Blade Clothing, Accessories & Figures

Blade, real name Eric Brooks, is a half-vampire ("Daywalker") and one of the most effective vampire hunters in the Marvel Universe. His tragic origin began when his mother, during his birth in London in 1929, was bitten by the vampire Deacon Frost. This caused her death, but transferred some vampiric traits to Eric – superhuman strength, speed, durability, and most importantly, immunity to sunlight – without their weaknesses to garlic, silver, or crosses. Trained by Jamal Afari, an elderly vampire hunter, Blade dedicated his life to exterminating vampires, seeking revenge for his mother and protecting humanity.

Blade's character has evolved significantly in the Marvel Universe, from a gritty, solitary vampire hunter to a complex anti-hero grappling with his own nature. Initially, he appeared as a secondary character in the Tomb of Dracula comics, but soon gained his own momentum. Over the years, Blade has faced Vampire Lords, sorcerers, and even other superheroes, as his story developed. He has been a member of various teams, such as the Mighty Avengers and the Midnight Sons, showing an attempt to find his place in the world, even though his harsh nature often made him operate on the fringes. His evolution has led him to confront his vampiric impulses, seeking a purpose beyond simple revenge.

Blade's powers and abilities make him a formidable hunter. As a Daywalker, he possesses superhuman strength, speed, stamina, agility, and an enhanced healing factor, all at levels far superior to an ordinary human. His immunity to sunlight is his most defining trait, allowing him to fight vampires during the day. He is also highly knowledgeable about vampires and supernatural creatures, as well as being exceptionally skilled in hand-to-hand combat and weapon usage, especially his sword, which is designed to slay vampires.

Blade's relationships are often complex and transactional, given his solitary nature as a hunter. His relationship with Jamal Afari, his mentor, was crucial for his training. Dracula is Blade's arch-nemesis in the Marvel Universe, their conflict being a constant source of plots. He has collaborated with various characters, such as Hannibal King and Domini, and has developed strained alliances with other superheroes, including Doctor Strange and the Midnight Sons, who often involve him in broader supernatural threats. These relationships highlight both his isolation and his need for allies in his unending war.

Some of Blade'smost iconic stories in the Marvel Universe include his initial appearances in the Tomb of Dracula comics in the 1970s, where he was established. The creation of his own comic series in the 1990s and his renewed popularity through the films brought him to the forefront. His participation in major events like "Curse of the Mutants" and "Civil War" (comics), where he allies with other heroes, shows the evolution of his role. His confrontations with Dracula and his personal struggles with his vampiric nature are recurring themes that make him a consistently fascinating character.

The future for Blade in the Marvel Universe is constantly active, as he remains a central figure in stories involving the supernatural world. With his return to prominence through various comic series and his anticipated appearance in the MCU, Blade is more relevant than ever. His continued fight against vampires and other supernatural threats, combined with the exploration of his unique nature as a Daywalker, ensures that Blade will continue to be an iconic and relentless hero who offers a dark and intense side to the Marvel world.