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Warning: Contains Potential Spoilers for New Champions #7!
Marvel Comics is capitalizing on the success of the 2025 film Sinners by fleshing out the supernatural corner of their universe, giving new depth to Bladelore, and giving the vampire hunter a brand-new sidekick. Though the Daywalker has taken a break from the Avengers in the wake of his possession in Blood Hunt, Marvel is introducing a new character tied to Blade that will join the Avengers’ other sidekicks.
In Marvel’s July 2025 comic solicitations, they released first details for New Champions #7, written by Steve Foxe with art by Ivan Fiorelli. The upcoming issue will finally see the in-universe debut of Nightdrifter, a London-based teenager with a goth-like aesthetic and a connection to Blade that’s still to be revealed.
Gleb Melnikov’s cover depicts Nightdrifter holding a stake and brooding, teasing that he is likely another vampire hunter in the Marvel Universe. With the New Champions teammates Amaranth and Cadet Marvel on the horizon, it seems likely that Nightdrifter could earn a place on the growing team of teen sidekicks.
New Champions #7 by Steve Foxe and Ivan Fiorelli, with covers by Gleb Melnikov and Mateus Manhanini
Though it’s clear the character is inspired by Marvel’s premier vampire hunter, it’s still unknown how Nightdrifter will connect to Blade or his history ahead of his official introduction, but there are some clues. Before the New Champions officially assembled in the Marvel Universe, the team members were depicted by artists for a series of variant covers, and Blade’s potential sidekick immediately stood out thanks to his cool design. Created by Mateus Manhanini, who also illustrated a cover for Nightdrifter’s official debut in New Champions #7, both the character’s name and location may tie into Eric Brooks and his origin.
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As a half-vampire, Blade has been called the Daywalker, and the name Nightdrifter contrasts with that. It’s sometimes forgotten that Blade’s origins are in London as well, as he was born in a brothel there and grew up in the city. With Nightdrifter also hailing from the same place, it seems that there has to be something more to this connection. Also, while Nightdrifter is being set up as a potential sidekick, it should be noted that other New Champions prospects have actually turned out to be villains, and Marvel already has a heroic Blade sidekick.
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While details are still fuzzy on how Nightdrifter’s story will play out, it’s exciting that Blade is getting a renewed focus in Marvel Comics with a new character connected to his story. It’s no question that the MCU has dropped the ball by constantly delaying Blade’s debut, especially with the brilliant Mahershala Ali waiting to bring the character to life, so at least Marvel Comics isn’t letting its iconic vampire-hunting hero fall to the wayside. The success of Ryan Coogler’s Sinners has proven that audiences crave these kick-ass vampire adventures, and Nightdrifter is ready to revamp Blade lore in response.
The other members of the New Champions come from varying backgrounds, with many of the heroes not really related to the heroes they are supposedly potential sidekicks for. Still, Nightdrifter seems like he could be breaking that trend. With his story being connected to the “occult underworld” in London, Nightdrifter’s story could actually give new context to Blade’s origin and flesh out his story even further. With the new vampire slayer officially joining the Marvel Universe with a bloody splash, Blade could be getting his greatest sidekick yet, or even unlocking some secrets from his past.
New Champions #7will be available July 9, 2025, from Marvel Comics!
“}]] Marvel Comics’ Blade gets a brand-new sidekick. Read More