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Bloodshot (Character Spotlight)
- Michael
- Oct 24, 2019
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 7, 2020
Following on from the release of the first trailer for Sony Pictures' Bloodshot (which you can read about in my blog), there has never been a more appropriate time to discuss one of my favourite Valiant characters.
As with many current Valiant readers, I am familiar with the modern incarnation of Bloodshot — that being the military veteran rather than the criminal mobster. But I hope to give you a good grasp of the character, with a little bit of research on the side to fill in any blanks.
On that note, Valiant recently released a classic omnibus for Bloodshot, reprinting the first 24 issues of the original '90s run. If you want to start at the very beginning, this is how to go about doing it. However, keep in mind that the series was rebooted in 2012 under writer Duane Swierczynski and illustrator Manuel Garcia. If you want a more up-to-date comic, then I would advise skipping the old material — you can always return later if you want.
Background
Created by Kevin VanHook, Don Perlin, and Bob Layton, Bloodshot was very much a product of the '90s. He made his first official appearance in Eternal Warrior #4 before leading his first solo series. Embodying all the usual action tropes of this era, the title established a tone familiar to the time. What separated Bloodshot from all the forgettable no-names of this period was his iconic appearance and uniquely crafted backstory. Bloodshot was instantly recognisable, from the pale white skin to his — you guessed it — bloodshot red eyes. Not to mention the vivid red circle fixed to his chest. It’s no surprise that he is the first of the expansive roster of Valiant characters to enter the mainstream movie market.
Initially created as an enhanced mob hitman, the character was rebooted in 2012 and given a new past as a military veteran. Killed in combat and experimented on by Project Rising Spirit (PRS), Ray Garrison was implanted with fake memories and targeted towards their enemies. Tasked with hunting down and abducting superhumans, known in the broader Valiant universe as Psiots, Ray would eventually break hold of his handler’s grasp and seek to learn the truth of his past. This ultimately culminated in an all-out conflict between Bloodshot and PRS — a conflict which still continues in many stories featuring the character.
Bloodshot would become a key player in the world of Valiant, interacting with other characters such as Ninjak and the Eternal Warrior on a frequent basis as well as playing a major role in events such as Harbinger Wars and The Valiant.
Powers And Abilities
As well as being a highly trained soldier, Bloodshot is infused with miniature robots, known collectively as nanites. These grant him a number of superhuman abilities. These include:
Superhuman strength — Bloodshot has been shown to easily overpower your average soldier and has gone head to head with foes far beyond the strength levels of a normal human.
Superhuman speed and agility — Bloodshot has been shown to move faster than a normal man.
Enhanced healing factor — As long as Bloodshot consumes enough protein, he has displayed the ability to recover from practically any physical injury.
Enhanced durability — Bloodshot’s skin has been compared to Kevlar, being able to withstand the full power of a machete impaling his shoulder.
Sonic screech — This ability causes intense pain to those around Bloodshot, able to quickly incapacitate threats.
Shapeshifting — Bloodshot can manipulate his mass to alter his appearance or shape.
Technopathy — Bloodshot has demonstrated the ability to use his nanites to directly interface with anything technological, granting him control over it.
Recommended Reading
Bloodshot Reborn — If you don’t mind skipping some material, my personal favourite run on Bloodshot is without a doubt the sophisticated Bloodshot Reborn by Jeff Lemire. This follows directly on from the wider crossover event The Valiant, but there is plenty of context given that you can dive straight in.
Stripped of his powers, Bloodshot finds himself in a cycle of drug and alcohol abuse, suffering from induced hallucinations of his deceased friend and an amusing little cartoon version of himself, known as Bloodsquirt. This run truly breaks down the character, examining who he is as an ordinary man.
Harbinger Wars — Now, this is a bit more difficult to recommend because it not only requires background reading from the start of the original 2012 run but also extra reading of its namesake series, Harbinger. Both of these are exceptionally well written, however, so it won’t feel like a chore by any stretch.
Harbinger Wars is the first attempt in the relaunched Valiant Entertainment at a crossover, bridging together Bloodshot and Harbinger into an engaging story. With tons of action and heart-wrenching moments, you will experience the best the two series have to offer and witness Bloodshot’s transition from ‘Psiot killer’ to protector of the weak.
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