In the last decade, Marvel Comics has delivered consistently fantastic original runs for some of its most iconic characters. Chip Zdarsky and Marco Checcetto’s Daredevil, Al Ewing and Alex Ross’s Immortal Hulk and most recently, Jonathan Hickman and Marco Checcetto’s new Ultimate Spider-Man have made the cut.
All of these runs are both critically acclaimed and beloved by fans because of their re-inventions of the conventional stories told using these characters. Proving successful, another series has garnered a lot of attention recently: Marvel’s Black, White and Blood series.
Black, White and Blood Origins
Black, White and Blood kicked off in style in 2020, initially focusing on Wolverine. The first series spanned four issues, with three short stories being told throughout the pages. This is the formula for all of the other subsequent comics. Each story is written and illustrated by different authors and artists, meaning that every short story feels different.
Who has featured?
So far, Marvel has focused on characters like Wolverine, Elektra, Moon Knight, and Spider-Man. There are even Black, White and Blood prints focusing on Star Wars’ Darth Vader. The series has grown in size since it first started, and each time a new series is announced, fan excitement is clear to see.
As the stories all centre on one character, themes and genres become interchangeable between short stories. Wolverine’s stories, for instance, span his entire life – some focus on his time as an X-Man, others cover his time as Weapon X and the trauma he has sustained for living such a long life.
What makes Black, White and Blood a Success?
The black and white art style is a unique touch, what makes it even better is the only splashes of colour coming in the form of the bright reds used to colour the gushing blood that the series is well known for. It’s hard not to love the art style of the series as it is unique and stands out amongst the modern art style Marvel Comics is known for.
Horror is at the centre of many of the stories told throughout the Black, White and Blood series. There’s an entire Marvel Zombies: Black, White and Blood book that almost exclusively focuses on horror stories using the series’ instantly iconic colour style.
Within the previously mentioned Marvel Zombies book, the horror is amped up to eleven when compared to the mainline Zombies books.
There are stories of Spider-Man attempting to save The Daily Bugle against a relentless horde of flesh-eaters, the Punisher becoming the last man on Earth and the only saviour the world has left, and a particularly effective story of desperation told through the eyes of Reed Richards, Mr Fantastic, as he attempts to find a cure before his time runs out.
If you’re a fan of horror, then Black, White and Blood is worth your time. You’re in for a treat, especially if you pick up the Alien: Black, White and Blood book.
Featured Image Credit: Joshua Cassara, Adam Kumbert, Declan Shavley
Third year Film and journalism student
Gaming and Tech editor
Horror fanatic
