D - Lord Faureston (vol. 1) by Bruno Maïorana, Alain Ayroles and Thierry Léprevost

Richard Drake is an adventurer, dark, bold, even if a bit of a brute. During an high society ball, he meets the charming but strong-willed Catherine Lecombe. The young woman is not at all attracted by the arrogant man who is always seeking her attentions. In the other hand, the mysterious Lord Faureston seems to have quite a powerful effect on her... Driven by jealousy, Drake is determined to know more about the man and how he claimed fortune and title after some tragic deaths. Especially when he senses that Catherine might be in danger...

This is the first volume of a story for all paranormal fans who always enjoy a new vampire tale.

Catherine Lecombe is the typical romantic young woman who is looking for the perfect passionate man. Her distaste for Richard Drake is visible for the instant they meet. She cannot stand the man or even hear about his incredible stories set in exotic lands. For her, he is just another rich man who explores the weaker and who never misses an occasion to brag.

Of course, we also feel there's more about her excessive feelings than scorn. And Drake seems to have the same opinion since he uses all his charm to convince her that he is much more interesting than she seems to think. But then, the blond and elegant Lord Faureston enters the game for Miss Lecombe attentions.

There's no secret about Faureston's nature. Quite quickly we know what he is, but his past or even his true relationship with another attractive woman remains more or less clouded. He is undoubtedly an intriguing character, even if he is cruel and ruthless.

I really enjoyed the drawings and the color palette used in this volume. They have many interesting details and the authors manage to create a very misty and sometimes creepy scenes, especially those with Lord Faureston. Nonetheless, I have some difficulties with the leading man, Robert Drake (character inspired by the 19th century explorer Richard Francis Burton). He immediately made me think of Gengis Khan with those eyebrows and heavy mustache. A big no-no for me.

D - Lord Faureston was a nice read but not as exciting as I wished it would be.

Grade: 3.5/5