We are living in the Golden Age of comic book movies. Over the last 15 years, there have been over 45 films from both Marvel and DC studios featuring cinematic versions of original comic book characters. That’s not including the plethora of television and streaming shows.
While we may be on the back-end slope of the mountain of comic-based films that have saturated the market, this genre still remains relevant and popular. Like it or not, movie iterations of comic characters are here to stay, and the sheer amount of success and popularity that has come from such a feat can’t be denied. For many of us (especially those of a certain younger demographic), it’s difficult to remember a time when there weren’t a handful of comic movies faithfully released yearly. Like all entertainment, though, you have to start somewhere. In this case, that “somewhere” goes back to 25 years ago, with one of the pioneers of comic movies that featured an unlikely vampire-killing superhero — Blade.
Blade was released theatrically on August 21, 1998, producing strong box office numbers and garnering positive fan response, despite its dismal critical ratings. Moreso, it blew the doors wide open to the possibility of adapting comic book characters into cinematic versions in a successful way. Starring Wesley Snipes as the titular vampire hunter, it was regarded not only for featuring a lesser-known character in the comic world but also one who was African American, both of which were not commonly seen at the time for heroic lead roles.
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The evolution of the character of Blade from the pages of comics to the silver screen has been a compelling journey, with changes made to both the print and film versions. Over the years, the two renditions have influenced one another, with tweaks made to the character based on the continuing comic arcs and subsequent movie sequels.
Originally created by writer Marv Wolfman and artist Gene Colan, Frank Blade (whose birth name was Eric Cross Brooks) made his first appearance in the pages of The Tomb of Dracula in 1973. He went on to star in his own solo series the following year, and his backstory was further developed. During this time, Blade donned a different style than we see with Snipes’ interpretation, sporting an Afro and much more colorful clothing. He was also markedly different in personality, exemplifying more of an “average Joe” persona, despite his vampire-hunting background.
When talks began for an on-screen adaptation, screenwriter David S. Goyer wanted to develop a character more relatable to a ’90s audience. Blade’s ’70s style clothing was ditched for his now trademark black leather and sunglasses. His teak-bladed knives seen in the comics were switched out for a sword, as Goyer and director Stephen Norrington desired a more samurai-like characterization. In turn, the comics changed Blade to fit more in line with the new movie version, which is how he is still seen today.
The Blade that the vast majority of fans know and love today is indeed in that form, so what is it that’s spoken to audiences about this version since its debut twenty-five years ago? The core reason ultimately lies with Snipes and his portrayal. When work began on the script, head of New Line Cinema Mike De Luca suggested Denzel Washington and Laurence Fishburne in addition to Snipes as candidates for the part, but Goyer felt it was made for Snipes.
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It would eventually become his signature role — so much so that the actor has become synonymous with the character. Snipes gives his all in this representation of Blade, making him deft, composed, and impossibly cool. The end result was a superhero that went against the standard of the typically colorful, squeaky-clean image made so popular by other Marvel and DC characters.
Blade also went against the grain of previously popular depictions of vampires that portrayed them with gothic romanticism. There’s a rich lore provided in the background of each one, as well as for Blade himself and his reasons for wanting to eradicate them. There’s a definite caste system amongst those who are pureblood (born vampires) and those who have been turned, and how each is regarded in this fictional world.
As a human-vampire hybrid, Blade is fortunate to possess all the abilities vampires have without any of their weaknesses. This gives him a strong upper hand in his skills and competence as a vampire hunter and also allows the movie to provide memorable, action-packed fight sequences.
Re-watching the film twenty-five years later, there’s an undeniable vibe that can only be described as quintessential nineties. The music, fighting style, clothing, and effects all smack of the decade and also make obvious its influence on movies that followed it.
Not all heroes can be exemplary do-gooders. Sometimes, they need to be rough around the edges, have a great fashion sense, kick some serious butt, and look really cool doing it. While Blade may not ever be regarded as one of the best of its genre, it paved the way for comic movies to be seen as an art form that could be taken seriously and proved that superheroes don’t all have to look or act the same.
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