Tulsa World: Fans of Fangs

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Fans of Fangs

Kristin Bauer, Alexander Skarsgard and Patrick Gallagher sink their teeth into their roles on HBO's "True Blood." 8 p.m. Sundays, cable 300. JAIMIE TRUEBLOOD / HBO

By KIM BROWN World Scene Writer
Published: 6/29/2009 2:18 AM
Last Modified: 6/29/2009 5:26 AM

It seems as if the whole world's been bitten. From Buffy to Bella to Sookie Stackhouse, vampire stories have never been hotter. Why are vampire stories so in demand? Maybe it's the notion of never dying, or it's the idea of regular folks opening their eyes to a secret coven among them. Nevertheless, vamps haven't finished leaving their marks anytime soon.

On the small screen

From a plucky cheerleader to a sultry cocktail waitress, TV heroines can't stop swooning over vampires.

"Buffy the Vampire Slayer" (1997)

Creator Joss Whedon's cult-classic series gave us seven seasons to get to know Buffy Summers (Sarah Michelle Gellar). She wanders into Sunnydale, Calif., and soon finds out it's not your normal suburban town. Whedon's series marries humor, camp, drama and some serious butt-kicking.

"Angel" (1999)

The "Buffy" spin-off starring David Boreanaz is all about redemption, as this once very bad vampire tries to make up for all the chaos he has caused over his hundreds of years.

"Blade: The Series" (2006)

This short-lived series (only lasted 12 episodes) was based on the Marvel Comics character, who along with his sister, Krista, try to tame their inner vampire predatory instincts.

"Moonlight" (2007)

Although it only lasted 16 episodes (it got caught in the cross hairs of the 2007-08 writers strike), many fans loved the story about a private detective who was turned into a vampire on his wedding night. It also starred Tulsa native Amber Valletta.

"Blood Ties" (2007)

This Toronto-based series aired on Lifetime and only lasted two seasons. It focused on a former cop who is losing her eyesight and the 480-year-old vampire she meets, who claims to be an illegitimate son of Henry VIII.

"True Blood" (2008)

This summer the hottest HBO show is, of course, about vampires. Season two is heating up with Anna Paquin as Sookie Stackhouse, a telepathic Louisiana waitress who meets a dreamy 178-year-old vamp.

On the big screen

Everybody has their favorite vampire movie. Here are just a few notable ones.

"Dracula" (1931): A classic starring Bela Lugosi.

"The Lost Boys" (1987): Still Corey Haim's best film.

"Buffy the Vampire Slayer" (1992): The precursor to the TV series.

"Bram Stoker's Dracula" (1993): Gary Oldman helms the title role.

"Interview with the Vampire" (1994): Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt terrorize New Orleans.

"From Dusk Till Dawn" (1996): Bank robbers George Clooney and Harvey Keitel fend off vamps in Mexico.

"Blade" (1998): Wesley Snipes is half vamp-half human.

"Underworld" (2003): The Kate Beckinsale hit spawned two sequels.

"Van Helsing" (2004): Hugh Jackman heads to Transylvania to stop Count Dracula and co.

"Twilight" (2008): Who hasn't heard of Robert Pattinson by now?

Leaping off the page

Take a stroll through your local book store’s young adult section these days, and your path will be filled with vampire chronicles.

World Staff Writer Ginnie Graham recently gave us a breakdown on many of the more popular vampire series, including Tulsa’s own P.C. Cast and Kristen Cast, who write the House of Night series.

For more, visit tulsaworld.com/vampirebooks.

By KIM BROWN World Scene Writer

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	Report Comment Cheyenne, Tulsa (6/29/2009 9:22:22 AM) I love the "True Blood" series. For anyone interested in vampire based shows, this one is incredible. Please be warned that the show is on HBO and many scenes contain graphic violence and nudity/sex scenes that border on pornography. It is definitely not for the faint of heart.
	Report Comment NOT JADED, Tulsa (6/29/2009 10:30:19 AM) True Blood is my favorite show.
	Report Comment OPEN YOUR EYES TULSA, Tulsa (6/29/2009 1:05:43 PM) True Blood is good. All these shows and movies have the same basic plot though. Girl meets vampire, falls in love, and a bunch of action is involved in between.
	Report Comment Arbythree, Tulsa (6/29/2009 3:30:35 PM) Good movies I can sink my teeth into.
	Report Comment fcol, (6/29/2009 4:12:52 PM) We're also True Blood fans even though we aren't normally drawn to vampire films.
	Report Comment Joe Panther , Tulsa (6/29/2009 5:32:38 PM) I'm a big fan of vampire movies and books. I enjoyed the Twilight series books and movie,but I must confess shape-shifters are pretty cool,also. Go Team Jacob!
	Report Comment OkeyDokey, Anytown USA (7/1/2009 12:24:26 AM) I am a BIG Fan of blood thirsty movies and literature like this and happen to know that there is soon to be released, a book, by author Joe Harwell, that takes place in and around Howe, Oklahoma, 10 miles south of Poteau on Highway 59 in LeFlore County in 1958 and is based on a sinister interpretation of the symbols on the Heavener Runestone, which are believed to be proof that the Vikings were here long before Columbus discovered America. Look up "Runestone State Park".Or Google it...

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