Blade #1 (Spoilers, of course)

[RabidWolfe]

Well, what the heck?

The flashbacks attempt to meld comic Blade with TV Blade, but it doesn't work very well since it COMPLETELY AND UTTERLY ignores continuity. This isn't a retcon, it's a complete re-write - a Blade: Year One as done by John Bryne or something.

The main story is okay, except I think we already saw this in an earlier Blade series a few years ago (a SHIELD helicarrier taken over by vampires?)

Blade also looks kinda fat in the face. He needs to lay off the cookies.

[Young Avenger]

I guess you didn't read the letter's page. The writer said he wants to attract non-Blade fans to the book because he believes that fans who are already fans of the character would be enough to sustain the book. And no, the flashbacks ain't meant to mend with TV Blade. T.V Blade was born in Detroit and the flashback he was born in London.

[chriskenny]

I thought the comic was beyond horrible. The art was ugly and the story was silly and cliche-ridden. Blade looks like a cast-off from the late 80s, early 90s.

As a fan of the movies (well, not Trinity) and the television series, this is not the kind of Blade book I would want to buy. I hope rather than canceling the book they get a new creative team and direction. I think Blade has a ton of potential.

Dave Goyer and Alex Maleev would be a great fit for the book.

[drwho]

I decided to order the first issue to see if maybe chaykins art got better or something. It is a shame marvel put this book out with such an awful artist, but marvel loves to bring books in dead on arrival.

[The Shadow]

It is a shame marvel put this book out with such an awful artist
Ummmm.... what? :eek:

Chaykin is a legend.
He's a fantastic artist that can tell a sequential story with a good grasp of anatomy and his action sequences are great.

Would you have prefered yet another Jim Lee clone? Or another book drawn by a "hot" artist? It's a lack of diversity that hurts the comic market.

I'm greatful Chaykin is doing a monthly and shall enjoy it as long as it's around.

[zebop]

:confused: This was definitely a WTF? first issue.

Maybe it works in movies when you kick off a story with a big (and pointless) fight scene, but here the tussle between Blade and Spider-Man--in a totally gratutious cameo just shreiked of "Hey kids, Spidey's a vampire. Howzatat grab ya?"

Guggenheim's story was confusing, illogical and totally out-of-continuity and continuity seems to be an afterthought with Marvel these days. Chaykin wasn't given much of a plot to illustrate, but I'm betting he got the gig based on Bite Club, which he didn't draw but also featured revisionist vampires.

This really should be a MAX title. It needs to be darker and bloodier. If Blade is going to slaughter a school full of vampire kids, why introduce such a horrible scenario then go squishy-soft on the actual killing? That is what Blade does. He doesn't get involved in stupid undercover ops like the lousy TV show and he doesn't run around on S.H.I.E.L.D. helicarriers overrun with vampire agents.

And did anybody notice that when facing the swarm of vampire agents, Blade muses, "Damn, I didn't think there would be so many" and then whips out machine guns loaded with silver bullets to kill them all!

This book will run six issues---nine tops and then it will die (another) sorry death. For me it's one and done.

:(

[RabidWolfe]

I guess you didn't read the letter's page. The writer said he wants to attract non-Blade fans to the book because he believes that fans who are already fans of the character would be enough to sustain the book. And no, the flashbacks ain't meant to mend with TV Blade. T.V Blade was born in Detroit and the flashback he was born in London.


I did read the letters page and it made no sense.

Here's a list of changes that are incompatible with Blade's established history (which, even to attract new readers, there was no reason to change):

1. It looks like Blade's mom (was that his mom or an adopted mom? - the art was ambiguous) feeds Blade her own Blood to satisfy him.

This is very much like the TV show, where the dad fed Blade his own blood as a child.

2. Blade is born before Deacon Frost bites the mom. (The art was a bit confusing here).

3. Blade is part vampire from birth. Very much like the TV show, very much NOT how it played out in the comics.

IF the story had been any good, I may not have minded. However, the writer seemed to change things not to tell a great story, but to arbitrarily change things for the sake of change. None of it makes Blade a better character - but it does make him more like the TV show, either way.

[Marc Guggenheim]

I did read the letters page and it made no sense.

Here's a list of changes that are incompatible with Blade's established history (which, even to attract new readers, there was no reason to change):

1. It looks like Blade's mom (was that his mom or an adopted mom? - the art was ambiguous) feeds Blade her own Blood to satisfy him.

This is very much like the TV show, where the dad fed Blade his own blood as a child.

That's interesting. I haven't had a chance to check out the TV show beyond the pilot.

But how is this incompatible with established comic book continuity?

2. Blade is born before Deacon Frost bites the mom. (The art was a bit confusing here).

3. Blade is part vampire from birth. Very much like the TV show, very much NOT how it played out in the comics.

IF the story had been any good, I may not have minded. However, the writer seemed to change things not to tell a great story, but to arbitrarily change things for the sake of change. None of it makes Blade a better character - but it does make him more like the TV show, either way.

I think we disagree here on what was "changed." I took great pains not to alter anything that was already established (in the comic books). Your objections seem to relate to details I have either added or clarified based on the existing continuity. For example, Blade's comic book history doesn't go into whether his mother was bit by Deacon Frost when he was in or out of utero. Same with whether Blade was half-vampire from birth. I have copies of every appearance Blade has made in the comics and, in my opinion, his whole backstory is murky at best, with many of my predecessors piling retcon on top of retcon. With these flashbacks, I'm trying to clarify as much as possible -- I'm not trying to "change" anything.

I hope the first issue hasn't turned you off too much. Stick with us and I think you, as an obviously die-hard Blade fan, will be very happy with the end results.

[RabidWolfe]

Your objections seem to relate to details I have either added or clarified based on the existing continuity. For example, Blade's comic book history doesn't go into whether his mother was bit by Deacon Frost when he was in or out of utero. Same with whether Blade was half-vampire from birth.


That is so untrue it's almost - well, never mind. I want to be nice. I'll say that I have every appearance of Blade and it has always been clear from the beginning that Blade's mom was bitten while she was giving birth and that she died in childbirth.

These are not clarifications - they're wholesale revisions.

I'm gonna go dig out my old Tomb of Dracula comics and other Blade comics and show you exactly what went on. But that will have to wait at least a few hours, since I ain't home right now.

This is not akin to filling in details (such as claiming Gwen Stacy had sex with Norman Osbourne between panels) - it's a whole new story (like claiming the experiment that irriadiated the spider that bit Peter Parker was being run by Doctor Octopus and that therefore Spidey and Doc Ock have the same origin).

[Taskmaster]

Welcome Mr Guggenheim!!! Nice to have you around

Didn't love and didn't hate this issue. Nice art on the cover, but i'd prefer a different artist inside, Chaykin's art just isn't a good fit. I think the idea of the self contained issues is a good one, but the S.H.I.E.L.D. vampire infested Helicarrier is a more than one issue story and a major plot point in the continuity of the Marvel Universe. Plus Dracula got taken down way too easy, and what was his point of being at Parker's school in the first place. Hopefully that wasn't the real Dracula, and only some pretender. The origins scenes I actually enjoyed and the retcon about needing blood from his step mother doesn't really bother me much. I really think Guggenheim did a good job on continuity with the comics and at the same time made it more accessable to new readers, the appearance of Blade's mentor really made the issue for me, although Blade not having reflection was weak and has been prooven wrong in past series (just one example in a picture of Blade, Drake and King back in Blade's last ongoing, only Blade and Drake showed up because as a vampire, King didn't show up in pictures). Well hopefully this series will be given time to find it's niche and i'd love to see some old friends (Drake, Hannibal King, etc... show up in the future) and maybe even some old enemies (Varnae (in the body he stole from Nightterror or whatever his name was) as well as Deacon Frost and the REAL Dracula)

[Sandy Hausler]

I think we disagree here on what was "changed." I took great pains not to alter anything that was already established (in the comic books). Your objections seem to relate to details I have either added or clarified based on the existing continuity. For example, Blade's comic book history doesn't go into whether his mother was bit by Deacon Frost when he was in or out of utero. Same with whether Blade was half-vampire from birth. I have copies of every appearance Blade has made in the comics and, in my opinion, his whole backstory is murky at best, with many of my predecessors piling retcon on top of retcon. With these flashbacks, I'm trying to clarify as much as possible -- I'm not trying to "change" anything.

I hope the first issue hasn't turned you off too much. Stick with us and I think you, as an obviously die-hard Blade fan, will be very happy with the end results.

It's been a longtime since I've read the early Tomb of Dracula issues, but I'm fairly sure that Deacon Frost bit Blade's mother while she was pregnant. In fact, something makes me think that she was bit while she was giving birth. If he had already been born, why would he be half vampire.

Now I'm not one of those continuity Nazis, who goes bonkers over a deviation from the "canon." (And I'm not positive that there is deviation here.) So, I'll give this another issue. But it's not one those comics where I'm sure that I will be on board for the whole series. Comics don't cost 12 cents anymore (which they did when I started buying them).

Sandy Hausler

[RabidWolfe]

I do know, for example, that Blade never had fangs until after he was bitten by Morbius. He never thirsted for Blood until then either. The Nightstalkers series was quite clear about Blade's status and relation to vamps - he had no real extra powers other than being immune to vampire bites and (possibly) some enhanced reflexes.

The art in Marvel Premiere #3 is ambiguous (IIRC) about Blade's status (in or out of utero), so that might be acceptable (except for other recaps where it is clearly stated Blade was in the womb) if no other sources were looked at.

Well, at the very least this will inspire me to read all my old Blade comics. Who knows - I may be wrong. But I doubt it. I've long ago accepted the fact that I am genetically hardwired to be a continuity freak. I remember little details like these way too easily.

For example, when I was eleven, I gave up on the OZ books because L. Frank Baum wasn't consistent from book to book and as the series went on, continuity errors multiplied. I was unable to enjoy the stories because of this.

However, I always give any new comic series I'm interested in at least 5 issues, so I'm not leaving Blade until at least then. So, no dangers there - I'm in until at least issue 5.

[Kefky]

I enjoyed this. It was a very packed and meaty read, with a good mix of action in the present, and characterization in the flashbacks. And I know it's not for all tastes, but I loved Chayikin's art here. I hope he sticks for a while.

And since I'm not really a blade fan, I can't comment on the inconcistencies in the origin story. Sorry.

[Loestal]

I as well am not a fan of the art. Didn't like it in the NA issue, don't like it here. But it's tolorable. I don't know alot about the old Blade continuity, but the book was decent enough. I think making a division of SHIELD be currupted and having alot of vampires ties into the current continuity well. After all, we know SHIELD has alot of curruption in it's ranks.

I think we need to give the book a little longer than one issue to jump all over it and say it's destroying continuity. Give it a change, few more issues at least. 1 issue really isn't enough for any writer to fully get accrossed his story. It might make sense in the end.

[RabidWolfe]

Okay - I'm calm now.

I have looked through all my old Blade comics. Here's what I've found:

1. Whether Blade was in or out of the womb (or in the process of coming out) is in dispute. But even the art that shows him out of the womb shows the umbilical cord attached.

2. Blade's reflection appears in mirrors quite often.

3. Blade never has bloodthirst before being bitten by Morbius. This becomes the topic of conversation a few times.

4. Blade was an Olympic level athelete and may have had some enhanced reflexes, but conversation and action peices make it quite clear that, before being bitten by Morbius, he did not have the powers of a vampire.

5. Blade never (except in a couple of "artistic" shots) has fangs before being bit by Morbius.

6. What else? Well, it is true that his childhood is hardly discussed. So, given that - it is possible these apparent contradicitons might get resolved as the series goes on.

As I said, I always give a series I'm interested in at least 5 issues. So, I'll see if the story grabs me.

However, the Bart Sears series delt with vampires on a SHIELD helicarrier, so I have seen that before (though the idea and execution were quite different).

We'll see. I should be nicer and give the series more of a chance. But as it stands, it's a clear violation of everything that has been known about Blade up to this point. But there may be a creative way to tie it all together.

And I hate the term "continuity nazi." Part of the reason for reading shared universes has to do with the rich background. Violate the established history in the shared universe, and you destroy one of the main elements of the genre.

There are plenty of stand alone tales that don't take place in shared universes that I (or anyone) can read if that's what we all want.

[Young Avenger]

Welcome Mr. Guggenheim!

I'm a fan of Blade: The Series and I picked up the new book hoping to learn more about Blade. Since I know nothing of comic Blade I really appreciate the flashbacks. I thought the first issue was an enjoyable read. I wish you had a better artist though. I'm not a fan of Chaykin's art.

[Sandy Hausler]

=

And I hate the term "continuity nazi." Part of the reason for reading shared universes has to do with the rich background. Violate the established history in the shared universe, and you destroy one of the main elements of the genre.

There are plenty of stand alone tales that don't take place in shared universes that I (or anyone) can read if that's what we all want.

Sorry, no offense intended. Probably should have used the word stickler instead of Nazi. I like continuity as much as the next guy, and I may even kvetch about major problems, but Blade is a pretty minor character in the Marvel Universe (although much bigger in popular culture because of the movie and TV show) and I will not drop the book because of blips in continuity. That doesn't mean that the writer shouldn't have been more careful (if there were errors), but I can forgive him if the story is otherwise good. As to whether the story is otherwise good, that remains to be seen. It was good enough for a second issue, in my opinion.

Sandy Hausler

[Magneto_X]

I thought it was decent.

I'll definitely keep on reading the series.

Edit: They really should get a better artist that's good at doing gritty stuff like Mike Perkins (Union Jack), Aja (Immortal Iron Fist) or Olivier Coipel (New Avengers).

[Loestal]

I thought it was decent.

I'll definitely keep on reading the series.

Edit: They really should get a better artist that's good at doing gritty stuff like Mike Perkins (Union Jack), Aja (Immortal Iron Fist) or Olivier Coipel (New Avengers).


How about Maleev(sp), he isn't doing anything right now is he?

[Young Avenger]

How about Maleev(sp), he isn't doing anything right now is he?

He's going to do the Spider-Woman ongoing next year.

I would love to see the current fill-in artist on X-Factor do Blade. I think his art is fantastic.

[chriskenny]

Ummmm.... what? :eek:

Chaykin is a legend.
He's a fantastic artist that can tell a sequential story with a good grasp of anatomy and his action sequences are great.

Would you have prefered yet another Jim Lee clone? Or another book drawn by a "hot" artist? It's a lack of diversity that hurts the comic market.

I'm greatful Chaykin is doing a monthly and shall enjoy it as long as it's around.

He may be a legend--and I have enjoyed his work in the past--but his work in this book was terrible. Especially the action sequences and the dated look of the characters.

I also agree with the poster who said that Spider-Man's appearance was rather random.

I dunno. I really want to like this book. I even read it twice to make sure my initial impression was fair. I will give the second issue a look through at the story to see if it is more to my tastes.

[32Cage]

I for one found the book to be an enjoyable read. The artwork, although not great was acceptable. It will be on my pull list for the long haul.

[NMoline]

Another long time blade fan, and I have to say I enjoyed the story. While I do hope the Spider-Man thing is explained later I like where you are going so far. Chaykin's art could use a little work, Blade looks like he has had too many dougnuts. Also, not sure if I like the wood stakes or the silver ones used in the TV or movies, just haven't decided. At least with wood stakes it seems less like a werewolve mythos and more like vampires. I did really enjoy the story and keep up the good work; the Marvel U has lacked good Blade stories.

[StoneGold]

Edit: They really should get a better artist that's good at doing gritty stuff like Mike Perkins (Union Jack), Aja (Immortal Iron Fist) or Olivier Coipel (New Avengers).
Perkins and Coipel are gritty to you? I'll give you Aja, but would you like a lace doily to rest that opinion on?

[The Xenos]

Sad to say I was very disapointed. It was just.. weird. Now I only vaugely know of Blade comics and I've seen the films. This didn't seem to mesh with any of them.

Of course, that wouldn't have been bad. What I did find bad and just jarring was that it was like a comic on fast forward. Now I apreciate the author wanting to go against the decompresionist trend. Yet there was just way too much going on even for a more jam packed comic. Yes, I read the notes. I do wish there was one story, or even the promised two. It seemed that there were like four or five issues of stories jammed into this one. It was like the pages of four different Blade comics jammed into one issue. This being a first issue, that was a major turn off. Dracula pops in and out like nothing. A helicarrier full of vampires? Yeah, that should have been at least an issue. Vampire Spider-man? Pops up and is gone. Just a shock cover image and fight. Didn't feel much weight to the story. I'm sorry, Mr. Guggenheim, but this book and its stories just went by way too fast for me.

Now the art was nice. Didn't mind it at all. Not a fan of Chaykin, but I know of him and I like what I've seen. Not bad here.

To me, the storytelling was rushed, even for a more traditional comic. Now it is nice to see couple comic try to really jam story in and buck decompression, but still do it in a decent pace. That Cassinova comes to mind. I'd say NextWave, but the plot is paper thin and just there for jokes and 'splosions. Perhaps Fell is a better example, but that's a bit simple in page layout.

Now I can see that Blade here tried to do that. There were some really awesome scenes in this Blade. Yet it felt like we were only getting flashbacks to them and not the full story. I mean that for all the stories in this, not just Blade's actual flashbacks. Maybe if following issues are slowed down, it might be more readable. Right now, this was a blur. Heck, I'm a comic fan and I like it. I can't imagine a non comic fan being able to keep up with it.

[Brian M.]

I think we disagree here on what was "changed." I took great pains not to alter anything that was already established (in the comic books). Your objections seem to relate to details I have either added or clarified based on the existing continuity. For example, Blade's comic book history doesn't go into whether his mother was bit by Deacon Frost when he was in or out of utero. Same with whether Blade was half-vampire from birth. I have copies of every appearance Blade has made in the comics and, in my opinion, his whole backstory is murky at best, with many of my predecessors piling retcon on top of retcon. With these flashbacks, I'm trying to clarify as much as possible -- I'm not trying to "change" anything.

I hope the first issue hasn't turned you off too much. Stick with us and I think you, as an obviously die-hard Blade fan, will be very happy with the end results.

I gotta tell you, I bought this issue b/c I love your work on Wolverine. I didn't know too much about Blade except the movie stuff and I enjoyed the issue. If you write this book half as well as the Wolverine arc currently going on, I think all will be well.

[Mean Mr Mustard]

I liked the issue a lot and even though I'm not the biggest Chaykin fan, the art style looked good to me.
As far as the writing goes, I enjoyed it too. My only complaint would be that it seemed a little unfocused at times but it was still a fun ride.

[DEWLine]

The main story is okay, except I think we already saw this in an earlier Blade series a few years ago (a SHIELD helicarrier taken over by vampires?)

Interesting. This would be the "Project: Silvereye" we're discussing? And that 'Carrier got "splashed" or scuttled, too? Was that 'Carrier given a name?

Have to admit that SHIELD's been getting hit really hard the last few years of real-world time. The Blackhawk gets crashed in Wolverine and now the Pericles V?

I am now wondering whatever happened to Pericles I thru IV, whose existence has just this week been implied by Pericles V. Were those some of the up-til-now-nameless 'Carriers that got KIA over the years in assorted Marvel titles? If so, nice save. Also, good choice of namesake. I looked up the reknowned Pericles of ancient Greek history. A fitting choice for SHIELD to name any of its capital ships after.

[The Shadow]

And I hate the term "continuity nazi." Part of the reason for reading shared universes has to do with the rich background. Violate the established history in the shared universe, and you destroy one of the main elements of the genre.
The problems begin when you use the sliding timeline. They are cramming 35-ish years of Blade stories into less than 10 years.

Also, why should Guggenheim (I think I'll just type Marc next time ;) ) be 100% constrained by what other writers wrote 35 years ago? If it was established Blade only dates women with long hair 30 years ago should the future writers be 100% bound by that? no change whatsoever?

And sometimes the elements of a story set 30 years ago don't fit with todays society. Blade used slang from the 1970's... should that be used presently also?
Same with fashion.

And there are plenty of instances where origins are tweaked to make the story relevant to the current times. Iron Man for instance wasn't in Vietnam anymore... he was in Desert Storm when he got hurt.

I like continuity too... but I don't let it ruin my enjoyment of the story. Does it REALLY matter if Blade was bitten by Frost out of the womb? Does it change the whole story? Not at all.

[kalorama]

1. Whether Blade was in or out of the womb (or in the process of coming out) is in dispute. But even the art that shows him out of the womb shows the umbilical cord attached.

And it appeared (at least to me) that the shot of Blade in his mother's arms just before Frost bit her showed that his umbilical cord was still attached, thus the transfer of the vapmire virus/enzyme/whatever.

As for the rest ... I wasn't blown away by it, but I didn't hate it either. I know almost nothing about Blade's established comic book history, so if there were inconsistencies, they meant nothing to me. The idea of him having been born in England what appears to be over a century ago (as opposed to the easier stereotype of being born on the mean streets of the ghetto) was intriguing. I thought this issue set things up fairly nicely, but it also seemed padded to fill the page count.

As for the art, I'm a fan of Chaykin's work as writer and artist, but I really don't see his tyle as best suited to a book like this (or Hawkgirl) at this stage of his career.

[RabidWolfe]

Also, why should Guggenheim (I think I'll just type Marc next time ;) ) be 100% constrained by what other writers wrote 35 years ago? If it was established Blade only dates women with long hair 30 years ago should the future writers be 100% bound by that? no change whatsoever?

Because he's writing in a shared universe - and part of the promise to readers in that shared universe is that authors will remain true to the already established background.

If he (or we or anyone) want stories that aren't bound by continuity - then don't write shared universe stories. I can pick up Orson Scott Card's latest novel, for example, and he doesn't have to be constrained by anything, since it is HIS tale.

But it the author is writing in, in essence, someone else's sandbox - that writer should respect the boundaries already set (though it is okay to push them a bit, it isn't okay to ignore them).

People read shared universe tales for various reasons, but the quickest way to ruin them is to start acting like writers and artists have complete autonomy to violate the established rules of the universe.

If they have powerful tales to tell that need to be free of continuity - then write in a non-continutity setting!

[The Shadow]

Because he's writing in a shared universe - and part of the promise to readers in that shared universe is that authors will remain true to the already established background.

/snip/

But it the author is writing in, in essence, someone else's sandbox - that writer should respect the boundaries already set (though it is okay to push them a bit, it isn't okay to ignore them).

That's weak.

If you were a writer and had this awesome story to tell but the editor kept coming back and saying "nope... because 30 years ago he said..." or "Ummm can't... he only does it this way as establish 27 years ago..." and so on... what would you do? Your story becames someone else's because of "groundwork" laid (possibly before you were even born) by others. Your tale has to conform with minutia and if that information (however trivial) doesn't mesh you don't have YOUR story.

I'm not saying EVERYTHING should be ignored... the BASICS should always be there... like Superman: planet goes boom, lands in Kansas, lives with Kents, works for Daily Planet (though even that was changed from the Daily Star), Lois, Perry, Jimmy, Lex, fights for truth, justice... you get the idea.

But the REST is all adaptable.

To stay with Superman, Byrne did a TOTAL rehaul of Superman after the first Crisis. Wiped away a lot of the elements that bogged the character down. Brought back the long dead Kents (a major part of his mythos) and was rewarded with huge sales.

You have to also remember that you, a long time Blade fan, had to start SOMEWHERE. Denny O'Neil (and I'm sure many others) once said every comic is someones first. One of the biggest problems with current comics is the almost militant fanboy adherance to continuity. It makes it almost inpenetrable to new readers, and in case you haven't noticed the fanboys (and I'm one of em) are aging with no one to replace us.

Should it be there? Of course... but not at the expense of a good story.

People read shared universe tales for various reasons, but the quickest way to ruin them is to start acting like writers and artists have complete autonomy to violate the established rules of the universe.

If they have powerful tales to tell that need to be free of continuity - then write in a non-continutity setting!
You can tell powerful tales in continuity... but a writer shouldnt be a slave to it.

[Marc Guggenheim]

Hey all.

First, sorry I don't have the time for individual responses, but I'd like to thank all of you who checked out the first issue. Whether you enjoyed it or not, I can honestly tell you that Issue 2 turned out better than Issue 1 and Issue 3 turned out better than Issue 2, etc. One of the main reasons we decided to do self-contained stories was that Blade is a (how do I put this?) commercial under-performer historically and that self-contained stories would make it easier for people to give the book a try after Issue 1.

So if you liked 1, please spread the word. If you didn't like 1, please give Issue 2 a try.

Best,
Marc

[Frank]

Hey Marc, I like the fact that Blade is interacting with the rest of the Marvel Universe. Mainly because it may the first time ever that Chaykin is drawing these characters! :D That`s a big draw for me. It went from:"it`s movie Blade with interesting people at the helm but that`s it"...to a must-read comic, especially when I saw the Chaykin Dr. Doom pick. I`ve now decided to put the series to my pull list since issue 2.

If I had one request it would be to match this Blade personality more to Marv Wolfman`s take on the character from Tomb of Dracula. Because the movie Blade is just a cold fish while the comic version from way back was a more complex individual and more interesting to read on a monthly basis. For the casual readers and fans of the film, he would still have the same look with black leather and long coat so no problem. In fact they would be drawn by the cool movie version and then they would stay if they realised that he`s much more.

[zebop]

One of the main reasons we decided to do self-contained stories was that Blade is a (how do I put this?) commercial under-performer historically and that self-contained stories would make it easier for people to give the book a try after Issue 1.

So if you liked 1, please spread the word. If you didn't like 1, please give Issue 2 a try.

Best,
Marc

Okay, Marc. I'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt. I didn't care for the first issue, but I'll give the second issue a shot.

Upon further consideration, it really didn't matter that the Wesley Snipes BLADE had very little in common with the Marvel Comics Blade. Snipes wisely chose to do a character without a lot of backstory or a hardcore fan base. I'll take the first two Blade flicks and put them up against the first two MATRIX movies and I think they hold up pretty well.

And the third installment of both movies were horrid. :(

I'll plunk down another $2.99 for the next issue. But after that....:rolleyes:

[kalorama]

You have to also remember that you, a long time Blade fan, had to start SOMEWHERE. Denny O'Neil (and I'm sure many others) once said every comic is someones first. One of the biggest problems with current comics is the almost militant fanboy adherance to continuity. It makes it almost inpenetrable to new readers, and in case you haven't noticed the fanboys (and I'm one of em) are aging with no one to replace us.

Should it be there? Of course... but not at the expense of a good story.


You can tell powerful tales in continuity... but a writer shouldnt be a slave to it.

Bravo. Best post I've read in months.

[BeastieRunner]

Bravo. Best post I've read in months.

Yet the Annihilation event proves a lot of what he said wrong. Continuity intact, it still is friendly to new or casual fans in addition to being well done.

Blade #1 was good. If #2 is better, then I think Blade finally has a chance to stick. :D

[kalorama]

Yet the Annihilation event proves a lot of what he said wrong. Continuity intact, it still is friendly to new or casual fans in addition to being well done.

It does no such thing. Every instance is different. The major players in Annhilation don't have the convulted history Blade has (made even more convuluted by the differing film and TV continuities). And, as an ensemble pice, Annihilation doesn't delve as deeply into the individual histories of its cast as is necessitated by a series with a sole star. Clearing the decks and starting fresh is a better way to draw new readers than by trying to reconcile 30 years of often contradictory backstory. Whatever succes Annhilation is having has nothing to do with the need for Blade to have a fresh start.

[Xero]

Damn good issue, loved the art and i'm glad someone remembered that Blade 1.) was English and 2.) was born in a whorehouse (Blacksploitation Baby) in the early 20th century. Guggenheim pushed Blade's origin further back, to what looks like the 19th century, and Jamal the black jazz musician who trained Blade has been replaced by an old white guy.

People whose only exposure to Blade was the movies might be in for a shock, no matter what they profess to "have read". Someone who'd actually read Blade's origin when it was published would have remembered that Blade's mother was bitten while giving birth by Deacon Frost who was posing as a doctor, and 20/20 vision would have scoped out the still attached umbilical cord.

Even if you don't like what a writer has written, show them some goddamn courtesy when they actually decide to answer your questions. And you must be out of your damn mind attacking Chaykin. The man's a friggin legend for a reason.

[RabidWolfe]

Shadow (by the way, I'm a huge fan of the Shadow pulp novels and radio programs):

If an author has a kick-ass tale that needs to ignore continuity - well:

there are plenty of non-continuity outlets. Elseworlds, What if?, MAX, or one can just say: this series takes place in its own continuity.

But if you make the claim that THIS tale takes place in THIS specific continuity, then a promise has been made.

There are plenty of places for non-continutiy tales. Marvel publishes comics all the time with the explicit disclaimer: This is a non-conituity tale (or series). But don't go claiming to be in continuity and then ignore it or blatantly violate it. That's all I'm saying.

Yes, every comic is someone's first. It does not mean it should be written as though no other comics ever existed before it.

[RabidWolfe]

And it [umbilical cord] appeared (at least to me) that the shot of Blade in his mother's arms just before Frost bit her showed that his umbilical cord was still attached, thus the transfer of the vapmire virus/enzyme/whatever.

yeah - I caught that. I should have been clearer on that point.

Either way, I'm giving the series a few more issues, so perhaps it's not all as bad as I thought.

[BigBoss]

I hate it when movies and comics and books all have to adapt to from eachother at some point. what I mean is I hate it when a book becomes a movies a comic book becomes a game and a movie becoms a comicbook ETC. cause thier usally and always crappy.unless your sam rami dont make comic book movies are the dude who made batman begins.

[chriskenny]

I didn't like the first issue, and I am not a huge Blade comic fan, but I think one of my disappointments was the fact that the character WASN'T the Wesley Snipes character from the movies. That is the Blade character I love. I love the mythology of the movie and how he acts and moves in that universe. Having Spider-Man show up and then having an attack on a SHIELD vessel takes me out of that.

I know the Marv Wolfman incarantion came first and a ton of people like that guy more than the movie version. However, I believe that one of the reasons it is more difficult to sell Blade comics is because when they look at the books, it is so rooted in a reality separate (616 reality) from the movie mythology and law of nature. However, sometimes I feel like Blade's quest seems so pedestrian and trivial when compared to the idea that the Avengers are routinely saving the universe and Spider-Man fights vampires and other monsters just as often as Blade. In the Marvel Universe, he isn't special or interesting. In the movies the vampires seemed to be hte only real supernatural threat out there. The only thing between them and us was this lone guy with abilities unique only to him---the kind of abilities that made predators crap themselves. In this comic, he comes off as an uninteresting superhero.

I think the best solution to fixing those problems is to have Goyer or someone who interprets Blade the way Goyer does write a MAX book based on the film continuity, totally divorced from the MU. Much in the same way Ennis approaches his Punisher book. And get Alex Maleev or someone in that vein to draw it (Michael Lark, perhaps?).

I remember the last time they came out with a MAX Blade book and it just didn't capture the tone of the character that made him such a popular film character.

[Mean Mr Mustard]

Also, I have to say. I already said that I enjoyed the book even if it seemed a bit unfocused.
I'd have to read it again to confirm my views on how focused it is or isnt it but I actually think I might have to take it back. I'll say this: Guggenheim did well in including the flashback scenes along with the action ones.
It works as a great first comic.

Here's blade. He kills vampires, as you can see. His mom was bitten a vampire, giving him certain unnatural abilities. Let's see him kick vampire ass.

What else do you really need to know? I mean, you don't have to go on about Morbius and all of that. It actually makes Blade's backstory seem classic and timeless. The apparent change of who trained Bade does intrigue me though (I wouldnt know).
My only experience with the character comes from Tomb of Dracula though, so this is a great re-introduction of sorts to the character for me.

Also, am I insane for wanting to see a Union Jack/Blade crossover?
Not only is there some common ground, they seem somewhat approximate in abilities to make a believable enought teamup.

[shadowwolf47]

Ug. I wanted to like this book so much, but I didn't. No need to get into the reasons why, they were all brought up in this thread.

I plan on giving it one more issue though.

[RabidWolfe]

Hmm -

This isn't really the place to have a "continuity or not?" fight. I recall once, a few years ago, Joe Quesada and Bill Jemas were asked why there wasn't much of a focus on continuity in Marvel. Joey Q responded that they wanted to make the comics more accessible. But, he said, we recognize there is a market for continuity heavy titles, so we make sure we always have a few of those titles around.

After re-reading the letters page in Blade #1, I know get what the author is doing. I think he's wrong (and I think it's what killed the last three Blade series), but I can see he has a very specific and well-thought out reason for doing what he is doing.

More power to him, I guess. It's not how I'd do it, but he's the one actually writing the comics. I actually half-hope it works out, since Blade is a cool character and deserves better than he's gotten.

[drwho]

It is nice to see so much discussion going with the book. I just wish it was more to the original. I always thought the first origin was so uncomplicated and marvel likes to muck stuff up. Down with tv show/ movie Blade. I have yet to like one series that this version has appeared in.

[Nevets F]

You know, after the way some people have complained, I thought this book would be horrible. However, I actually found it REALLY good. I am not a fan of the artist at all, but the writing was superb. I think a lot of people need to chill out some and sit back and enjoy the book. It was written well.

[drwho]

Marc I like your stuff on Wolverine. When do we get a Wolverine and Blade crossover?

[Marc Guggenheim]

In January. Issue 5 to be precise. And I'm glad you're enjoying Wolvie. He's been a blast to write. Thanks for the kind words.

[pan]

I don't want to be insensitive, because it is obvious Marc Guggenheim is reading and participating in this discussion. However his presence makes it even more important that I express my true opinion, not just be polite. I'm a huge blade fan (comics, movies, and TV). In fact, I'm one of the "five" people who bought all of the previous Marvel attempts. That being the case I had high hopes that this issue would finally show that Marvel has gotten it right in their attempt to revive Blade as a comic. However I was extremely disappointed with this first issue. The writing was unfocused in my opinion, and while Mr. Guggenheim claims to be aiming at fans of the movies (not the comic) I think he fails to appeal to both.

For fans of blade as comic book, having Spiderman as a vampire just seemed to be a cheap ploy to get people to buy the book. There was no explaination on how Spiderman became a vampire, nor why he was fighting blade. Then in the very next scene he's fighting Dracula, again with no explaination of how he got there. The villain choice seems to be completely arbitrary. I was also disgusted by Blade's father being white in this issue. Throughout the character's 30 year history, he has never been shown as anything other than a black man. He is a black man in the movies, he is a black man in the TV show. We know his mother is black, and based on his appearance it can be safely assumed that is father is too (he even looks like a black man in this issue); however, now Blade is suddenly biracial? Where did this come from? What purpose does it serve other than to make more white guys relate to him? Marvel has very few black characters and even less black characters of substance. This move seems to be part of a recent trend by Marvel to white wash and integrate the few black characters they do have (the wedding of Black Panther and Storm written by Reginald Hudson being the only exception). It is both cheap and insulting.

As for blade tv and movie fans (who are supposedly the target of this book), the tone of this 1st issue is too light to remind them of the character they loved on the big screen. Not only does this version of Blade fail to match the tone of the movies, it doesn't even match the darker tone of Blade in his 1970s Tomb of Dracula days or the MAX Blade series of a couple years ago. I'm still waiting for Marvel to find a writer who "gets" what makes Blade work. Hollywood was able to accomplish this, I truly fail to understand why the medium which create him is having such difficulty. I'll buy the next few issues, because I love the character. However, I don't see this lasting too long. In my opinion this was the worst blade comic since Bart Sears horrible, horrible attempt in the late 90s. On a positive note the book can only go up from here, but if this is what we are to expect, I can't see this book lasting any longer than previous attempts. If this is what we are to expect, I can't see myself being too upset at the book inevitably being cancelled.

[Mean Mr Mustard]

I was also disgusted by Blade's father being white in this issue. Throughout the character's 30 year history, he has never been shown as anything other than a black man. He is a black man in the movies, he is a black man in the TV show. We know his mother is black, and based on his appearance it can be safely assumed that is father is too (he even looks like a black man in this issue); however, now Blade is suddenly biracial? Where did this come from? What purpose does it serve other than to make more white guys relate to him? Marvel has very few black characters and even less black characters of substance. This move seems to be part of a recent trend by Marvel to white wash and integrate the few black characters they do have (the wedding of Black Panther and Storm written by Reginald Hudson being the only exception). It is both cheap and insulting.


I'm sorry but what? Blade's father? I must be missing something here because it seems we read two different comics.

Even if it were true, you'd have a problem with Blade being biracial?
I mean, "white washing" characters? You realize how that sounds?
Personally I'm all for people of various races reading a character because he's interesting and well written, not because he's white, black, yellow or purple with green dots.
I'm not going to comment on Hudlin simply because I'd get this topic way off trail.

[pan]

I'm sorry but what? Blade's father? I must be missing something here because it seems we read two different comics.

Even if it were true, you'd have a problem with Blade being biracial?
I mean, "white washing" characters? You realize how that sounds?
Personally I'm all for people of various races reading a character because he's interesting and well written, not because he's white, black, yellow or purple with green dots.
I'm not going to comment on Hudlin simply because I'd get this topic way off trail.

You obviously missed Blade's father, because he was there as clear as day. As far as my concern about a biracial comic character, I would have no problem with one who is always portrayed in that manner (like Sunspot from New Mutant/X-force fame). In fact if I didn't read comic books featuring people of all races, then I obviously wouldn't be reading comics at all, because Black characters are few and far between. However arbitrarily making a character who has always been Black over a period of 30+ years biracial, deserves some explanation. You won't see too many biracials look like Wesley Snipes. Unless this title is "Ultimate Blade" where the race of characters can be changed to whatever the writer feels like. Having Blade's father be white is inconsistant with the character's historic portrayal; a portrayal where a Wesley Snipes as Blade was more accurate than someone who looked more like Derek Jeter, again it deserves an explanation. It deserves explanation no matter how it "sounds".

[BcAugust]

You obviously missed Blade's father, because he was there as clear as day. As far as my concern about a biracial comic character, I would have no problem with one who is always portrayed in that manner (like Sunspot from New Mutant/X-force fame). In fact if I didn't read comic books featuring people of all races, then I obviously wouldn't be reading comics at all, because Black characters are few and far between. However arbitrarily making a character who has always been Black over a period of 30+ years biracial, deserves some explanation. You won't see too many biracials look like Wesley Snipes. Unless this title is "Ultimate Blade" where the race of characters can be changed to whatever the writer feels like. Having Blade's father be white is inconsistant with the character's historic portrayal; a portrayal where a Wesley Snipes as Blade was more accurate than someone who looked more like Derek Jeter, again it deserves an explanation. It deserves explanation no matter how it "sounds".

Wow. I've missed this comic so far(just found out it was out, haven't gotten down to the comic book store), but this seems a little out of place. Personally, I'm still wondering how anyone knows who his father was, considering(to be blunt) his mother was a prostitute. And considering Blade being biracial would never matter to him, why would it come up? Not everywhere on Earth has the United States attitude toward race.

Though, given I'm one of the people who did buy almost every single Blade series out there from the time of Nightstalkers(Sorry, the second TOD mini was so horrid from the first issue I just dropped it. I've literally read better fanfiction), I'm just worried that this is another Marvel screwup. The movie Blade works in the movies. And the comic Blade worked very well in the comics. Then again, I like comic Blade's better developed personality. His no killing of humans, his mainly street and western based fighting styles, his tenderness toward women which has led him into so many traps.

To the writer. I greatly respect you're coming on here to defend your book. It's why I'm going to give it a chance. That said, I do have to say that some of the comments here make it hard, re: Continuty. But until I've read it, I won't comment further.

[kalorama]

Wow. I've missed this comic so far(just found out it was out, haven't gotten down to the comic book store), but this seems a little out of place. Personally, I'm still wondering how anyone knows who his father was, considering(to be blunt) his mother was a prostitute.

Well, if you'd read the issue, you'd know we know ho his father is because the Man in question (Lucas Cross) (A) was referred to as Blade's father by the mother's friend who was helping with the delivery and (B) referred to himself as Blade's father on the last panel of the book.

[Marc Guggenheim]

I don't want to be insensitive, because it is obvious Marc Guggenheim is reading and participating in this discussion. However his presence makes it even more important that I express my true opinion, not just be polite. I'm a huge blade fan (comics, movies, and TV). In fact, I'm one of the "five" people who bought all of the previous Marvel attempts. That being the case I had high hopes that this issue would finally show that Marvel has gotten it right in their attempt to revive Blade as a comic. However I was extremely disappointed with this first issue. The writing was unfocused in my opinion, and while Mr. Guggenheim claims to be aiming at fans of the movies (not the comic) I think he fails to appeal to both.

For fans of blade as comic book, having Spiderman as a vampire just seemed to be a cheap ploy to get people to buy the book. There was no explaination on how Spiderman became a vampire, nor why he was fighting blade. Then in the very next scene he's fighting Dracula, again with no explaination of how he got there. The villain choice seems to be completely arbitrary. I was also disgusted by Blade's father being white in this issue. Throughout the character's 30 year history, he has never been shown as anything other than a black man. He is a black man in the movies, he is a black man in the TV show. We know his mother is black, and based on his appearance it can be safely assumed that is father is too (he even looks like a black man in this issue); however, now Blade is suddenly biracial? Where did this come from? What purpose does it serve other than to make more white guys relate to him? Marvel has very few black characters and even less black characters of substance. This move seems to be part of a recent trend by Marvel to white wash and integrate the few black characters they do have (the wedding of Black Panther and Storm written by Reginald Hudson being the only exception). It is both cheap and insulting.

As for blade tv and movie fans (who are supposedly the target of this book), the tone of this 1st issue is too light to remind them of the character they loved on the big screen. Not only does this version of Blade fail to match the tone of the movies, it doesn't even match the darker tone of Blade in his 1970s Tomb of Dracula days or the MAX Blade series of a couple years ago. I'm still waiting for Marvel to find a writer who "gets" what makes Blade work. Hollywood was able to accomplish this, I truly fail to understand why the medium which create him is having such difficulty. I'll buy the next few issues, because I love the character. However, I don't see this lasting too long. In my opinion this was the worst blade comic since Bart Sears horrible, horrible attempt in the late 90s. On a positive note the book can only go up from here, but if this is what we are to expect, I can't see this book lasting any longer than previous attempts. If this is what we are to expect, I can't see myself being too upset at the book inevitably being cancelled.

Hey. Sorry you were disappointed by the issue, but I thank you for reading.

After your post, someone wrote that I was "defending" the first issue. I'll make no such attempt. However, I do like to explain my reasoning for certain choices because, as a fan, I always like it when writers share the methods for their madness.

First, with respect to the opening sequence, I was trying to steal a page from the Grant Morrison playbook and open with as many "big ideas" as I could cram into the first few pages. The thought behind Spider-Man wasn't -- as has been suggested -- to increase sales (if that were my intent, why not use Wolverine?), but rather to immediately show that in this series, Blade would be interacting with the Marvel Universe and since Spidey is the icon of the MU... As for why make Spidey a vamp? Why not? As for Dracula, my reasoning there is -- as the accompanying dialogue suggests --
we've already seen Blade throw down with Drac countless times. Did we really need to see a protracted battle AGAIN? There, I wanted to send the message that we're moving on to new territory and not dwelling in the past.

Overall, there was a lot of "heavy lifting" to do with this issue. I'd set the goal for myself to (a) open with a bang; (b) integrate Blade (back) into the MU; (c) re-tell Blade's origin for those unfamiliar with it; and (c) tell a story -- all in 22 pages. If you liked it, great. If you didn't, all I can say is that I personally feel subsequent issues improve from not having to accomplish so, so much. Hope you agree.

[ednemo]

Hey. Sorry you were disappointed by the issue, but I thank you for reading.

After your post, someone wrote that I was "defending" the first issue. I'll make no such attempt. However, I do like to explain my reasoning for certain choices because, as a fan, I always like it when writers share the methods for their madness.

First, with respect to the opening sequence, I was trying to steal a page from the Grant Morrison playbook and open with as many "big ideas" as I could cram into the first few pages. The thought behind Spider-Man wasn't -- as has been suggested -- to increase sales (if that were my intent, why not use Wolverine?), but rather to immediately show that in this series, Blade would be interacting with the Marvel Universe and since Spidey is the icon of the MU... As for why make Spidey a vamp? Why not? As for Dracula, my reasoning there is -- as the accompanying dialogue suggests --
we've already seen Blade throw down with Drac countless times. Did we really need to see a protracted battle AGAIN? There, I wanted to send the message that we're moving on to new territory and not dwelling in the past.

Overall, there was a lot of "heavy lifting" to do with this issue. I'd set the goal for myself to (a) open with a bang; (b) integrate Blade (back) into the MU; (c) re-tell Blade's origin for those unfamiliar with it; and (c) tell a story -- all in 22 pages. If you liked it, great. If you didn't, all I can say is that I personally feel subsequent issues improve from not having to accomplish so, so much. Hope you agree.

Marc,

I always appreciate when a creator talks about his work, lets the fans who are really interested in on what's happening and explains any questions about why something was done. So, on that note I applaud you. I have not yet read the issue, though it is sitting on a pile in my living room. So, I will read it, and give it a chance. Though from glancing through it...I do agree that artist might not be the best fit for the book.

Thanks,

-Nemo

[Nevets F]

Hey. Sorry you were disappointed by the issue, but I thank you for reading.

After your post, someone wrote that I was "defending" the first issue. I'll make no such attempt. However, I do like to explain my reasoning for certain choices because, as a fan, I always like it when writers share the methods for their madness.

First, with respect to the opening sequence, I was trying to steal a page from the Grant Morrison playbook and open with as many "big ideas" as I could cram into the first few pages. The thought behind Spider-Man wasn't -- as has been suggested -- to increase sales (if that were my intent, why not use Wolverine?), but rather to immediately show that in this series, Blade would be interacting with the Marvel Universe and since Spidey is the icon of the MU... As for why make Spidey a vamp? Why not? As for Dracula, my reasoning there is -- as the accompanying dialogue suggests --
we've already seen Blade throw down with Drac countless times. Did we really need to see a protracted battle AGAIN? There, I wanted to send the message that we're moving on to new territory and not dwelling in the past.

Overall, there was a lot of "heavy lifting" to do with this issue. I'd set the goal for myself to (a) open with a bang; (b) integrate Blade (back) into the MU; (c) re-tell Blade's origin for those unfamiliar with it; and (c) tell a story -- all in 22 pages. If you liked it, great. If you didn't, all I can say is that I personally feel subsequent issues improve from not having to accomplish so, so much. Hope you agree.


Thanks for posting Marc! I am a faily new fans of yours, and I have to say I think you accomplished everything you set out to do this issue. I am sure you have learned you can't pay attention to the internet, but in case you haven't....don't let it get to you. They complain about EVERYTHING

:)

Steven

[ultimatespyder20]

Marc,

I was in the store looking at this issue, thought it looked ok, but then I remembered the review it got on here. Since you have posted on here I think I will give the book a tryout, just because you posted. I liked Blade in the movies, so maybe I'll like it. Though as I looked at the art....well.....I'm not to big on it, it doesn't fit. I'll head back to the store tomorrow if I have time and get it. Thanks for your posts.

Alec

[Marc Guggenheim]

Marc,

I was in the store looking at this issue, thought it looked ok, but then I remembered the review it got on here. Since you have posted on here I think I will give the book a tryout, just because you posted.

Really glad to hear it! Hope you likey.

Best,
Marc

[drwho]

Ok I finally read this and I do have some mixed feelings. It wasn't as bad I was expecting. The art looked alot better than chaykins Avengers issue.

Good

1 Thought the flashback scenes were pretty good and nicely fleshed out his origin. I'm not gonna freak over the whole interacial thing because maybe his dad is just a real light black skinned man. Same with the guy in the flashback.

2 The book was pretty action packed.

Bad

1. Spider-Man didnt need to make a showing.
2. How could vamps take over a whole shield helicarrier? You would think Shield would already have been on the situation before Blade got there.
3. Blade's vampire teeth look so dorky as did he when he was in the Shield uniform.

What confused me though was I thought the issues would be stand alone but it looks like they are already developing subplots I suppose will be dealt in later issues of the book.

I liked it enough to give issue 2 a try.

[phantom1592]

The problems begin when you use the sliding timeline. They are cramming 35-ish years of Blade stories into less than 10 years.

Also, why should Guggenheim (I think I'll just type Marc next time ;) ) be 100% constrained by what other writers wrote 35 years ago? If it was established Blade only dates women with long hair 30 years ago should the future writers be 100% bound by that? no change whatsoever?

And sometimes the elements of a story set 30 years ago don't fit with todays society. Blade used slang from the 1970's... should that be used presently also?
Same with fashion.

And there are plenty of instances where origins are tweaked to make the story relevant to the current times. Iron Man for instance wasn't in Vietnam anymore... he was in Desert Storm when he got hurt.

I like continuity too... but I don't let it ruin my enjoyment of the story. Does it REALLY matter if Blade was bitten by Frost out of the womb? Does it change the whole story? Not at all.

I haven't read this yet. Its in my pull box for wendsday. Just from what I'm reading so far I have to agree with Rabid. The 1/2 vampire (gosh I hate that concept) from birth is wrong. He had no powers other than immunity to the bites. No fangs. Minor strength or Speed could be argued. He was able to match up with Vampires after all. But there was no bloodlust.

This is more than a "tweaking" of the origin. Changing from Vietnam to Desert storm. Giving him these powers is more like saying spiderman ALWAYS had organic webshooters and talked to bugs. From the very beginning.

Personally I always thought these powers were the worst thing the Movies did to him. I always liked the hero to be the "underdog" Fighting against the odds and triumphing. The movies made him the "Daywalker" All their strength, none of the weakness. He became more of an exterminater of bugs, than a slayer of unholy beasts.

I'm glad to hear from Marc. Its always good to hear what Writers thoughts are on these issues. I give every Blade a shot every time he gets a new book :) I'm a little concerned about what I've read, but I'm still in for while. Just PLEASE tell me your not bringing in all the movie ideas.

Pureblood Vampires?!?! What was THAT all about. You can't be BORN a Vampire. It goes against everything vampires stand for. Also please remember that Vampires have more powers than they show in the Blade Movies. They have the hypnosis, and the Shape changing. Give them some natural weapons to challenge Blade :)

Thanks for listening. Blades been a favorite for a long time. I also would like to put in a vote for some of the other Hunters (Hannible King and Frank Drake) to show up.

[Frank]

I didn't like the first issue, and I am not a huge Blade comic fan, but I think one of my disappointments was the fact that the character WASN'T the Wesley Snipes character from the movies. That is the Blade character I love. I love the mythology of the movie and how he acts and moves in that universe. Having Spider-Man show up and then having an attack on a SHIELD vessel takes me out of that.

I know the Marv Wolfman incarantion came first and a ton of people like that guy more than the movie version. However, I believe that one of the reasons it is more difficult to sell Blade comics is because when they look at the books, it is so rooted in a reality separate (616 reality) from the movie mythology and law of nature. However, sometimes I feel like Blade's quest seems so pedestrian and trivial when compared to the idea that the Avengers are routinely saving the universe and Spider-Man fights vampires and other monsters just as often as Blade. In the Marvel Universe, he isn't special or interesting. In the movies the vampires seemed to be hte only real supernatural threat out there. The only thing between them and us was this lone guy with abilities unique only to him---the kind of abilities that made predators crap themselves. In this comic, he comes off as an uninteresting superhero.

I think the best solution to fixing those problems is to have Goyer or someone who interprets Blade the way Goyer does write a MAX book based on the film continuity, totally divorced from the MU. Much in the same way Ennis approaches his Punisher book. And get Alex Maleev or someone in that vein to draw it (Michael Lark, perhaps?).

I remember the last time they came out with a MAX Blade book and it just didn't capture the tone of the character that made him such a popular film character.

They tried to do a Blade comic based on the movie look and tone for 5 years and it has never worked. I think the bigger audience for comics are still the regular comic fans and for comic fans, just to see a guy killing vampires and look cool, it gets tired after a few issues. Tomb of Dracula by Wolfman and Colan worked because the characters had enormous depth, more than the Blade movies would ever hope to have. That`s how you do a monthly comic. As for Blade losing his uniqueness with other super-heroes interacting, I think it's the opposite. It goes from half-vampire guy killing vampires to somebody that`s not gonna react the same way to other Marvel characters. And creats interesting sinergies. That`s why I think the new Punisher book will be successful.

[drwho]

Now that the Blade tv show has failed I can only hope Marvel brings him back to his comic roots. If anything Blades failure in other media shows how much the non comic Blade sucks.

[phantom1592]

Now that the Blade tv show has failed I can only hope Marvel brings him back to his comic roots. If anything Blades failure in other media shows how much the non comic Blade sucks.


Did the TV show fail? Too bad. Its on my role playing night so I haven't seen it yet. Did they pull it or is it only a one season? How many episodes made it?

[RabidWolfe]

Did the TV show fail? Too bad. Its on my role playing night so I haven't seen it yet. Did they pull it or is it only a one season? How many episodes made it?

It lasted one season of 13 episodes. It was pretty good, I thought. It had lot of potential, and it pushed the boundaries of what is acceptable on basic cable. I found myself more interested in the supporting cast than in Blade, but overall it was well written and seemed to be headed into interesting directions.

I hope another network picks it up.

[lonesomefool]

It was decent, the problem is that, as much as I appreciate a writer trying to give readers value and bang for their buck, this story to me at least, reeked of deserving at least 2-3 issues. Overall the greastest strength in the eyes of some is this titles greatest weakness for me, and that's Howard Chaykin, while this looked better than a lot of his recent work, it still didnt do much for me in the art department. I'll probably pass on the coming issues in large part due to funds.

[EuroMutt]

Does anyone else have a big blue streak on the flashback scene where Blade sees the elderly man being jumped? Or am I just an idiot who bought a bad copy? Thanks.

[EuroMutt]

Bump. Bump it up.