Vlad

Vlad is a hulking, masked figure who first appeared in Devil's Due Publishing's Hack/Slash series in 2004. He becomes an unlikely ally to slasher-hunter Cassie Hack, joining her crusade against supernatural killers despite his monstrous appearance.

Few characters from the Modern Age have shown the kind of quiet, enduring staying power that Vlad has — debuting in 2004 courtesy of creator Tim Seeley and artist Stefano Caselli, this striking figure from the Hack/Slash universe has been a fixture of horror-tinged comics for two full decades. Across Hack/Slash: The Series and beyond, Vlad occupies a world where slashers and survivors collide, sharing pages with the likes of ShadowHawk, SuperPatriot, and Cabbot Stone — a roster that speaks to the rich, interconnected tapestry of Image's independent universe. With 63 catalogued appearances and at least one key collector issue to their name, Vlad is far more than a supporting presence; they're a genuine cornerstone of one of modern horror comics' most beloved franchises. If you have any love for creator-driven genre storytelling with real heart and atmosphere, Vlad is absolutely worth seeking out.