Are you looking for a fun series to read? A manga that is equal parts fun and scary? Well, it’s not quite horror but more like campy, spooky fun. Hellsing is the manga for you if you answered yes to those two questions above. As the story opens, we are introduced to the top secret organization that’s based in England that protects the Queen and country from all sorts of nasty creatures, particularly vampires. Hellsing is the agency that protects humans from the ghouls and it’s weapon of choice for most of their cases is a vampire named, Alucard.
Alucard is an ancient vampire who once worked for the agency’s creator. He is immortal and invincible. Alucard had been dormant for years until Integra comes looking for him. Integra Hellsing is the sole heir to the Hellsing agency. She uses Alucard to track down the really nasty vampires that are causing trouble. A little bit about Alucard–he’s a vampire devoted to a human. The reason for that is that he was loyal to her father so therefore he is loyal to her. I really like Alucard’s character. He does a lot of cool stuff with his cape. Alucard being a vampire is often sent after his own. Often his prey has no idea that he is a vampire. The rogue vampires that hunt and prey on humans must be caught and killed and it’s Alucard’s job to do so. That’s where the Hellsing agency comes into the picture.
A bit about fashion: Alucard usually dresses in the most fashionable Victorian styles. He really does know how to where that cape. He’s very cute in it too. He also has a bit of an ego. He often lets his victims get the best of him until they are stripped of their power and are left humiliated in the aftermath of confrontation. Those scenes are quite fun and very, very cool especially when they the enemy has no idea what they are up against. When Alucard lets loose with his power, it usually spells the end for the unfortunate victim that is pitted against him. Those actions scene are awesome to read. At least to me they are, I have no idea what you may like. As with any cool hero, Alucard also goes by many different aliasis like Count Dracula.
Yes, this yet another vampire series with some bite After reading the first book, I ran right out to purchase the entire series. I’ve read up to volume three and plan to spend some time next week to read a few more. It seems as if we’ve had to wait a long time for volume 8 to come out which won’t be until July 25, 2007. So, I must catch up. Plus, there is plenty of other manga titles to keep me busy. Meanwhile, if your new to manga and looking for a fun series to start with, I highly recommend Hellsing. It’s not related to the movie. Anyway, this is a really great series thus far and my grade for the first entry is a solid B+. Very entertaining read. Don’t miss it.
Technorati Tags: Hellsing, Vol.1, Kouta Hirano, Graphic Novel Review, Vampires, England
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m a HUGE fan of Hellsing. I even subscribe to Young King Ours so I can get the new chapter each month, despite not being able to read Japanese.
I watched the animé series first and it’s pretty good, but I enjoy the manga much more. You might be interested in knowing that Hellsing is currently being re-released as a new OVA animé series in Japan, and this time the story is based directly on the manga (unlike the original animé series.)
The first DVD came out in the US/Canada in December:
http://www.amazon.com/Hellsing-Ultimate-Vol-Crispin-Freeman/dp/B000H5V8O0/
I’ve never seen the series. Hmmm. I’ll have to check it out. Thanks!
I love Hellsing! I didn’t read the manga though. When I was in college I had friend who was very much into animé, and he and I would hang out and watch his collection. I saw the whole first season of Hellsing in one night. We watch back-back episodes for about 3 hours straight. To this day I would love for the creators to do another season.