- "It's what these bloodsuckers do. They multiply."
- ―Alberto Rodriguez[src]
Living Vampires, simply known as Vampires, are humans that have been enhanced by the DNA of Vampire Bats. They are the unfortunate byproduct of an experimental serum designed to cure a rare blood disorder.
History[]
In an attempt to cure himself of a rare blood disorder, Dr. Michael Morbius experimented with DNA from an animal of the Chiroptera order; the vampire bat. Morbius theorized that the vampire bat’s ability to produce a coagulant in their saliva could be transferred to humans. Morbius believed that through chimerism (introducing the DNA of one species into the genome of another) with a vampire bat, his body would be able to produce this coagulant, thereby curing his blood disorder.
After multiple trials with human DNA, it appeared as though Morbius had successfully synthesized a serum that would allow for vampire bat DNA to be accepted into the DNA of humans. Believing that he had found a cure, Morbius asked his fiancée, Dr. Martine Bancroft, to administer the serum. The serum was successfully administered; however, the procedure appeared to be physically taxing, requiring Morbius to rest while Dr. Bancroft monitored his vitals. The serum appeared to take effect relatively quickly; once the bat DNA had been integrated with his own, Morbius started to express traits and behaviors common to a vampire bat, such as a flattened nose, fangs and claws, and a biological need for blood.[2]
Traits and Characteristics[]
The serum that creates Living Vampires achieves this through genetic chimerism (introducing the DNA of one species into another). As a result, the infusion of vampire bat DNA with Human DNA causes the recipient to develop traits that mimic Vampirism; such as a biological need to ingest blood. The transformation will enhance the physical condition of the recipient to superhuman levels; greatly increasing their physical strength and speed, and affording them the constitution of an Olympic athlete. Recipients also possess heightened senses, as well as an advanced form of echolocation; akin to that of a vampire bat. Living Vampires also describe feeling a predatory instinct; the nature of their condition drives them to hunt and kill for blood.
The transformation will also affect the recipient’s appearance; when using their abilities, the recipient develops bat-like features, possessing fangs and claws, a flattened nose and extremely grey and pale skin. The serum improves the overall vitality and recovery rate of the recipient, and seems to cure any health ailments the recipient possessed prior to receiving said serum (curing Milo and Morbius of their blood disorders, and healing the fatal wounds Dr. Bancroft suffered from Milo); however, their health and vitality are affected by how regularly they ingests blood; being deprived of blood will cause any ailments to return and their vitals to drop. While it is possible for Living Vampires to sustain themselves on artificial blood, it is only a temporary solution; artificial blood quickly loses its effectiveness and will eventually no longer provide sustenance. It is unknown if food and drink continue to provide sustenance, however it is still possible for Living Vampires to enjoy normal human food.
The serum can be administered via injection; however, it can also be transmitted like a blood-borne pathogen; as Morbius was able to transmit the serum to Dr. Bancroft through a drop of his blood as she was dying. Due to the scientific nature of their condition, Living Vampires do not possess any of the vulnerabilities or allergens associated with mythological vampirism; such as an aversion to holy water or a sensitivity to sunlight.
Known Living Vampires[]
Trivia[]
- In the comics, Living Vampires are a species that are able to sustain immortality and have many superhuman attributes, including immense strength and speed.
