In November 2022, Marvel Comics will release a new series involving its most beloved vampire hunter. Blade: Vampire Nation (by Mark Russel, Dave Wachter, Dee, Cunniffe, and VC's Cory Petit) will capture the tale of Blade as the sheriff of Dracula’s new Vampire Nation. However, conflicts arise within the newfound nation and Blade must rise to the occasion and save the day once more.
Because Blade is a Dhampir, or half human and half vampire, he is able to take on challenges against bloodsuckers that not many other heroes can. He has many of the perks that come with being a vampire and hardly any drawbacks. One of those lucky traits is being able to walk in broad daylight. However, Blade didn’t always have this ability, and his means of gaining it may come as a surprise.
Blade's Origin and Relationship With Spider-Man
Ever since Blade was born, he’s shared a connection to vampires. Thanks to the vampire that bit his mother while he was still in her womb, Blade gained a unique etymology. However, it wasn’t until an interaction with Morbius,The Living Vampire that he truly gained his popular vampiric abilities.
The event occurs, not in one of Blade’s gritty comics, but in a Spider-Man series. After learning of plans from Deacon Frost and Marie Laveau to create an undead army, Blade teams up with Spider-Man to put an end to it. Along the way, Blade agrees to help Spider-Man recapture his former ally, Morbius in Peter Parker: Spider-Man #8 (by Howard Mackie, Scott Hanna, Gregory Wright, and Richard Starkings). The two heroes have struggled to see eye to eye in the past, but they finally managed to set aside their differences and work together with the Midnight Suns.
How Blade's Vampire Abilities Were Altered by a Spider-Man Villain
However, Morbius fell under the control of Loxias Crown, aka Hunger. While under the pseudo vampire’s control, Morbius became a feral bloodsucker. With both men on the loose in New York City, Spider-Man and Blade work together to bring them down. The battle was rough for both parties, but before the heroes could claim their victory, Morbius bites Blade in his arm. Normally, a bite from Morbius would have more drastic consequences, such as what happened when he bit Hunger. However, thanks to the interaction of both their unique physiologies, Blade was able to transform into his Daywalker persona accompanied by fully activated vampiric abilities but none of the weaknesses to things such as silver, crosses, and garlic. Unfortunately for Blade, this also triggered the vampiric bloodlust that many vampires are afflicted with. Luckily, he manages it through the use of a special serum.
Despite the drawback of having a thirst for blood, Blade was able to receive a massive upgrade from Morbius' bite. Many vampires are unable to go out in the sun without burning to death, unless they have something such as a Lightbringer Amulet to protect them. This allows Blade to be able to blend in, mingle among the populous, and take out vampires using light-based attacks without harm to himself. Now, Blade fights alongside many heroes in teams like MI:13 and more popularly, the Midnight Suns. With his ability to daywalk, he’s capable of fulfilling his obligations as the sheriff of Dracula’s Vampire Nation.