Overview:
Published in 1993, DC’s Bloodlines event burst onto the scene with a bang. A bunch of talented folks like writer Dan Vado, artist Barry Kitson, and others worked their magic to create this thrill ride. So, how did it go down with the fans? Well, opinions were mixed. Some loved the fresh characters and intense action, while others found the story a bit convoluted. But hey, that’s the beauty of comics, right?
Now, let’s talk characters. The core storyline introduces us to a whole crew of heroes and villains, including Hitman, Loose Cannon, and others with mysterious and exciting powers. These folks find themselves thrown into a chaotic battle for survival as a dangerous alien menace called the “Bloodlines” strikes Earth. But hold on, let’s not forget about the important stuff. Before diving into the main event, we get a glimpse into the backgrounds of these characters and the events leading up to the big showdown.
As for the impact on the DC Universe, well, Bloodlines definitely made its mark. The series introduced “New Blood” superheroes and spun off seven new series. New heroes and villains emerged from the chaos, some of whom went on to become fan favorites and found their place in the broader DC lore. So, whether you loved it or had some gripes, Bloodlines left an undeniable impact on the DC comic book world.
Background Reading:
- None
Related Guides
- Hitman
Best Way To Read:
The Bloodlines story is uncollected and can be difficult to find.
Bloodlines: Bloodbath
For crossover and significant events, I typically only read the main story the first time I encounter it. Trying to read all of the tie-ins with the story tends to make them increasingly convoluted and are not crucial to the main narrative. However, I think they are important to read, as many series-shifting plotlines can happen.
For the tie-in issues, I only read them as they come up in the reading guide that I am working through. This can become problematic because the tie-in issues are not always included in collected editions of the event. So you may need to hunt for them.
Reading Order:
| Title | Importance | Collected |
|---|---|---|
| Lobo vol.2 Annual#1 | Bloodlines: Outbreak | Uncollected |
| Superman: The Man of Steel Annual #2 | Bloodlines: Outbreak | Uncollected |
| Batman: Shadow of The Bat Annual #1 | Bloodlines: Outbreak | Uncollected |
| The Flash vol.2 Annual #6 | Bloodlines: Outbreak | Uncollected |
| The New Titans Annual #9 | Bloodlines: Outbreak | Uncollected |
| Superman vol.2 Annual #5 | Bloodlines: Outbreak | Uncollected |
| Green Lantern vol. 3 Annual #2 | Bloodlines: Outbreak | Uncollected |
| Batman Annual #17 | Bloodlines: Outbreak | Uncollected |
| Justice League International Annual #4 | Bloodlines: Outbreak | Uncollected |
| Robin vol. 2 Annual #2 | Bloodlines: Earthplague | Uncollected |
| Action Comics Annual #5 | Bloodlines: Earthplague | Uncollected |
| Legion of Super-Heroes vol. 4 Annual #4 | Bloodlines: Earthplague | Uncollected |
| Green Arrow vol. 2 Annual #6 | Bloodlines: Earthplague | Uncollected |
| Detective Comics Annual #6 | Bloodlines: Earthplague | Uncollected |
| Justice League America Annual #7 | Bloodlines: Earthplague | Uncollected |
| The Adventures of Superman Annual #7 | Bloodlines: Earthplague | Uncollected |
| Hawkman vol. 3 Annual #1 | Bloodlines: Earthplague | Uncollected |
| Deathstroke, the Terminator Annual #2 | Bloodlines: Deathstorm | Uncollected |
| Eclipso Annual #1 | Bloodlines: Deathstorm | Uncollected |
| Demon Annual #2 | Bloodlines: Deathstorm | Uncollected |
| Batman: Legends of The Dark Knight Annual #3 | Bloodlines: Deathstorm | Uncollected |
| Team Titans Annual #1 | Bloodlines: Deathstorm | Uncollected |
| L.E.G.I.O.N. ’93 Annual #4 | Bloodlines: Deathstorm | Uncollected |
| Bloodbath #1 | Bloodlines: Bloodbath | Uncollected |
| Bloodbath #2 | Bloodlines: Bloodbath | Uncollected |
Publications Impact
- Series Spun out of the Event
- Razorsharp and the Psyba-Rats
- Hitman
- Anima
- Loose Cannon
- Blood Pack
- Argus
- Gunfire
References:
Feature Image Bloodlines: Bloodbath #1 Cover art by Ed Hannigan
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