Warning: contains potential spoilers for X-Men: Blood Hunt: Jubilee #1!

Marvel just admitted to the problematic core that exists at the heart of their vampire lore, and the MCU can make it better. Vampires have been a part of the Marvel Universe for over 50 years, and have now unleashed an all-out invasion in Blood Hunt. In a preview for Blood Hunt X-Men: Jubilee #1, the current X-Man (and former vampire) Jubilee gives some disturbing insights into vampires, and it is one the MCU can fix.

Blood Hunt X-Men: Jubilee #1 is written by Preeti Chhibber and drawn by Enid Balam. Earth’s vampires have blocked out the sun, and Jubilee is on her way to meet with folks who may know more about what is going on. However, she also finds time to fight vampires. Reflecting on her time as a vampire, Jubilee admits vampirism creates a bloodlust so great it is almost overwhelming.

Jubilee remembers those who stood by her at that time, and this informs her vampire fighting strategy: she tries to convince them to give up drinking human blood in favor of alternatives.

Vampires Have Been a Dark Presence in the Marvel Universe For Over 50 Years

Yet There May Be More To Vampires Than Fans Thought

Since Tomb of Dracula #1, vampires have existed on the fringes of the Marvel Universe. Created by the Darkhold over ten thousand years ago, vampires have an extensive legacy of evil, and, for the most part, are portrayed as savage and mindless creatures. Protecting humanity from the undead are vampire hunters such as Blade, who often massacre the creatures wholesale. Now, however, Jubilee points out why this is bad: vampires are sick, with an affliction that drives them to do horrible things. Jubilee was one of the few to be cured, but she still retains her empathy for the undead.

It remains to be seen if Jubilee’s approach to fighting Marvel’s vampires will be successful, but she raises a great point about how they are viewed. Nearly every time, the vampires are the villains. The Vampire Nation is seen as inherently bad. Yet characters like Jubilee, who overcame it, and the Forgiven prove otherwise. These vampires push back against their darker impulses, but many do not get this opportunity. Instead, they die at the hands of Blade, Wolverine or a similar character.

The MCU Can Do Vampires Better, and Jubilee Shows How

Bringing in the Forgiven or Hannibal King Could Show Heroic Vampires

Vampires are on their way to the MCU, set to make their debut in 2025’s Blade reboot. While there have been no hints about how vampires will be portrayed, the films can break with comic book tradition and take a more nuanced approach to vampires. Jubilee points out the problematic core of vampire lore: they are seen as evil and to be killed indiscriminately. The MCU could show vampires who are good, or neutral, in addition to ones who are bad. This would alleviate some of the aforementioned problematic elements, and create better vampires.

X-Men: Blood Hunt: Jubilee #1 is on sale June 12 from Marvel Comics!