Dampyr #54 (2004) page 90: Anyel vs Samael

Under the theater's stage, Samael has driven away the Naphidim who were attempting to recruit Tesla to the Dark Team. But Anyel Zant, arriving late, thinks Samael is the one attacking Tesla. Harlan and Kurjak approach as well:

Page 89 “That Samael… if I lay my hands on him, I'll tear him to pieces…”

“Unfortunately, I fear that Tesla has ended up in his clutches, Kurjak.”

“I just knew he would brainwash her, that…”

“Look!”

(Anyel) “I thought you appreciated music more, Samael. What were you plotting with your Naphidim friends?”

“Since you speak to me so rudely, Anyel, I won't do you the courtesy of answering you.”

(A sword appears in Anyel's hand.) “That was me being polite, but if you want rude...”

(Samael transforms into a giant snake.) “As you wish. You would have done better to attend the opera, old man.”

Page 90 Anyel becomes a blinding angelic silhouette. He and snake-Samael are about to lay into each other when Tesla interposes herself: “Noo, wait!”

(Harlan rounds the corner, pistol in hand) “Tesla!”

(Tesla) “If you fight among yourselves, Nergal will have succeeded in his intent… which is to break the truce.”

(Harlan draws a bead) “Samael! Let her go!”

“Harlan, no! He was the one who saved me from Nergal's demons!”

“I do not deny that I tried to win Tesla over to my side, Dampyr. But I will not tolerate Nergal using me as he does, so I give you back your vampiress… this time.”

This time, indeed! The Tesla/Samael plot thread continues in issues #104-105.

The first panel on this page represents the best elements of Dampyr art, with a strong character moment in the midst of a fantasy action scene with dramatic lighting.