Blade is a fictional superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Marv Wolfman and penciler Gene Colan, the character first appeared in The Tomb of Dracula #10 in July 1973 as a supporting character. Blade is a dhampir, a human with vampire strengths but not their weaknesses, who dedicates his life to hunting and destroying vampires. His mother was bitten by a vampire while giving birth to him, granting him immunity to vampire bites and a prolonged lifespan.
The character evolved significantly over the decades. Initially depicted as a tough, trench coat-wearing vampire hunter who used wooden stakes and silver knives, Blade was later reimagined with enhanced powers and a more modern, leather-clad aesthetic. He became the leader of his own solo series and joined various supernatural superhero teams, including the Nightstalkers and the Midnight Sons. His origin was retroactively expanded to make him a true dhampir, aligning with his popular film portrayal.
Blade holds a significant place in comic book history as one of Marvel's first prominent Black superheroes. His popularity surged in the late 1990s with the release of a successful film franchise, which in turn influenced the comic book version of the character. Blade remains a cornerstone of Marvel's supernatural and horror-themed stories.