Alex Carter
The past year has been a rollercoaster ride for Eric Brooks, better known as the legendary Blade. After a brief stint as the host for the first vampire, Varnae, Brooks is now free but left questioning his identity and the path that lies ahead for the world’s most notorious vampire hunter. Blade: Red Band #1 starts to unravel these mysteries, all while delivering a thrilling dose of action.
The issue kicks off with the Daywalker in seclusion, partly due to the guilt of almost leading his allies to doom during the Blood Hunt event, and partly to heal his bruised spirit and contemplate his future.
Then, the Spellguard, a cult of balance-keepers, comes knocking with a job offer for Blade. They reveal a new vampire group using dark magic to distort both body and soul. But something about the Spellguard doesn’t sit right with Blade, leading him to agree to hunt the vampires, but on his own terms, after flatly refusing to work for the Spellguard. As expected, chaos follows.
Red Band: A flawless introduction to the comic version of Blade
Bryan Hill’s script provides an impeccable introduction to Blade for those familiar with the character only from the Wesley Snipes films. Eric Brooks is undeniably tough, but beneath his exterior lies a deep-seated self-loathing. He’s always seen himself as a monster, questioning if he’s any better than the vampires he battles. This internal struggle is beautifully portrayed when he forges a sword and allows himself to be burned without resistance.
The artwork is decent, but not quite top-notch. Carlos Fabian Villa is a maestro of fight scene illustrations, and the action sequences are generally well-executed. However, the inking and shading can be inconsistent, with some characters appearing brighter than they should in comparison to others and the backgrounds.
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Blade: Red Band #1 accomplishes a lot. It provides a fresh start for the Daywalker and a welcoming gateway for new readers. It also delivers a generous dose of bloodshed for those more interested in action than the modern history of Marvel Comics.
Grade: 4/5.
Blade: Red Band #1 is now available at comic shops everywhere.
