Jamal Afari is a vampire hunter and former mentor of Blade in the Marvel Comics universe.
The character, created by Chris Claremont and Tony DeZuniga, first appeared in Marvel Preview #3 (September 1975).
Afari grew up on the streets of Harlem, fighting vampire foes such as Dracula as a youth with only his combatant abilities. Over time, Jamal gives up his young life as a dark adventurer and learns to play the jazz horn with exceptional skill. This happiness proves short-lived due to Afari's drug abuse, and he is soon sent to a hospital to get over his addiction. After Jamal's recovery, the former vampire slayer is ready to give up on his life completely, when one night a ruthless band of vampires attacks his home. During the battle, a nine year old Blade arrives on the scene to help Afari battle the villains. Jamal thought that this was a sign he should continue his adventuring life, and he becomes the mentor of Blade and teaches the hero everything he knows about fighting. Over time, Blade becomes very skilled in these practices.
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