Marvel’s Bloody Summer: Inside the Red-Band Editions of Blood Hunt

Marvel is taking a bold step into mature content in 2024, with the release of its first R-rated movie and the publication of its first rated-for-adults comic. The upcoming summer event comic, Blood Hunt, has been generating buzz for its graphic content, so much so that Marvel had to edit the original version to remove some material. However, the uncensored “red band” edition will be available exclusively in comic book stores, not on digital platforms.

Marvel’s decision to withhold the red-band editions from bookstores and digital readers has sparked discussion among fans and retailers. Marvel’s publisher, Dan Buckley, emphasized the importance of supporting comic book stores by purchasing these exclusive editions. This move marks a shift in Marvel’s strategy, turning the adult nature of the comic into a selling point for physical comic book stores.

While the red-band editions of Blood Hunt will be kept away from digital platforms for the time being, Buckley hinted that this decision could change in the future. Marvel’s foray into mature content in both its movies and comics signals a new direction for the company in 2024.