the remaining undead, the ship remains deadly, its plague taking a form spreading across the island, harboring more secrets.

Baltimore may have mistakenly struck the first blow in desperation and fear, but Haigus is the one that made it a full on war, for a man with nothing left to lose is truly an unstoppable force. Vanessa learns the lesson her grandmother was trying to teach her, though it may cost her her life. And even if she makes it home, her home may not be the same.

This collection gives a lot of backstory to Baltimore, and the heart of his need for vengeance. The artwork and horror elements are classic Mignola, and will delight old and new fans. I adore the insight found in the sketchbooks, and Ben Stenbeck’s fantastic work. The pacing is just as fast and furious as Baltimore’s need for revenge. Christopher Golden and Mike Mignola do a fantastic job of delivering all the unexpected twists and turns. For lovers of horror comics this is a must have.