Blade
Creation & Design
Blade was created by writer Marv Wolfman and artist Gene Colan, first appearing in 'The Tomb of Dracula' series. His character was designed to be a vampire hunter with a unique heritage, being half-vampire himself.Early Years
Blade's early years were spent battling Dracula and other supernatural threats, establishing himself as a formidable vampire hunter. His character gained popularity through various appearances in Marvel comics.Character Development
Over the years, Blade has evolved from a supporting character in horror comics to a leading figure in the Marvel Universe, often exploring themes of identity, heritage, and the struggle against darkness.Cultural Reception
Blade has been well-received by fans and critics alike, particularly for his unique blend of action and horror elements.Character Details
Real Name:
Eric Brooks
Aliases:
Daywalker, The Vampire Hunter
Species:
Human
Gender:
Male
Affiliations:
The Nightstalkers, The Avengers, Midnight Sons
Abilities:
Superhuman strength, Regeneration, Vampire immunity, Expert martial artist, Weapon proficiency
Equipment:
Silver weapons, UV light weapons, Vampire serum
Weight:
180lbs
Height:
6' 1"
Eye Color:
brown
Hair Color:
black
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Comic Reader #95
Street Enterprises
•
1973
•
Vol. 1
Preview of Blade on an image of the Tomb of Dracula #10 cover
Tomb of Dracula #10
Marvel
•
1973
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance of Blade
Tomb of Dracula #12
Marvel
•
1973
•
Vol. 1
2nd appearance of Blade
1st appearance of Safron Caulder, the girlfriend of Blade and mother of Brielle
2nd appearance of Blade
1st appearance of Safron Caulder, the girlfriend of Blade and mother of Brielle
Tomb of Dracula #13
Marvel
•
1973
•
Vol. 1
3rd appearance and origin of Blade
1st cameo appearance of Deacon Frost, the vampire who bit Blade's mother as she gave birth
3rd appearance and origin of Blade
1st cameo appearance of Deacon Frost, the vampire who bit Blade's mother as she gave birth
Tomb of Dracula #17
Marvel
•
1974
•
Vol. 1
Blade is bitten by Dracula
Tomb of Dracula #19
Marvel
•
1974
•
Vol. 1
Blade discovers he is immune to vampirism because he is part vampire
Blade discovers he is immune to vampirism because he is part vampire
Fear (Adventure Into) #24
Marvel
•
1974
•
Vol. 1
First appearance of Blade outside of Tomb of Dracula
First meeting of Blade and Morbius
First appearance of Blade outside of Tomb of Dracula
First meeting of Blade and Morbius
Vampire Tales #8
Curtis
•
1974
•
Vol. 1
First solo story featuring Blade
Marvel Preview #3
Curtis
•
1975
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance of Afari, Blade's vampire mentor
1st appearance of Dai Thomas, a detective who specializes in magic and paranormal activities
Origin of Blade, how he met Safron Caulder, the mother of his daughter Brielle
1st appearance of Afari, Blade's vampire mentor
1st appearance of Dai Thomas, a detective who specializes in magic and paranormal activities
Origin of Blade, how he met Safron Caulder, the mother of his daughter Brielle
Tomb of Dracula #44
Marvel
•
1976
•
Vol. 1
First meeting and battle of Doctor Strange and Dracula
First meeting of Blade and Hannibal King
Part one of a two-issue crossover that continues in Doctor Strange #14 (1976)
First meeting and battle of Doctor Strange and Dracula
First meeting of Blade and Hannibal King
Part one of a two-issue crossover that continues in Doctor Strange #14 (1976)
Tomb of Dracula #45
Marvel
•
1976
•
Vol. 1
1st full appearance of Deacon Frost, the vampire that caused Blade’s creation
1st appearance of Domini, the bride of Dracula
1st team appearance of the Church of the Damned
1st full appearance of Deacon Frost, the vampire that caused Blade’s creation
1st appearance of Domini, the bride of Dracula
1st team appearance of the Church of the Damned
Marvel Preview #8
Curtis
•
1976
•
Vol. 1
Cover art by Ken Barr featuring Blade and Morbius
Tomb of Dracula #58
Marvel
•
1977
•
Vol. 1
Solo Blade issue
Castle of Horror #2
Portman
•
1978
•
Vol. 1
Reprint of Vampire Tales #8, origin of Blade
Reprint of the Amazing Spider-Man #102, origin of Morbius
Value unknown
Reprint of Vampire Tales #8, origin of Blade
Reprint of the Amazing Spider-Man #102, origin of Morbius
Value unknown
Doctor Strange #61
Marvel
•
1983
•
Vol. 2
Origin of vampires and how they are linked to the Darkhold
First meeting of Doctor Strange and Blade
First team-up of Blade, Hannibal King and Frank Drake who would later form Borderline Investigations aka the Nightstalkers
Origin of vampires and how they are linked to the Darkhold
First meeting of Doctor Strange and Blade
First team-up of Blade, Hannibal King and Frank Drake who would later form Borderline Investigations aka the Nightstalkers
Doctor Strange #67
Marvel
•
1984
•
Vol. 2
1st official team appearance of Blade, Hannibal King and Frank Drake who would later form Borderline Investigations aka Nightstalkers
1st official team appearance of Blade, Hannibal King and Frank Drake who would later form Borderline Investigations aka Nightstalkers
Ghost Rider #28
Marvel
•
1992
•
Vol. 2
1st cameo team appearance of The Nine aka the Midnight Sons: Ghost Rider (Ketch), Johnny Blaze, Morbius, Blade, Hannibal King, Frank Drake, Sam Buchanan, Victoria Montesi, Louise Hastings
1st appearance of the Caretaker
1st appearance of Lilith, mother of demons
1st appearance of Meatmarket, offspring of Lilith
1st cameo team appearance of The Nine aka the Midnight Sons: Ghost Rider (Ketch), Johnny Blaze, Morbius, Blade, Hannibal King, Frank Drake, Sam Buchanan, Victoria Montesi, Louise Hastings
1st appearance of the Caretaker
1st appearance of Lilith, mother of demons
1st appearance of Meatmarket, offspring of Lilith
Morbius: The Living Vampire #12
Marvel
•
1993
•
Vol. 1
First meeting and battle of Werewolf By Night and Blade (as Switchblade, after summoning Chthon and agreeing to becoming the new Demogorge in Nightstalkers #10)
First meeting and battle of Werewolf By Night and Blade (as Switchblade, after summoning Chthon and agreeing to becoming the new Demogorge in Nightstalkers #10)
Nightstalkers #10
Marvel
•
1993
•
Vol. 1
Blade becomes Switchblade after Chthon makes him the new Demogorge
Blade: The Vampire Hunter #1
Marvel
•
1994
•
Vol. 1
First solo titled series featuring Blade
Blade: The Vampire Hunter #8
Marvel
•
1995
•
Vol. 1
Cover art featuring Blade and Morbius
Blade: The Vampire Hunter #9
Marvel
•
1995
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance of Crossbow, an alternate dimension version of Blade
Blade: Movie Preview Edition #1
Marvel
•
1997
•
Vol. 1
Preview comic distributed at San Diego Comic Con 1997 to promote the first Blade film
Preview comic distributed at San Diego Comic Con 1997 to promote the first Blade film
Blade #1
Marvel
•
1998
•
Vol. 1
Copies ordered by retailers: 15,002
Promotional one-shot given away exclusively at theaters for the Blade movie
Approximately 2,000 copies printed
Promotional one-shot given away exclusively at theaters for the Blade movie
Approximately 2,000 copies printed
Blade Sins of the Father #1
Marvel
•
1998
•
Vol. 1
One-shot released at the time of the first Blade film
Variant photo cover featuring Wesley Snipes as Blade
Blade creator Marv Wolfman, filed a $35 million lawsuit against Marvel, New Line Cinema and Time Warner regarding ownership of Blade but lost the case two years later
Variant photo cover featuring Wesley Snipes as Blade
Blade creator Marv Wolfman, filed a $35 million lawsuit against Marvel, New Line Cinema and Time Warner regarding ownership of Blade but lost the case two years later
Blade: Vampire Hunter #1/2
Marvel
•
1999
•
Vol. 2
One-shot distributed by Wizard, includes Certificate of Authenticity
Standalone story 'Bane of the White Worm'
One-shot distributed by Wizard, includes Certificate of Authenticity
Standalone story 'Bane of the White Worm'
Peter Parker: Spider-Man #8
Marvel
•
1999
•
Vol. 1
Blade is bitten by Morbius officially turning him into a Daywalker
Prior to this issue, Blade was immune to vampire bites and had a sensitivity to light but a bite from a genetically-modified Morbius changed his physiology
The 2006 Blade comic book series retconned this event and the origin of Blade to him being born a Dhampir (vampire/human hybrid)
Blade is bitten by Morbius officially turning him into a Daywalker
Prior to this issue, Blade was immune to vampire bites and had a sensitivity to light but a bite from a genetically-modified Morbius changed his physiology
The 2006 Blade comic book series retconned this event and the origin of Blade to him being born a Dhampir (vampire/human hybrid)
Blade: Vampire Hunter #1
Marvel
•
1999
•
Vol. 2
1st team appearance of Silvereye, a covert S.H.I.E.L.D. organization mobilized to eradicate vampires
1st appearance of Saracen, a vampire
1st team appearance of Silvereye, a covert S.H.I.E.L.D. organization mobilized to eradicate vampires
1st appearance of Saracen, a vampire
Variant cover art by Bart Sears
Blade II: Movie Adaptation
Marvel
•
2002
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance of Abraham Whistler, a mentor to Blade played by Kris Kristofferson in the film
1st appearance of Abraham Whistler, a mentor to Blade played by Kris Kristofferson in the film
Blade #1
Marvel
•
2006
•
Vol. 3
1st appearance of Lucas Cross, the father of Blade and a vampire
2nd appearance of Afari and first appearance in a standard comic book, previously appeared in Marvel Preview #3
1st appearance of Lucas Cross, the father of Blade and a vampire
2nd appearance of Afari and first appearance in a standard comic book, previously appeared in Marvel Preview #3
Blade #5
Marvel
•
2007
•
Vol. 3
First meeting and battle of Wolverine and Blade - appeared in the same panel in Black Panther #18 (2006) but did not officially meet
First meeting and battle of Wolverine and Blade - appeared in the same panel in Black Panther #18 (2006) but did not officially meet
Captain Britain and MI 13 #5
Marvel
•
2008
•
Vol. 1
Blade joins MI 13
Captain Britain and MI 13 #8
Marvel
•
2009
•
Vol. 1
First Blade and Black Knight appearance in the same panel - no official introduction
Blade joins MI 13 in issue #5
First Blade and Black Knight appearance in the same panel - no official introduction
Blade joins MI 13 in issue #5
X-Men #2
Marvel
•
2010
•
Vol. 3
First team-up of the X-Men and Blade
Variant cover art by Leinil Francis Yu
Foilogram edition
Second printing
Mighty Avengers #1
Marvel
•
2013
•
Vol. 2
1st team appearance of the Mighty Avengers: Luke Cage, Spider-Man (Octavius), Spectrum and Spider-Hero
1st appearance of Blade as Spider-Hero
Monica Rambeau becomes Spectrum, formerly Photon, Pulsar and the second Ms. Marvel
1st team appearance of the Mighty Avengers: Luke Cage, Spider-Man (Octavius), Spectrum and Spider-Hero
1st appearance of Blade as Spider-Hero
Monica Rambeau becomes Spectrum, formerly Photon, Pulsar and the second Ms. Marvel
Mighty Avengers #4
Marvel
•
2013
•
Vol. 2
1st appearance of the fourth Ronin, later revealed to be Blade
1st appearance of Jason Quantrell, later becomes the avatar of the Beyond Corporation
1st appearance of the fourth Ronin, later revealed to be Blade
1st appearance of Jason Quantrell, later becomes the avatar of the Beyond Corporation
Mighty Avengers #9
Marvel
•
2014
•
Vol. 2
Blade reveals himself to be the fourth to wear the Ronin costume
1st appearance of Evald Skorpion who is later turned into Neohedron by The Maker
1st full appearance of Kevin Brashear, eldest son of the Blue Marvel
Blade reveals himself to be the fourth to wear the Ronin costume
1st appearance of Evald Skorpion who is later turned into Neohedron by The Maker
1st full appearance of Kevin Brashear, eldest son of the Blue Marvel
Spirits of Vengeance #1
Marvel
•
2017
•
Vol. 1
1st team appearance of a new Spirits of Vengeance: Ghost Rider(Johnny Blaze), Daimon Helstrom, Satana, and Blade
1st team appearance of a new Spirits of Vengeance: Ghost Rider(Johnny Blaze), Daimon Helstrom, Satana, and Blade
Iron Man #596
Marvel
•
2018
•
Vol. 1
First meeting of Ironheart and Blade
Defenders #10
Marvel
•
2018
•
Vol. 5
First team-up of Blade and Moon Knight
This is not an official team but the heroes are gathered in the final panel of the last issue in the series to battle the Hood
First team-up of Blade and Moon Knight
This is not an official team but the heroes are gathered in the final panel of the last issue in the series to battle the Hood
Avengers #12
Marvel
•
2019
•
Vol. 8
1st team appearance of the Agents of Wakanda: Black Panther, American Eagle, Fat Cobra, Dr. Nemesis, Ka-Zar and Zabu, Gorilla Man, Odin, Wasp, Okoye and Rosalind Solomon
1st cameo appearance of Shadow Colonel, later revealed to be Xarus
Blade joins the Avengers
1st team appearance of the Agents of Wakanda: Black Panther, American Eagle, Fat Cobra, Dr. Nemesis, Ka-Zar and Zabu, Gorilla Man, Odin, Wasp, Okoye and Rosalind Solomon
1st cameo appearance of Shadow Colonel, later revealed to be Xarus
Blade joins the Avengers
One-shot featuring Wolverine vs Blade
Variant cover art by Gabriele Dell'Otto
One-shot featuring Wolverine vs Blade
Variant cover art by Gabriele Dell'Otto
Strikeforce #1
Marvel
•
2019
•
Vol. 1
1st team appearance of Strikeforce: Angela, Blade, The Winter Soldier, Spider-Woman, Wiccan, Spectrum, Daimon Hellstrom
1st appearance of Count Ophidian and the Vridai
1st team appearance of Strikeforce: Angela, Blade, The Winter Soldier, Spider-Woman, Wiccan, Spectrum, Daimon Hellstrom
1st appearance of Count Ophidian and the Vridai
Variant cover art by Mico Suayan
Free Comic Book Day 2022: Avengers / X-Men: Judgment Day #1
Marvel
•
2022
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance of Bloodline, Brielle, the daughter of Blade
[September 2022 - an insider source informs us that the Blade movie will be a hand-off film to a younger character]
1st appearance of Bloodline, Brielle, the daughter of Blade
[September 2022 - an insider source informs us that the Blade movie will be a hand-off film to a younger character]
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