Marvel Comics' “Blade” on G4: A Television Review

Director: Mitsuyuki Masuhara.

Writer: Warren Ellis.

Producers: Taro Morishima, Fuminori Hara, and Cort Lane.

Art Director: Katsushi Aoki.

Aficionados of the anime scene now have a tough choice for the meanest vampire hunter. Before, there was only “D.” These days, the choices are broader. Saya from the anime "Blood and Hellsing" top the charts. But with Marvel Comics’ inclusion, Eric Brooks (better known as Blade), needs to do more before he can chop up the competition.

Originally shown on Animax Network, this anime was shown to limited audiences. Now on G4, it will play Fridays, 11pm EST/PST, for a broader spectrum.

The English voice actor for Blade is Harold Perrineau ("Lost"). Now set in the backdrop of Asia, this superhero is doing more than just seeking revenge. He’s tracked Deacon Frost, “the four-fanged vampire,” to Japan.

The first episode provides a very limited introduction. The second episode brings Detective Sakumizu into the fold, and viewers soon learn why Blade is in Japan. He’s hunting a group simply known as “Existence.” They have infiltrated all levels of government, and for those who are “Chosen,” they get dibs on the juiciest stories or biggest busts that can make their career. For Sakumizu, he wants nothing of this Illuminati-like organization, and where this series will go sounds like a good thriller in the making.

Also, Kenta Fukasaku, who is providing the series adaptation, shows that he knows his history. The first two episodes provide more than just Blade's origins. The brief flashback has a nice dark spin akin to Jack the Ripper stalking his prey. This sequence at least acquaints viewers to who Blade is, and he's one mean scoundrel. With a little more growl, Perrineau can be a decent voice-over talent. He’s only purring in this treatment.

However, the plotting and scripting is hardly on par to other animated features. Some parts are animated very traditionally. That is, like a martial arts film where all the moves have to be announced first either on screen with a dynamic pose or with a character shouting his moves. This product does not try to be different and it detracts from the seriousness of the narrative.

Even though Madhouse Studios has always been on top of the game with their character designs and direction, the television scene is different. While they do not have to worry about output by the time a series is ready to package for export, the quality is not the same vein as their superior theatrical productions.

Even though all this studio is doing is giving Marvel Comic’s most popular characters a Japanese flavour, it’s basically an extra dose of wasabi on top of sushi. True connoisseurs will know that addition is not always needed.

Overall: 5 out of 10.

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