Literary Vampires have evolved since Lord Ruthven’s account was dictated to us by the great John Polidori. Numerous mediums have been used to interpret these immortal creatures of the night. HBO’s TrueBlood, Lifetime’s Blood Ties, and CBS’s Moonlight are just some of the very recent TV adaptations. Who is to say what attracts us to the paranormal and the preternatural urges of the Vampires world. These newer Manga/Anime constructions give us more fantasy than fear as we would gladly give our necks over to the clear eyed, ruby lipped fangs.

In “Model” (모델), a Manhwa (Korean for Manga), by Lee So-young (이소영) we follow a young exchange student named Jae; a Korean girl currently studying art in the UK.  Over seven volumes Jae takes a thrilling and romantic journey when she meets a beautiful man name Michael and makes a pact with him in order to paint his portrait. In the chapters of these ethereal graphics, we are trapped inside Jae visions and witness her horrors; which at times coincide with her desires.  Is Jae swept away or is Jae on a downward path into hell? Can you really trust the word of a vampire or is she making a deal with the devil?

Michael’s haunting past as a human is drawing him ever closer to Jae as they share art as their chosen livelihoods. Jae now lives in Michael’s mansion and is a nightly donor for Michael’s blood-lust. The journey to capture the impossible begins as Jae tries to paint the soul on the canvas, the soul of a vampire, who has not modeled since his own self portrait as a human… but how can one paint the soul of a soulless being? Can Jae attempt to match the old portrait and its quality?

The obstacles of Jae living her life in the daylight and dealing with the nocturnal household are not easy. Jae also has to live there with Eva and Ken. The secretive Eva was once a revered supermodel now lives a life of servitude, does not want Michael to give Jae any attention. And then there is young Ken the only person in the household who shares the same age as Jae. Ken is rebelling against Michael who he believes to be his father. We are always aware that Ken is special and sad. He is the product of a forbidden love between a paranormal spirit and a mortal. Ken’s lifespan is in danger can Jae’s love save him as well? Want these questions answered? Well… you will just have to read Lee So Young’s Model.