Marvel, Dark Horse to Release ‘Best Of Vampire Tales’ Collection August 2024

Marvel and Dark Horse will issue a new “Best Of Marvel’s Vampire Tales” collection this August, gathering the series’ iconic painted comics.

The anthology gives longtime fans a high‑quality way to revisit the 1990s horror title, while introducing its moody art and gothic storytelling to readers who may have missed it when it first appeared. By bundling the full run in a single volume, the publisher hopes to preserve the series’ iconic painted covers and detailed artwork for future collections. Collectors have long called for a definitive edition, and the new release answers that demand, potentially boosting sales for vintage‑style horror comics.

Marvel originally launched Vampire Tales in 1990, delivering eleven regular issues and a special annual before ending the run in 1995. The set compiles all twelve original Vampire Tales issues, which include eleven regular issues and one annual special^[1]. Each story blends supernatural horror with the Marvel Universe, featuring characters such as Morbius, Blade, and the vampire‑hunting duo of Dr. Strange and Night Nurse.

Dark Horse, known for handling licensed titles, will publish the collection and distribute it through comic‑book stores, major retailers, and online platforms. The collection is slated for an August 2024 release^[2]. Dark Horse’s involvement brings the classic Marvel horror line to a new generation of comic readers. The partnership marks the latest instance of Dark Horse stepping in to reprint Marvel material, a move that could broaden the reach of older Marvel properties beyond their traditional fan base.

Early reactions from the comics community have been positive, with many praising the decision to retain the original painted artwork in the new format. The collection also arrives as interest in retro horror comics rises, offering a timely addition to shelves that already feature revived classics like Swamp Thing and Hellboy. The collection aims to keep the series’ atmospheric storytelling alive for modern audiences. If the volume sells well, it may encourage similar collaborations for other out‑of‑print Marvel series.

Preserving the visual quality of the original prints was a priority; the new edition uses restored color plates and high‑resolution scanning to ensure the painted covers appear as vivid as the first editions.

**What this means** The release signals a growing willingness among major publishers to revive and monetize legacy horror titles, tapping both nostalgia and the current appetite for high‑quality, art‑focused graphic collections. By partnering with Dark Horse, Marvel can reach broader distribution channels while reducing production risk, potentially setting a template for future re‑issues of other out‑of‑print series.