Blade #1 (2023) Review

Written by: Bryan Hill
Art by: Elena Casagrande
Colors by: Jordie Bellaire
Letters by: VC’s Joe Sabino
Cover art by: Elena Casagrande, Jordie Bellaire
Cover price: $4.99
Release date: July 19, 2023

Blade #1 (2023) finds the Daywalker on the hunt for a missing girl at the center of a devastating event that could end the existence of all life on Earth… except nobody seems to know why.

Is It Good?

When Bryan Hill was announced to take over a brand-new Blade series, you had my curiosity. After reading Blade #1, you now have my attention. It’s amazing what a capable writer can do with a unique character when you start with a solid foundation and emphasize the character’s strengths.

Hill’s script centers on a request by the werewolf nation to track down a woman who appears to be charmed in some way that could pose a very dangerous threat to the Second World (the layer of society populated by werewolves, vampires, ghosts, etc.). Blade fights his way through other hunters, vampires, and a mystical assassin to get to the woman, only to learn he’s been duped. Doing the right thing makes the situation so much worse.

Check out our Blade #1 Video Review

What’s great about this issue? Practically everything. Blade is back in his monster-killing form of badassery. There isn’t a whiff of reference to Dracula or the “recognized” vampire nation at Chornobyl (a stupid concept). Hill’s setup, pacing, dialog, and plot twists are excellent. And most importantly, Hill introduces a new villain, Adana, who immediately presents as a formidable, unstoppable threat.

What’s not so great about this issue? Not much. Blade is presented as a rough, tough killer who doesn’t let anyone get in his way. That’s all anyone needs in a Blade comic.

How’s the art? Elena Casagrande’s art ranges from good to very good. As a minor nitpick, Blade’s outfit redesign looks like a mild downgrade from his typical tactical body armor, but the design works well enough for the purposes of keeping the Daywalker light and professional.

About The Reviewer: Gabriel Hernandez is the Publisher & EIC of ComicalOpinions.com, a comics review site dedicated to indie, small, and mid-sized publishers.

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Bits and Pieces

Blade #1 does exactly what it needs to do for a new series starring Marvel’s resident monster hunter. The story is simple-yet-effective, Blade is in top action form as a killer, and the new villain presents as an intimidating threat.