Warning: Spoilers for Blade #3!The most underrated pair of BFFs in Marvel history – Blade and Doctor Strange – recently reunited under bittersweet circumstances; now they may have to join forces for an unexpected heist operation. Marvel reminded readers of their friendship in Bloodline: Daughter of Blade earlier this year, where Strange played a part in protecting Blade’s family.
Blade #3 – by Bryan Hill, Elena Casagrande, Valentina Pinti, KJ Diaz, and VC’s Cory Petit – teased the reunion, with Blade in need of some supernatural help in retrieving Lucifer’s sword from a billionaire’s train.
It’s easy to forget just how close Blade and Strange are, but the two have a longstanding history. Now, the two are back together for a high-octane new mission.
Doctor Strange Is Back To Help One Of His Closest Allies
Due to a miscommunication earlier in the series, Blade killed the one warrior capable of killing his toughest foe yet, the Adana. In Blade #3, Blade learns that the only thing that can beat Adana is Lucifer’s Lightbringer, currently in the possession of the hermitlike Hamilton Achilles (who is like Iron Man, but “brutal.”) Blade is soon ambushed by that warrior’s cult. Just as he’s about to be shot with their arrows, Blade suddenly reverts into his astral form, and the opposing warriors are wiped out. The reason is revealed in the form of a suddenly appearing Doctor Strange, whose own group was killed by the Adana earlier.
It is a bittersweet reunion for the two, as the former Sorcerer Supreme admits to being disappointed in Blade for his role in bringing the Adana to fruition. Blade #4 is likely going to contain an awkward conversation, especially since it appears this may be their first interaction since Strange came back from the dead. However, Strange will have to get over whatever disappointment he’s feeling, as there are bigger things for the duo to concern themselves with. Not just in regard to horrifying threat of the Adana, but also the hellbound sword that will be needed to destroy her.
Blade and Strange Must Steal Lucifer’s Sword, Lightbringer
The teaser for Blade #4 at the end of this issue promises that Strange will be joining the team of Blade, his arms dealer Tulip, and his sidekick Rotha in boarding the elusive train, in which the aforementioned Hamilton Achilles takes resides. It looks like getting Lucifer’s Lightbringer will need more than simple negotiations, as the newfound troupe will have to battle a train full of vampires if they want to escape with the sword. Not only will this be the first team-up between the two Marvel heroes in years, but Blade and Doctor Strange get to show off in this train heist exactly why they’re Marvel’s most underrated duo.
