My Rating
“His Name Is…Blade!”
A blood curdling scream echoes out from the fog covered docks of London Port. Several vampires have just assaulted a young couple who were awaiting passage on an outbound ocean liner. As the undead encircle them, Bobby and Ellen realize they only have seconds to live. Then one of the vampires, a mere boy of eighteen, screeches out in agony. The tip of a Teakwood knife erupts from the center of his chest! As the lifeless monster slumps forward towards the deck, a black man wearing a green trench coat and yellow shades rips the wooden knife from its back.
The remaining vampires pull back in ultimate disgust as they realize just now who the foe is they are about to face. A newcomer to the vampire hunting scene, the man was of this generation, with the strength and quickness which far surpass any professional athlete of the day. His street smarts and arrogance made this hunter very unpredictable in a fight. He was more dangerous than even veteran hunters such as Quincy Harker and Rachel Van Helsing. The retreating vampires yell out “Blade!”
Just who is this new vampire hunter and where did he come from? Will Dracula succeed in his new business venture of extorting the ultra wealthy with global interests around the world? Can Clifford Graves stop Dracula’s new bride before she breaks free of her plush prison? Collect the series to find out!
Reviewer Notes
This is the one that started it all. The one that every hardcore Marvel collector out there is trying to find. It’s the smartmouth vampire hunter who don’t take no jive. Say hello to the original Blade and all his 1970’s nuances.
I love this era of Blade even with his outdated Blacksploitation movie inspired mannerisms. It may seem outright comical to some now, but those who were alive at the time will recognize this as true American culture. Blade would be seen in a few more issues of Tomb of Dracula but the character would not see a real resurgence until his solo title in 1994.
As far as the issue goes, this is a standalone story with only a brief cameo by Clifford and Edith Harker – who basically aid in tying things with the main storyline. In the grand scheme of thing, issue #10 has no bearing on the main storyline, but is very entertaining nonetheless. If you want to experience Blade in his original form, definitely get a copy of the reprint today. I give it a five out of five stars.
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