Collects The Tomb of Dracula (1972-1979 1st Series) #10 , 12-14, 24, 30, 41-43, 45, 51, 53 and 58; Marvel Preview (1975-1981 Magazine) #3 ; Fear (1970=1975 Marvel) #24 ; Doctor Strange (1974-1987 2nd Series) #61 -62 and 67, and material from The Tomb of Dracula (1972-1979 1st Series) #17 -19, 21, 44, 46-50 and 52; Vampire Tales (1973-1975) #8 -9; Marvel Preview (1975-1981 Magazine) #8 ; and Marvel Comics Presents (1988-1995) #64 .
Blade hit the comics scene in the 1970s - a time when horror movies were all the rage and Black cinema was introducing bold new action heroes who defied authority. Blade immediately changed the stakes of Marv Wolfman and Gene Colan's TOMB OF DRACULA, bringing a sense of unstoppable determination as he pursued Deacon Frost, the vampire who killed his mother. And if a few other vampires died along the way, all the better! This Omnibus collects, for the first time, Blade's complete early adventures: from his influential role in TOMB OF DRACULA to his 1970s solo stories and his climactic battle against Dracula alongside Doctor Strange!
The character of Blade first emerged during a transformative time for comics in the 1970s, coinciding with increased interest in horror films and the representation of Black heroes in cinema. Blade's debut in "The Tomb of Dracula" brought fresh life to Marvel's horror genre with his unique story arc and unyielding pursuit of vengeance against vampires. This collection highlights his initial appearances and explores his partnership with Doctor Strange, emphasizing the shift in narrative that Blade embodied. Furthermore, Blade's depiction contrasts with the romanticized portrayal of vampires in contemporary media, presenting an innovative character who blends horror and action in a compelling fashion. Additionally, this era of comics saw a deliberate effort to address broader social themes, making Blade not only a horror icon but also a complex character deeply intertwined with relevant societal discussions of the time. Emphasizing action over the stylistic elegance typical in vampire stories, Blade's adventures captivated audiences and reshaped expectations in horror comics. In today’s pop culture landscape, Blade’s influence continues to resonate, reflecting the enduring appeal of his character and the stories that defined his early years.
