Blood & Thunder: The Prisoner on Cell Block X (Comics) | Review

What do you get when you cross Lethal Weapon with Judge Dredd and throw in a sentient weapon that refuses to kill? Blood & Thunder delivers exactly that absurd premise while somehow making it work perfectly. Image Comics' latest sci-fi universe proves that even wildest concepts can succeed with right creative team.

A new universe by Robert Kirkman (The Walking Dead: Days Gone Bye, The Walking Dead: Miles Behind Us) introduces Akeldama "Blood" Bledsoe, a fierce bounty hunter whose best friend happens to be Thunder, a massive talking rifle with strong moral objections to violence.

This collection brings together issues #1-6 of the series, marking a reunion for the creative team behind Tech Jacket. Writer Benito Cereno and artist E.J. Su join forces with Kirkman to build a lived-in sci-fi world where Earth has successfully integrated alien species into society after years of deep interstellar contact and cultural exchange.

The story kicks off with the galaxy's most dangerous criminal escaping from Cell Block X, a maximum-security prison designed to hold the worst threats imaginable. This prisoner, known simply as Prisoner X, has one goal: revenge against humanity for crimes committed long ago.

Enter Blood Bledsoe, a renowned bounty hunter working the lowest levels of Metro 1, an asteroid city stratified by class. The wealthy live in upper tiers while the disenfranchised struggle below. Blood operates in the gutters, tracking alien criminals with ruthless efficiency.

Her partner Thunder provides both firepower and comic relief. The sentient gun comes equipped with multiple settings beyond simple shooting, offering creative solutions to capturing targets alive but Thunder's pacifist programming creates constant friction with Blood's more violent approach to problem-solving.

The space police recruit Blood and Thunder to track down Prisoner X before he can execute his vendetta. What starts as a straightforward manhunt quickly evolves into something more personal. Blood's own mysterious past as an "exo" becomes central to the narrative.

Cereno structures each issue around specific action set pieces while gradually revealing Blood's backstory. We learn about her family legacy, her connection to Thunder, and why she rejected offers to join Earth's Academy. These revelations never feel forced or expository.

The chase takes Blood across Metro 1's different sectors, showcasing Su's impressive world-building through meticulous visual storytelling. Each location feels distinct and alive with background details that suggest stories beyond the main plot. The alien designs range from practical and grounded to imaginative and bizarre.

Thunder steals nearly every scene with sharp dialogue and genuine personality. The gun's commentary during action sequences adds levity without undercutting tension. Their banter recalls classic buddy cop dynamics while feeling fresh thanks to the unusual power imbalance.

Prisoner X emerges as more than a simple antagonist. Cereno hints at deeper motivations beyond revenge, suggesting connections to larger cosmic threats that could endanger entire civilizations. The mystery surrounding his true capabilities and goals drives the second half of the collection forward with mounting tension.

Blood's character arc centers on identity and legacy. She's torn between following her family's violent traditions and forging her own path forward. Thunder represents the possibility of change, constantly challenging Blood's assumptions about what strength means.

The action escalates dramatically in later issues as Prisoner X's escape triggers wider consequences across the galaxy. A subplot involving a scientist and mysterious cosmic threat expands the universe significantly, promising bigger adventures ahead. The pacing occasionally stumbles during these abrupt narrative transitions.

The collection ends with Blood and Thunder facing impossible odds while uncovering secrets about Blood's origins. Cereno leaves threads dangling for future volumes while providing closure to satisfy. The final pages tease connections to larger Kirkman universe mythology.

E.J. Su's artwork shines throughout this collection, bringing Metro 1 to life with detail and kinetic energy. His character designs balance functionality with visual flair, making even minor characters memorable. Blood's wild red hair becomes an instantly recognizable silhouette.

The action choreography flows beautifully across pages, with Su using varied panel layouts to control pacing. Chase sequences feel frantic while quieter character moments breathe properly. His alien creature designs demonstrate remarkable creativity, avoiding generic gray humanoids in favor of truly bizarre extraterrestrial physiology.

Michele "Msassyk" Assarasakorn's colors elevate Su's linework. She uses vibrant palettes for action scenes while employing muted tones during exposition. The lighting feels cinematic, with dramatic shadows and glowing energy effects that never overwhelm the artwork.

Cereno's script balances humor and action skillfully. The dialogue crackles with personality, giving Thunder some really memorable lines. Blood's voice remains consistent throughout, tough without becoming one-dimensionally aggressive. Even supporting characters get distinct speech patterns that make them feel real and lived-in.

Blood & Thunder: The Prisoner on Cell Block X succeeds as entertaining sci-fi action with emotional depth. The dynamic between Blood and Thunder carries the series, providing laughs and genuine character development. Kirkman's universe-building instincts serve the story.

This collection works as both a standalone adventure and potential series launcher. Casual readers can simply jump in without prior knowledge of Kirkman's other works, though fans of Tech Jacket and the Invincible universe will definitely appreciate subtle connections. The world feels expansive enough to support ongoing stories.

Cereno, Su, and Kirkman understand what makes buddy cop stories work. They've translated that formula into a sci-fi setting while adding unique elements to avoid feeling derivative. The talking gun gimmick could fall flat, but Thunder's characterization makes it work perfectly.

The premise delivers on its promises completely. You get spectacular action, creative alien designs, sharp dialogue, and genuine stakes throughout. The violence never feels gratuitous, serving character and plot instead. Blood's journey from lone wolf to someone questioning her brutal methods provides a satisfying character arc.

Blood & Thunder: The Prisoner on Cell Block X is available in its first trade paperback edition. Digital version is available via standard digital comic-book storefronts such as Amazon Kindle, ComiXology and Image Comics app and various other major platforms.