REVIEW: ‘Blade’ Issue #2

Blade #2 is published by Marvel Comics, written by Bryan Hill, pencils by Elena Casagrande, oinks by Casagrande and Roberto Poggi, colors by Jordie Bellaire, and letters by Joe Sabino. After Blade unleashed an ancient evil that threatens to destroy the entire world, Blade turns to an ex for help. 

This issue takes the opening statement of the first issue and expands upon it. The aspects of the final scene are actually allowed to rest, not coming into real prominence until the final parts of the chapter. In the meantime, Blade’s past becomes both a benefit and a boon to him as he encounters Tulip, an old flame. The pace is slow for much of the comic, focusing on the chemistry between the duo. But that slowness is welcome as it generates sexual tension. This takes the book up to the halfway point where it suddenly bursts into an action comic. Blade literally launches himself into a sequence filled with energy, Hill always manages to write violence with consequence, not just for the sake of it. The rapidity is intense, ending before you even know it has begun. But a lot happens in that time, leading into the final moments of the comic. Each final part of the book seems to be a cliffhanger or a glimpse at the next issue. It overlaps the chapters and keeps the excitement high for what is to come.

What is exciting about this new Blade series is that it doesn’t restrict the vampire slayer to hunting vampires. The creatures and beings he comes up against are old and varied. There is more spirituality to these characters, with Blade #2 introducing another figure that is extremely mysterious. It provides this series with a freshness, adding more lore to a character that has often seemed rudimentary. Hill’s dialogue is phenomenal. Blade is beautifully blunt and to the point. There is never a hidden agenda with him. That is complemented by the use of Tulip. She is enigmatic and sultry but operates with a similar attitude to the Daywalker. Alternatively, the other new addition remains an intriguing part of the cast. Part of a mountain cult, she’s angry and murderous, perfectly fitting in alongside Blade. How he tries to look after those in his care isn’t always heroic, but it works within his mindset.

The art is awesome, with its maturity highlighted early on. This is not a book for younger readers, which is clarified from the start. Injuries are brutal and Tulip is topless for the first several pages. Blade is also only in his boxers during the fight scene, giving the damage he takes no place to hide. But making a comic for older readers does not mean that it can’t be ridiculous or fun. As soon as the issue kicks into high gear there are some brilliant pieces of monster hunting. A fantasy twist is added to the gunplay of the book whilst also being intensely physical and action-packed. All of the characters look spectacular, sticking with the concept of subtle steps away from normality. That is, until the final set piece, which escalates to a much grander and chaotic style. The consequences of violence are also implemented by the artists, with Blade covered in bruises and injuries after the fight.

The colors in the first issue could make the issue difficult to see, but that is not the case for Blade #2. The lighting of this issue is terrific and stunning, changing regularly to fit the situation. Bellaire always colors panels with a light source, so that the shadows can be naturally formed. There are points where the light is intentionally overwhelming, demonstrating a superb understating of contrast levels within comic art. Some of the details in the colors are spectacular. Blade’s eyes seem to actually glow irrespective of the tones in the rest of the issue, and the bruises on his skin are painfully purple. The lettering for the word balloons is always clear and easy to read, and the SFX is wonderfully descriptive.

Blade #2 gives the vampire hunter much more to hunt. Beautifully balanced when it comes to its structure, the comic takes its time delivering the story. It can focus on character moments, relationships old and new, and exposition without rushing to the next piece or awesome action. When that does appear, there’s always a reason for it and a reaction to it. There is a cinematic quality to the comic, with a fight scene that would not be out of place in a movie. All while a deep plot of mysticism and monsters is being told gradually.

Blade #2 is available where comics are sold.