Blade #5

Publisher: Marvel Comics
Writer: Marc Guggenheim
Artist: Howard Chaykin

Blade #5 had the opportunity to be one of the greatest story arcs in Marvel history. Blade meeting Wolverine.

The cover to issue 5 is very well done by Marko Djurdjevic. Unfortunately, the interior art falls way too short. In fairness, I like Howard Chaykin, but he is NOT the artist for Blade.

Most people know Blade from the movies, which was visually, very attractive. If these same people see the comic book and pick it up, they will quickly put it back down upon opening it.

Blade looks chubby with BAD hair. The fight scenes seem less like fight scenes, and more like dancing. This may be the biggest letdown visually.

On to the writing:
This issue probably ties the worst portrayal ever of Blade. (The other is Robert Kirkman’s portrayal of Blade in Marvel Team-Up. Punisher SHOOTS Blade and he does nothing…)

Blade, Wolverine AND Morbius, oh what could have been……..

Blade and Morbius do battle and in the midst of all the action, Marc Guggenheim reveals that Morbius’ bite never altered Blade.. (WHAT? Blasphemy)
Then, Morbius calls in SHIELD Agents and tells Blade that he registered for the Superhuman Registration Act. (Why in the world would Morbius do that?!?)

The story continues to fumble back and forth between “Then” and “Now” scenes.

Finally, Blade confronts Wolverine. The two do battle and suddenly, Blade up and LEAVES! What?!?

During the battle, Blade remembers that is was Wolverine who saved his life when he was a child.

When will Marvel get it right?

Fans want to see the Blade they know and love. (See the first Blade movie)

Overall: 1/2 out of 5

Talk about Blade #5 review.