Marvel Launches New Horror Project to Replace Blade’s Absence
Marvel is expanding its horror output as the future of Blade in the live-action MCU remains unclear. Filmogaz.com reports the publisher is partnering with Dark Horse Comics on a major archival vampire collection due this summer.
Vampire Anthology Details
The release compiles classic Marvel vampire stories. Comic historians Chris Ryall and John Lind lead the project with designer Chris Shadoian.
| Type | Hardcover |
| Length | 360 pages |
| Dimensions | 8.375″ x 10.875″ |
| On sale | August 18, 2026 |
| Price | $65 US |
The volume is billed as the first in a series of archival hardcovers. There will be no paperback edition for this collection.
Contents and Contributors
The book gathers tales from the magazine’s first six issues. The solicitation promises nearly 300 pages of stories.
- Alfredo Alcala
- Rich Buckler
- Ernie Chan
- Chris Claremont
- Gerry Conway
- Bill Everett
- Gardner Fox
- Steve Gerber
- Carmine Infantino
- Tony Isabella
- Gil Kane
- Stan Lee
- Don McGregor
- Pablo Marcos
- Esteban Maroto
- Doug Moench
- Tom Palmer
- John Romita
- Jim Steranko
- Tom Sutton
- Roy Thomas
- Marv Wolfman
Marvel’s Horror Push and Other Projects
Marvel has seen recent success with horror-leaning properties like Marvel Zombies. The company is therefore leaning further into dark material.
Collaborations with Dark Horse are intended to spotlight Marvel’s gothic and supernatural history. The effort aims to celebrate the publisher’s horror legacy.
Other Vampire Storylines
Marvel is also publishing new vampire-focused comics. Werewolf by Night: Blood Moon Rise #1 is scheduled to reach local shops in July.
Characters in play include Morbius, Dracula, and Lilith. These figures will factor into the renewed horror emphasis.
Blade’s MCU Status
The live-action future for Blade in the MCU is uncertain. Mahershala Ali’s previously announced version appears stalled.
Ali was tied to a Blade project first publicized in 2019. Sources say production did not proceed as hoped.
Cast and Rumors
Mia Goth had been attached to an undisclosed role in Ali’s Blade. She completed costume fittings and a screen test with Ali before the project unraveled in 2025.
Reports suggest Wesley Snipes briefly returned as Blade in Deadpool & Wolverine. That reunion was reportedly encouraged by Ryan Reynolds.
There is talk Snipes may appear one final time in Avengers: Doomsday, due December 2026. Speculation also links Ali to a rumored Midnight Sons project.
Amid these questions, Marvel launches a new horror project to help fill the gap left by Blade’s absence. Fans can turn to The Best of Marvel’s Vampire Tales: Volume One to revisit the publisher’s bloodier moments.
