In 2019 Disney and Marvel teased fans, confirming that Mahershala Ali would be reprising the role of Blade in an upcoming movie. Supporters of the original Blade trilogy held their breaths for a Wesley Snipes return, but since the Comicon news, any information has been scarce at best.
Piggybacking off of a more established Marvel project, Deadpool 3 was recently reconfirmed as a rated (R) picture, coupled with a creator’s promise that it would not be “Disneyfied.” For once it seems the upper brass is letting writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick do their thing. Shortly after this confirmation by Variety: Productionlist.com updated their site, listing a Blade shoot date/location for July 4th in Atlanta and New Orleans. Putting all your hopes in one basket is never a good idea, but with the coincidental timing for updates on Blade and Deadpool 3, fans have to ask will Blade be Rated (R)?
The answer is it’s possible. Marvel’s original Blade was rated R and garnered significant success financially. Since other popular Marvel film adaptions like Logan and Deadpool have followed a similar design, satisfying an audience niche that appreciates dismemberment.
Given the comic lore for Blade, writer Stacy Osei-Kuffour may find it challenging to keep the material under the rated (R) guidelines. But to be honest, would that be such a bad thing? Let us know if you’re a pro horror blood and guts blade or looking for something tamer that the kiddos can watch. Leave your comments, love, and hate below.
Loki’s finale has the MCU audience lauding the story so far and ready for the next season. Kang the Conqueror (He Who Remains) set the expectation for a wide variety of possible character variants across the multiverse. Of course, one of the most anticipated character variants is the Lord of Lies himself, Loki.
While show writer Michael Waldron and director Kate Herron undoubtedly have ideas and variant versions in mind, the fan-favorite comic Loki portrayed in the show by Richard E Grant proved that comic screen appearances work.
Loki God of Stories
Credit Marvel Comics
Young adult Loki from Agents of Asgard # 13 isn’t above a bit of mischief but also a night and day comparison from what you might expect from the master of manipulation. Here fans see the conscious moral decisions of a Loki that fought to turn away from a truly terrible future. Working as an agent of the Mothers of Asgard, Loki rejected Those Who Sit Above in Shadow—later resisting the manipulations from his future self and becoming a God of Stories rather than God of lies. With newfound purpose, the God of Stories was essential to ending the War of Realms event and later creating a wave of peace between Asgardians and the Frost Giants. Ascending the throne of the Frost Giants following the slaying of his father, Laufey.
Necro God Loki
Credit Marvel Comics
Undoubtedly one of the most potent and terrifying versions is the self-proclaimed Loki the All Butcher in Jason Aarrons Thor #5 (2018). After centuries of whispering lies and madness to Ego, the former wielder of the Necro Sword All-Black. Loki had finally acquired a weapon capable of bringing all of the cosmos to heel; driven by the overflowing malice of the Necro Sword, set upon a path to kill everything. Disemboweling his brother Thor atop an erupting star before meeting a nearly identical fate by the resurrected Gorr the God Butcherer.
Loki God of Heroism and Truth
Credit Marvel Comics
After the Scarlet Witch switches the morality’s of the heroes and villain’s in yet another reality-warping series called AXIS. Here Marvel gives us probably the most accurate “good” version of Loki, honor-driven, and worthy of wielding Mjolnir becoming the God of Heroism and Truth. After gaining newfound powers, Loki selflessly endeavored to make things right, to stop Thor and help the Scarlet Witch restore reality. It’s a great look at Loki’s most nuanced and noble version; such a character could undoubtedly inspire some of the show’s more sinister iterations.
Sorcerer Supreme Loki
Credit Marvel Comics
Preferring to torment enemies with daggers and knives, Loki wields a set of formidable magic powers; seeing writers couple Asgardian magic with a Sorcerer Supreme boost and you start to imagine a universe without Dr. Strange. Appointed by the Vishanti, Loki proved to be a worthy replacement until he decided to seek out the Exile of Singhshoon, a spell that would transfer all the world’s magic to him. Loki would be defeated by a returned Dr. Strange wielding power from Asgard’s Tree of Knowledge.
King Loki
Credit Marvel Comics
Arguably the most successful version of Loki comes from Loki: Agent of Asgard; fans practically open the page to the climactic height of King Loki seizing the throne, triumphing as the unquestionable king of Asgard and defeating Thor. With absolute power King Loki began working with the All Mothers Asgardia to corrupt his younger self, further ensuring this twisted future came to pass. In the end, King Loki is foiled and even sparred by a younger version of himself; this younger version empathizes and pities King Loki choosing a different future to become the new God of Stories.
There are undoubtedly dozens of other versions/variants of the trickster that deserve an honorable mention like Unicorn Loki, Loki 2099, Loki Dark Reign, Lady Loki and Ikol to name a few. Loki is a long standing pillar for gender and character fluidity in Marvel Comics, whatever alternate versions Disney+ has in store they’re certain to be entertaining and befitting the shows unique comic verse MCU meshing.
Did you have a Loki variant, version or reincarnation in mind that should of been mentioned, put it in the comic section below and dont forget to like, lie and stay mischievous.
Absolute Carnage #5, written by Donny Cates cover artist Ryan Stegman
One of the most enthralling events surrounding the two symbiotes you’ve read about, Cates has done something special here.
While readers are left to explore the complex exposed relationship between Eddie Brock and Kletus Kasady, there is no clues for what we can expect from the symbiote god Knull and Carnage being a byproduct of a much darker sickness in the Marvel universe. Cates choosing issue 5 to highlight the escalating danger that Dark Carnage poses not to just Eddie but the Avengers and earth gives us a sense of overwhelming momentum for this series. You can expect a spectacular fight between the old rivals as the duality of the two symbiotic hosts is poised in a magnificent send off. Ending on a slice of father son closure you’ll be happy you took the time. Unable to contain the joy of soon getting my hands on Venom issue #25 fans of Cates work need only be patient if anticipating the next step in the symbiote god Knulls plan.
The series will leave you wanting more but in the best way, a good read definitely worth the $5.99. You can buy the complete series here on Amazon.
The series will leave you wanting more but in the best way, a good read definitely worth the $5.99. You can buy the complete series here on 
NERD CHUM 