Blood Squad Seven #1

by Joe Casey

Blood Squad Seven #1

Illustrated by: Paul Fry

Cover Art by: Paul Fry

Written by: Joe Casey

Release date: May 22nd, 2024

Image Comics

*Minor Spoilers Ahead

SERIES PREMIERE

Thirty years ago, Blood Squad Seven was America’s most popular superhero team. Its members were seen on television, on magazine covers, scoring million-dollar endorsement deals…. They were celebrities and they were everywhere.

But that was then… this is now. And so, a new generation of modern-day heroes takes up the mantle—or perhaps, the poisoned chalice—fulfilling a promise made decades ago: to be the heroes that a fractured America needs.

While deconstructions of superhero nostalgia typically center around the classic characters of the Silver Age, Blood Squad Seven will delve deep into ’90s comic book themes with this imagining of what would happen if heroes from that decade returned to action after a 30-year absence.

Straight out of Joe Casey and Simon Ganes February 2024 Image Comics series “Dutch“! The world of comics has been set ablaze with the release of “Blood Squad Seven #1,” a masterful creation that marks a significant moment in the superhero genre. Illustrated with the dynamic and visceral style of Paul Fry, who also graces the cover art, this inaugural issue penned by the one and only Joe Casey is a tour de force of narrative and artistic prowess.

Joe Casey, a seasoned writer whose tenure at Marvel Comics saw him breathe life into iconic characters like Cable and The Incredible Hulk, has outdone himself with this latest offering. Known for his role in the creation of America Chavez and his contributions to the animation world with hits like Ben 10 and Generator Rex, in my opinion Casey’s work on Gødland is what proved his storytelling genius. However, “Blood Squad Seven #1” elevates his craft to new heights, weaving a tale that is both a homage to and a reinvention of the superhero narrative.

The premise is as intriguing as it is bold: Blood Squad Seven, once the darlings of America, adorned on every conceivable medium and basking in the glory of fame, have faded into the annals of history. But from the ashes of their legacy, a new team emerges, shouldering the colossal task of being the beacon of hope in a divided nation. This narrative choice is a stroke of brilliance, as it not only revisits the nostalgia of the ’90s—a time when comics were redefining themselves—but also recontextualizes it for today’s audience.

The artwork is phenomenal, with Fry’s illustrations capturing the essence of a bygone era while infusing it with a modern sensibility that is both fresh and familiar. Each panel is beautifully drawn, with attention to detail that immerses the reader in the world of Blood Squad Seven.

Casey’s narrative is a layered exploration of heroism, fame, and the consequences of both. The characters are not mere caricatures of their ’90s counterparts; they are fully realized individuals, grappling with the weight of their past and the uncertainty of their future. The allegorical connection to Youngblood is handled with finesse, offering readers a glimpse into a world where the lines between homage and originality blur to create something truly unique.

“Blood Squad Seven #1” is a comic that respects its roots while daring to chart a new course. It is proof of the enduring power of superheroes and their ability to reflect the times we live in. For fans of the genre, this is a first issue not to be missed, promising a series that will undoubtedly capture the imagination of readers and leave a lasting impact on the superhero landscape.

Bravo to Casey, Fry, and the entire creative team behind “Blood Squad Seven #1.” This is not just a comic; it’s a cultural moment, a beacon that lights the way for the future of superhero storytelling.

“Blood Squad Seven #1” is available on our weekly new comic book wall and can be added to your weekly pull list.