Released in 1998, Blade is one of the most important comic-book films of the modern era, even though it is often overlooked in discussions about superhero cinema. Directed by Stephen Norrington and starring Wesley Snipes in the titular role, the film blends action, horror, and dark comic-book aesthetics into a unique and influential experience. At a time when comic book movies were still struggling to be taken seriously after several commercial failures in the 1990s, Blade helped prove that darker, more mature superhero adaptations could succeed both critically and commercially. The film’s intense action sequences, stylish direction, and charismatic lead…