In anticipation of his introduction to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Blade is undergoing significant enhancements to align with the demands of his upcoming era. Marvel has recently taken proactive measures to modernize Blade’s character traits and background within the comic book realm. It’s evident that these adjustments are strategically shaping him for his imminent debut on the big screen.
In Blade #6 by Bryan Hill, Lee Ferguson, KJ Diaz, and VC’s Cory Petit, the character undergoes a notable transformation. In this installment, the Daywalker undergoes a blood-infused enhancement courtesy of Dracula. Despite their turbulent past, Dracula assumes a mentorship role for Blade, responding to the latter’s explicit request for guidance.
Following a humiliating defeat orchestrated by the formidable villain Adana, resulting in catastrophic consequences for the world, Blade turns to Dracula for assistance. Driven by the desire to comprehend and conquer evil, Blade believes he must undergo training under the very embodiment of malevolence. However, what unfolds surpasses his expectations, as Dracula introduces an unconventional form of psychotherapy during their collaboration.
Dracula’s Blood Gives Blade a Power Upgrade
Upon conveying to Blade that his understanding of evil is more intricate than acknowledged, Dracula incises his arm, allowing blood to cascade into a chalice. Offering it to Blade, who initially declines, Dracula elucidates that imbibing his blood is analogous to a child requiring Adderall or a “traumatized mind” resorting to DMT – a form of psychotherapy rather than a mere blood exchange. Emphasizing it as “psychotherapy,” Dracula assures Blade that this act will unveil his inner shadows and unlock greater potential.
Despite reluctance, Blade ultimately imbibes from the chalice, experiencing a surge of pain as predicted by Dracula. With no respite granted, Dracula immediately impels Blade to demonstrate his understanding of evil, launching an attack. However, upon Dracula’s landing, Blade vanishes, eluding the assault as if evaporating in a literal puff of smoke. Dracula affirms Blade’s full connection to his shadow, heightening his senses significantly. “Now you can discern every trace of soul that has traversed this space,” Dracula elucidates, declaring the eternal bloodline coursing through Blade’s veins. Blade no longer perceives himself as merely human but something beyond.
This marks Blade’s most significant power enhancement to date. Imbibing Dracula’s blood not only heightens Blade’s senses but also enables him to embrace the darker facets of his identity as a half-human, half-vampire. Specifically, it empowers Blade to focus on the more monstrous and vampiric aspects tied to his innate killer instinct. The majority of his discourse with Dracula centers on Blade’s tendency to approach situations too humanely, neglecting the monstrous essence within him. Dracula’s blood facilitates Blade’s comprehension of the monster he must embody to confront Adana once more, in addition to bestowing upon him further power upgrades.
