The first issue of Marvel Comics‘ Blood Hunt event ended on a stunning cliffhanger. Beyond revealing the mastermind of the vampire plot to block out the sun, it hinted at dire straits for the Sorcerer Supreme. The opening pages of Doctor Strange #15 by Jed MacKay and Pasqual Ferry seem to confirm this.
The final scene of Blood Hunt #1 found Blade calling upon Doctor Strange and Clea. They presumed the vampire hunter had come to them to discuss strategy in how to combat whatever evil was responsible for blocking out the sun. However, it turned out that Blade was the mastermind behind the scheme, and had come to attack the Sorcerer Supreme.
The opening pages of Doctor Strange #15 replay this stunning moment. However, the scene continues, revealing that Blade had no intention of killing his former ally. Instead, he hoped to recruit him to his cause, by transforming him into a vampire. Based upon the cover by Alex Ross, featuring a close-up on a fanged Stephen Strange’s face, it appears he is successful.
The first three pages of Doctor Strange #15 can be viewed below.
Why Blade Targeted Doctor Strange
Vampires in the Marvel Universe are based upon the mythology made famous by Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Despite their considerable power, vampires have several notable weaknesses beyond sunlight and fire. Chief among these is a vulnerability to magical attacks. There are also a number of magical rituals, crafted specifically to bind or harm vampires.
As Sorcerer Supreme, Doctor Strange would take a leading role in any global conflict involving vampires. Even without the duties of his office, he would be the go-to person for most of Marvel’s heroes in fighting a supernatural menace. This made him an ideal target for Blade, even ignoring the benefit of having a powerful wizard on the side of the vampires.
Doctor Strange #15 arrives in comic shops everywhere on May 8, 2024.
