Greetings, Comic Book Addicts! Today, April 6th, marks a chilling anniversary in Marvel Comics
history. Because on this date in 1976, the pages of The Invaders #7 featured Baron Blood’s first appearance, unleashing a truly sinister figure upon the world, crafted by writer Roy Thomas and artist Frank Robbins. Prepare yourselves as we delve into the darkness surrounding this villainous debut!
The Invaders series itself was a nostalgic and action-packed look back at Marvel’s Golden Age heroes operating during World War II. Featuring icons like Captain America, the original Human Torch, and Namor the Sub-Mariner alongside British heroes Union Jack and Spitfire, the book often pitted them against Nazi threats. However, the villain introduced on this day added a supernatural horror element to the wartime drama.
Unveiling Baron Blood’s First Appearance in The Invaders
The Invaders #7 introduces readers to John Falsworth, presented as an English aristocrat and apparently the son of the original WWI-era Union Jack (James Montgomery Falsworth). He seems harmless enough initially. However, the issue cleverly uses flashbacks to unravel a dark secret. This John Falsworth is the original John Falsworth, brother of James, and he is far from harmless – he is an ageless vampire.
The story reveals that decades earlier, John Falsworth felt slighted when the family fortune passed to his older brother, James. Bitter and seeking power, John left England behind. His path led him deep into Transylvania, pursuing dark legends of the undead. Ultimately, his quest brought him face-to-face with the most infamous vampire of all: Dracula. The legendary vampire lord overpowered Falsworth, drained his blood, and turned him into one of his vampiric spawn.
Embracing his monstrous new existence, Falsworth adopted the menacing alias “Baron Blood.” During World War I, he threw his lot in with Germany, becoming a terrifying agent against the Allies. In a twist of cruel irony, this brought him into direct conflict with his own brother, James, who had become the British hero Union Jack. Neither sibling initially realized the true identity of their opponent during their fierce battles. Baron Blood’s WWI campaign eventually ended when Union Jack wounded him with a silver dagger, forcing the vampire to flee and recuperate in secret. This set the stage for Baron Blood’s first appearance chronologically, even though readers learned it via flashback in 1976.
Fast forward to World War II, the setting for The Invaders. Baron Blood’s dormant tomb is discovered by Japanese soldiers operating under the command of the villainous spy, Lady Lotus. Although the soldiers are driven off by the modern-day Union Jack (Brian Falsworth, nephew of John and James) and Spitfire (Jacqueline Falsworth, daughter of James), the disturbance revives the ancient evil. Baron Blood is back.
His return wasn’t quiet. Blood soon traveled to the United States, seeking new feeding grounds and ways to aid the Axis powers. This inevitably led to a skirmish with the Invaders. Following this initial clash, Baron Blood found allies who matched his malevolent nature. He joined forces with the Nazi super-team known as the Super-Axis. This membership set the stage for a climactic final battle against the combined might of the Invaders.
The Lasting Bite of Baron Blood’s First Appearance
The culmination of this introductory arc proved fatal, yet temporary, for the vampire lord. In the ensuing battle between the Invaders and the Super-Axis, Baron Blood’s reign of terror was cut short. Namor the Sub-Mariner, never one to shy away from decisive action, managed to impale the vampire on a sharp stake, seemingly destroying him.
However, as comic book fans know, true evil rarely stays dead for long, especially vampiric evil. Baron Blood’s first appearance established a significant and recurring threat within the Marvel Universe. He became one of the primary antagonists for Union Jack (both James and his successor Brian Falsworth) and the entire Falsworth family line, including Spitfire.
Furthermore, his existence cemented a dark, supernatural corner within Marvel’s wartime history. He wasn’t just a Nazi sympathizer; he was a monster tied to the Dracula lineage, adding a gothic horror flavor to the Invaders’ adventures. Baron Blood would return multiple times over the years, sometimes cheating death, sometimes influencing others, proving the impact of his chilling debut. His legacy as a prominent Marvel vampire, second perhaps only to Dracula himself, began right here on April 6th, 1976.
Remembering Baron Blood’s first appearance reminds us of the rich tapestry of heroes and villains Marvel created, blending historical settings with fantastic and terrifying elements.
What are your thoughts on Baron Blood? Is he one of Marvel’s great underrated villains?
