Vanadium Comics Presents: The Renfield Swarm Returns: Arkadium Under Siege

ARKADI-LAMPPOST

Arkadium’s Leading Source for News & Truth

The Renfield Swarm Returns: Arkadium Under Siege as War Escalates

By Tina Hayward

ARKADIUM—The city streets are once again stained with blood as the Renfield Swarm, the ghoul-like foot soldiers of the Empusas, have reemerged with a vengeance. Reports from across the city indicate an unprecedented increase in attacks, with entire city blocks falling into chaos as these feral creatures ravage the innocent. The nightmare intensifies as the Sons of Crete, Arkadium’s most ruthless gang, seize the opportunity to expand their dominion.

With terror gripping the city, Arkadium’s silent guardians have stepped up. Ben Ferguson, the towering bouncer-turned-monster-hunter, has been spotted alongside Detective Hiroshi Miike, waging a brutal war against the Swarm in the darkest alleys of Arkadium. Witnesses describe Ben wielding his infamous spiked bat with deadly precision, while Miike—known for his methodical detective work—has been pushing back the Renfields with a mix of calculated strikes and gunfire.

But they are no longer fighting alone. A new force has entered the battlefield. The Retri-Butcher, Robert Benson, a military-trained combat specialist, has joined the fray. Described by sources as a “walking armory,” Benson’s involvement raises questions. Some see him as a rogue vigilante, others as the city's last line of defense. What is clear is that the Renfields are falling in droves under his relentless assault.

Meanwhile, Arkadium’s most elusive protector, the Street Avenger, has taken an unprecedented step—reaching out to the Arkadium Police Department. Commissioner Rowland, previously firm in his anti-vigilante stance, has yet to make a formal statement, but inside sources suggest that with crime and supernatural terror at an all-time high, the department is considering unconventional alliances.

As if the city wasn’t already at its breaking point, the Sons of Crete have ramped up their turf war, seeking to claim more of Arkadium’s streets while its defenders are occupied. Reports of shootouts, bombings, and territorial clashes are skyrocketing, leaving civilians trapped between supernatural horror and organized crime.

For the people of Arkadium, survival is becoming a daily battle. Who will emerge victorious in this multi-front war? Can Arkadium’s heroes stem the tide, or will the city be swallowed whole?

The Arkadi-Lamppost will continue to provide updates as this deadly conflict unfolds. Stay safe, Arkadium. The night is darker than ever.