Bloodshot (2019) #1 Covers Part 3

 

Bloodshot (2019) #1 Cover C by Hannah Templer

Hannah Templer's Bloodshot #1 Cover C gives fans what they want: blood and carnage, and lots of it. The red circle behind Bloodshot, dripping with blood, reminds us of the red circle on his chest, a vestige of his laboratory origin. His smile, as he is cast in red, with the blood dripping from the wall behind him, suggests the satisfaction--and even the savage joy--he derives from killing.

Why should he not rejoice in his abilities? He was created to kill others. That's what he's good at. 

If we, as readers, have a problem with him enjoying doing what he does best, perhaps we should ask ourselves why we read Bloodshot. As for those who don't read Bloodshot, and don't understand his appeal...

Perhaps they should ask themselves why we, as a society, create soldiers.

Bloodshot (2019) #1 Pre-Order Cover by Tim Sale

Tim Sale's Bloodshot #1 Pre-Order Cover highlights the covert nature of his work. It reminds us his original 1990s incarnation, when he regularly undertook covert missions for Neville Alcott, Ninjak's handler at MI-6. This cover also looks to the future, as Bloodshot's involvement with The Burned in later issues led him to a reunion, or sorts with MI-6. 

The architecture and the nearby window suggest a Japanese setting, which also reminds us of the original '90s series. The fact that Tim Sale worked on Wildstorm's original Deathblow series, about a supersoldier named Michael Cray who constantly struggled with the life he lived--a life founded on killing--is another reminder. This cover, more than any of the others, honors the rich heritage of Bloodshot, birthed in the explosion of superhero titles three decades ago.

Unlike so many others, who lay dead on the battlefield, or forgotten in corporate boardrooms, Bloodshot is still carrying out missions. He's still taking pleasure from his abilities, while questioning the choices he makes along the way. He's still protecting us, whatever the cost.

He's still our hero.

Dragon Dave