Any announcement of a new Vertigo series is often met with excitement, but this series is a little bit different. Launching in March 2010, American Vampire will be hitting shelves courtesy of fiction writer Scott Snyder and artist Rafael Albuquerque (Superman/Batman) and for the first story arc, will showcase a second narrative feature written by the illustrious King of Horror, Stephen King. 

Snyder's portion of the opening five issue arc will follow young starlet Pearl, who seeks Hollywood success in the early 20th century, but soon discovers that there are more bloodsuckers in Hollywood than just agents. Alternatively, King will tackle the origin story of America's first vampire, Skinner Sweet, a bank robbing outlaw from the late 1800's Old West. Though it seems King will not be sticking around for further tales after the initial five issues, Snyder and Albuquerque will continue to follow the descendants of Skinner Sweet throughout American history. 

King, who said “I love vampire stories, and the idea of following the dark exploits of a uniquely American vampire really lit up my imagination. The chance to do the origin story—to be “present at the creation” —was a thrill. I owe big thanks to Scott Snyder for letting me share his vision, and sip from his bucket of blood." marks his first comic book work featuring original characters. Previously, his work has been adapted in graphic format in Marvel's The Stand and The Dark Tower.

And Snyder, marking his first journey into writing comics, said “Getting the chance to re-imagine a classic monster—to invent a whole new mythology and secret history—nothing could be more exciting for me . . . except getting the chance to do it with Stephen King at Vertigo. I honestly can’t think of any influences more crucial or enduring for me than Vertigo and Stephen King. To have them both involved in American Vampire, along with the amazing Rafael Albuquerque—this all a dream come true for me!”

Vampires may be in vogue, but Vertigo promises something fresh with their new horror series, and Albuquerque doesn't seem too concerned: “In a time where vampires are everywhere, Scott and Stephen seem to have done the impossible: An original, inventive and detailed new series. It’s a challenging and exciting project I’m proud to be working on.”

If any publisher can be taken at their word for a fresh take on a pop culture phenomenon, it's Vertigo. Stay tuned for CraveOnline for more on American Vampire.