BLOOD & THUNDER #3 – New Comic Review

Blood & Thunder #3, by Image Comics & Skybound on 7/16/25, thrusts bounty hunter Akeldama “Blood” Bledsoe and her sentient gun Thunder into a brutal confrontation with the escaped, seemingly unstoppable Prisoner X.

Credits:

• Writer: Benito Cereno
• Artist: E.J. Su
• Colorist: Msassyk
• Letterer: Rus Wooton
• Cover Artist: E.J. Su, Msassyk, David Lopez (cover A)
• Publisher: Image Comics
• Release Date: July 16, 2025
• Comic Rating: Mature (gore, language)
• Cover Price: $3.99
• Page Count: 32
• Format: Single Issue

Covers:

Analysis of BLOOD & THUNDER #3:

First Impressions:

Blood & Thunder #3 blasts off with an immediate, no-holds-barred clash against the menacing Prisoner X, throwing Blood and her perpetually chatty gun, Thunder, right into a desperate fight for survival. It’s an explosive opening that immediately sets a breakneck pace, solidifying its commitment to over-the-top action and the duo’s signature banter.

Recap:

In Blood & Thunder #2, Blood and Thunder are seen recovering after a mission, with Thunder needing ammunition replenished. Their conversation hints at Blood being offered an “Academy” spot and a gun upgrade, both of which she rejects due to loyalty to Thunder and her disinterest in Earth institutions. A flashback shows Akeldama as a child meeting her “Thunderhead” rifle for the first time, while her mother reveals Akeldama was adopted from a non-human planet where her village had burned down. In the present, Blood receives an urgent call from Chief Amundsen: the dangerous Prisoner from Cell Block X has escaped. The Chief offers Blood a position on the force if she helps apprehend him. Meanwhile, Prisoner X is shown violently disrupting a bank, expressing his disdain for digital currency and brutally dispatching responding space police. Blood realizes Prisoner X is heading towards populated areas and warns a bystander to tell everyone to seek shelter.

Plot Analysis:

Blood & Thunder #3 kicks off with Blood and Thunder deep in the urban jungle, facing the overwhelming might of Prisoner X. Thunder, ever the dramatic one, is convinced their end is nigh, while Blood, ever pragmatic, demands he unleash his “beefiest boys” of ordnance. Despite Thunder’s fear, he complies, but even his most powerful rounds barely register on their formidable foe.

The desperate chase rips through the futuristic cityscape, with Blood and Thunder trying to outmaneuver Prisoner X’s relentless pursuit. Just as the situation seems dire, the Humanity’s Peacekeeping Forces (IPPF) arrive, momentarily shifting Prisoner X’s attention and granting Blood and Thunder a brief reprieve from the onslaught.

However, this relief is short-lived as Prisoner X effortlessly tears through the IPPF forces, showcasing his devastating power and confirming he’s an almost unstoppable force of nature. Realizing that simply escaping isn’t an option, as Prisoner X is heading towards a densely populated area, Blood and Thunder make the tough call to re-engage, understanding the immense collateral damage if he’s not stopped.

The narrative then abruptly shifts to a distant colony, where a scientist is engrossed in studying ancient, physical books. He believes these relics conceal a “secret library” filled with “mental resources” from a “primitive philosophy” that could potentially “tame” human civilization. His research is violently interrupted by an unseen assailant who smashes through his window, and the issue concludes with the chilling implication that the scientist has become Prisoner X’s latest victim, hinting at an intergalactic reach for the antagonist far beyond Metro 1.

Story

The writing in Blood & Thunder #3 maintains its sharp, witty dialogue, especially between Blood and Thunder. Thunder’s melodramatic pronouncements and Blood’s blunt responses continue to be a highlight, providing much-needed comedic relief amidst the chaos. The pacing is relentless, accurately reflecting the non-stop action, and the abrupt shift to the scientist’s storyline effectively broadens the scope of the narrative, leaving the reader with a sense of escalating stakes. However, the sheer amount of exposition crammed into the scientist’s few pages feels a bit rushed and could have benefited from more organic integration.

Art

E.J. Su and Msassyk’s art remains dynamic and expressive, perfectly capturing the frantic energy of the action sequences. The character designs are distinctive, and the futuristic cityscapes are rendered with a gritty, lived-in feel. The panels effectively convey motion and impact during the fights, making every blow feel visceral. There are moments, however, where the action becomes a little too chaotic, making it difficult to discern exactly what’s happening, and some of the smaller panels feel a bit cluttered.

Characters

Blood and Thunder continue to be the heart of the series, with their buddy-cop dynamic stealing the show. Blood’s unwavering determination despite seemingly impossible odds is commendable, while Thunder’s constant stream of commentary, even in the face of death, is consistently entertaining. Prisoner X is established as a truly terrifying force, demonstrating an almost supernatural ability to withstand attacks and dispatch armed forces with ease. The introduction of the scientist adds a layer of intellectual curiosity to the narrative, though his character arc is only just beginning.

Positives

The standout aspect of this issue is undoubtedly the continued excellence of the dialogue and the fantastic dynamic between Blood and Thunder. Their banter keeps the reader engaged even as the situation grows increasingly dire. The introduction of the larger cosmic threat through the scientist’s subplot is a bold and exciting move, promising a far grander narrative than initially imagined. The relentless pace ensures there’s never a dull moment, consistently pushing the plot forward with high-octane action and unexpected turns.

Negatives

While the action is exciting, it occasionally verges on the visually incomprehensible, with too much happening in some panels to clearly follow the flow of battle. The sudden introduction of the scientist and his dense exposition, while intriguing, feels somewhat jarring and disrupts the established rhythm of the comic. Furthermore, the sheer power of Prisoner X makes it hard to believe how Blood and Thunder can realistically pose a threat, which could lead to a feeling of power imbalance that undermines future conflicts if not handled carefully.

Art Samples:

Final Thoughts:

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BLOOD & THUNDER #3 delivers a chaotic, action-packed installment that expands its universe in exciting ways. While the frenetic art can sometimes hinder clarity and the new plot thread feels a bit shoehorned in, the core dynamic between Blood and Thunder remains highly entertaining. This issue solidifies Prisoner X as a major threat and sets the stage for a much larger, more mysterious adventure. It’s a wild ride that, despite a few bumps, leaves you eager for what comes next.

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