Blade (comics)

Blade
Artwork for the cover of Captain Britain and MI: 13 5 (September 2008 Marvel Comics). Art by Bryan Hitch.
Publication information
Publisher	Marvel Comics
First appearance	The Tomb of Dracula #10 (July 1973)
Created by	Marv Wolfman (writer) Gene Colan (artist)
In-story information
Alter ego	Eric Brooks
Species	Dhampir
Team affiliations	MI: 13 Nightstalkers Vanguard Midnight Sons The Mighty Avengers Avengers of the Supernatural
Notable aliases	Daywalker, Frank Blade, SwitchBlade, Spider Hero, Ronin
Abilities	Master martial artist Skilled swordsman, street fighter and marksman Highly knowledgeable about vampire lore Superhuman strength, speed, agility and stamina Enhanced senses Accelerated healing factor Immunity to the bites of vampires and vampire Hypnosis Slowed aging Use of throwing knives Ability to sense supernatural creatures

Blade (Eric Brooks) is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Marv Wolfman and penciller Gene Colan, his first appearance was in the comic book The Tomb of Dracula #10 (July 1973) as a supporting character.

The character went on to star and co-star in several comic book series as well as a Blade film series and television series. Actor Wesley Snipes portrayed the vampire hunter in the Blade film series while Kirk "Sticky Fingaz" Jones took on the role for the television series.

Blade was introduced as a supporting character in Marvel Comics' The Tomb of Dracula #10 (July 1973), written by Marv Wolfman and penciled by Gene Colan. The artist recalled in 2003, "Marv told me Blade was a black man, and we talked about how he should dress, and how he should look – very heroic looking. That was my input. [...] The bandolier of blades – that was Marv's idea. But, I dressed him up. I put the leather jacket on him and so on". Colan based the character's features on "a composite of black actors" including NFL football star-turned-actor Jim Brown. He initially sported 1970s style afro hair and wielded teak bladed knives. Blade appeared in most issues #10–21, with additional appearances in #24 and 28 (altogether ranging from July 1973 – Sept. 1974).