Comic Book Review - Blood Hunt #1

What lurks in the darkness?

Marvel kicks off its big summer crossover story event in true horror movie style as darkness envelops the entire world. As the Avengers assemble to take on this new vampiric threat, the creative team of Jed MacKay and Pepe Larraz sink their teeth into this epic crossover event. With Blood Hunt #1 introducing quite a credible threat to Earth’s Mightiest, could the Marvel Universe be forever shrouded in darkness?

When it comes to the overall story of this coming chapter, there isn’t anything I can say without spoiling everything that MacKay delivers. What I will say is it’s an incredibly powerful opening that had me gripped from its opening page. MacKay’s choice of Avenger is top notch too with the writer calling in those on the team who he’s extremely familiar with. It all comes together to give Blood Hunt a cinematic quality as MacKay throws his group literally to the wolves (well vampire wolves!).

Even with a comic that’s quite literally encircled in darkness, there are a few lighthearted moments that stop the tension from ramping up too high. There’s some nice moments between Iron-Man and Scarlet Witch which harkens back to “no more Mutants”, as well as Blade turning up to answer Spider-Man’s own “what would Blade do?” question. This is then thrown into disarray as we’re introduced to the new villains who instantly make their mark - in quite a brutal manner.

Pepe Larraz compliments the darkness with plenty of artwork that really encompasses you in the proceedings on the page. It’s not all doom and gloom as we get some gorgeous character works too. There are a couple of contrasting scenes as we switch between New York and Latveria. While the Avengers struggle to contain the threat, Dr. Doom is sitting high and proud. As a Doom fan I quite loved this and I’m hoping his appearance isn’t a one off. Plus Larraz draws the villain exceptionally well. Colour work comes from Marte Garcia who brings a horrifying palette to this issue. The vampires themselves are a thing of disgusting beauty as Larraz’ line work is brought to life with fiendish precision by a great use of pale white and deep brooding red eyes. It’s a great contrast to the dull tones of the Avengers and somewhat foreshadows how this issue ends.

My only real criticism of Blood Hunt #1 is its ending. Again, I can’t say too much but it does feel quite rushed with no real explanation. Naturally this is to whet the readers appetite in returning for the next part. But for me, it didn’t click. Even so, the rest of the issue hooks you in with the need to discover what comes next.

Overall, Blood Hunt #1 sets up the summer blockbuster pretty well. It’s got plenty of well-choreographed scenes that ooze with blood-curdling action. Jed MacKay is on top form right now and it’s great to witness him at the forefront of the next few years of Marvel storylines. Throw in Pepe Larraz too, and we’re in for a scorcher of a summer!

Rating: 9/10

Rob Lake - For more comic book and video game chat why not follow us on X/Facebook @GeekCultureRev, TikTok/YouTube @Geekculturereviews, and BlueSky @geekculturereviews.bsky.social

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