In the comics, Blade has one of the most iconic looks. But, in the early 2000s, Marvel Comics gave the keys to several characters to a handful of up-and-coming writers and artists, allowing them to redesign and retell the origins of their most popular heroes and villains. Unfortunately, Blade’s ‘Millenial’ redesign and new story for the issue were among the most questionable changes in the comic, as the hero became unrecognizable in the worst ways.

Marvel Knights: 2001 Millenial Visions was an exciting experiment in comics, as the one-shot gave some young and rising creators the chance to boldly redesign classic characters for the one-shot. Among the changes was the Inhumans becoming cosmic Sentinels, a female Moon Knight taking over for Marc Spector after his death, and a cybernetically enhanced Danny Rand becoming Power Man alongside Misty Knight’s Iron Fist. Each new redesign and character remix took place in a one-page text story, with an image of the heroes and villains following them. However, Marvel Knights: 2001 Millenial Visions also featured some huge swings and misses, especially when it comes to the vampire hunter, Blade.

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Blade in Marvel Knights: 2001 Millenial Visions was a future version of the character who became humanity’s last hope. In 2021, the HIV virus developed numerous strains that made finding a cure next to impossible – as it eventually became an airborne disease. However, in 2025, a group of scientists captured Blade and learned the nearly 200-year-old vampire’s blood could fight any disease. The discovery made vampires the most wanted creatures on Earth, as the deadly predators had become the prey and were forced into hiding. The universe’s version of Blade looked absolutely ridiculous.

The Millennial redesign for Blade essentially made him the vampire version of Wolverine’s Weapon X. However, the redesign lacked the coolness Logan’s experimental look did and missed the mark entirely. Making Blade look more like a vampire is an interesting decision, as his flattened nose and pointy ears make him appear more monstrous. However, the most bizarre choice is the wires collecting blood around his body, that covers his arm, leg, and hand and injects into his head, shoulders, and body. Blade doesn’t look menacing, scary, or cool. Giving him a rapier instead of his usual sword is also quite a bold choice.

 

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While Blade’s original costume was much more ridiculous than his most iconic look, at least that look was somewhat endearing. Without his trademark leather jacket, sunglasses, and sword, the character doesn’t carry the same gravitas as he should. In this case, Blade’s Millenial redesign looked downright silly. It’s no surprise this look for Blade was never seen again or used in future Marvel Comics stories.

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Liam McGuire
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Lead writer for Screen Rant’s comic team. [email protected]. Find me on Twitter @LiamRMcGuire for comic news and reporting.

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