Bloodshot is the latest comic book character to be given the big budget Hollywood treatment and is nearly ready to explode onto cinema screens across Australia. But before you see the action-packed film starring Vin Diesel, why not get up to speed on just who Bloodshot is and what he can do.

WHAT IS BLOODSHOT? (THE COMIC)

Bloodshot was created by Kevin VanHook, Don Perlin and Bob Layton for Valiant Comics. He first appeared in 1992, briefly in Eternal Warrior #4 and more substantially in Rai #0. The character was a big hit, quickly getting his own series in 1993. Although the Valiant Universe has changed hands and been rebooted several times, Bloodshot the nearly-immortal supersoldier has remained a consistent presence and a fan favourite for many.

WHO IS BLOODSHOT? (THE CHARACTER)

Ray Garrison (Vin Diesel) is a marine who is assassinated along with his wife. Thanks to the intervention of a team of scientists using nanotechnology, he is reborn as superhuman, biotech killing machine, Bloodshot. Ray swears revenge against the man who killed him, but soon discovers that his memories might all be a lie and there’s a conspiracy deeper and darker than he could have possibly imagined. How can he find the truth when he can’t even trust his own mind? It will take all of his powers for Bloodshot to uncover the truth and get revenge.

THE POWERS THAT BE (BLOODSHOT)

Bloodshot’s powers come from the nanites surging through his bloodstream (hence his moniker), and they’re versatile little champions that unlock all sorts of superhuman abilities for Ray. For instance:

• Superhuman strength and stamina – expect Bloodshot to tear off car doors and hurl enemies with nanite-enhanced might, not to mention staying power far beyond that of a regular soldier.
• Speed and agility – already a soldier, Bloodshot’s speed and agility are leveled up considerably, making him a formidable and unpredictable foe.
• Healing abilities – possibly Bloodshot’s most useful power, he can heal from almost any wound, be it a cut, bullet hole or direct hit by an explosive shell! He may not be completely invulnerable, but he’s the next best thing.

IS BLOODSHOT GOOD OR BAD?

Bloodshot is most certainly a bad arse, but he isn’t a bad guy. Although he’s been manipulated into performing assassinations, that was beyond his control. Bloodshot isn’t cruel or vindictive, he simply wants to find out who he truly is and take revenge on those who have been using him as a weapon. Basically, if you’ve done nothing wrong, you have nothing to fear from Bloodshot. If you have? You might want to buy your bulletproof vests in bulk!

THE BLOODY SUMMARY

So, basically, Bloodshot is a brand new hero with the strength of Captain America, the awesome tech of Batman and the healing factor of Wolverine and Deadpool. Played by Vin Diesel, the popular comic book character is embroiled in a conspiracy that may cost him his life.

What will the truth behind Bloodshot’s resurrection be and will the supersoldier be able to exact a worthy vengeance? Find out from March 12 when Bloodshot blasts his way onto cinema screens all around Australia.