The Strain: The Fall has been one hellaciously good and dark ride into doom. It has a kick to it that rocks hard. There is no denying that it is good. I only hope that the television rendering can match what has been presented within the comics, cause the comics kick. Now we are at the end. The Fall is over, The Night Eternal will begin soon. All I can say is DAMN! This was a good wrap up. Even better than I had anticipated. Guillermo Del Toro and Chuck Hogan outdid themselves with this story. Using David Lapham to adapt the novel, I am beginning to believe has been the touch of genius. He has taken this creepy mix of all the best things of vampire lore and zombie apocalypse stories, mashing the two together. It is magnificent and scary at the same time.

The Strain tells the story of a vampire virus that has started in Manhattan and has spread at an alarming rate. That's the simple story. The more complex tale involves ancient evil, master plans, and the struggle for humankind's very survival. It is an intriguing tapestry of ancient myths, modern science, and superstitions, an impressive feat.

About as interesting as the story, is the diversity of the characters themselves. The five heroes of the story are a true representation of humanity and they all have flaws, but share a common goal. With the ending here, it will shock and amaze as it doesn't quite end like you think that it would. People die, plots unravel, and details emerge that aren't too warm and fuzzy. This is a sinister story with sinister outcomes.

Mike Huddleston has been perfect in delivering a dark sense of dread in all the issues. Even when the good guys are succeeding, they are drawn like they are not. They all look pale, distorted, or just plain wasted in their appearance, facing the onslaught of unspeakable evil. It isn't pretty to look at, but it sets the perfect tone to Lapham’s script.

Once this one is over, you realize that things will never be the same. Perhaps evil will be stopped, but it doesn't matter. The Fall has occurred and now we are left to deal with that reality of what is left. Great writing Lapham. I'm locked in.

Score: 5/5

Writer: David Lapham Artist: Mike Huddleston Publisher: Dark Horse Comics Price: $3.99 Release Date: 3/19/14