Those who enjoy animation, and in particular horror animation, will find that there’s much to enjoy about vampire anime. A diverse genre, anime hits television and movies with a multitude of program options. All audiences will find something to their liking, but those looking to feed their craving for something darker should look for these four animated vampire programs.
Vampire Princess Miyu
An anime television series, Vampire Princess Miyu is about a young vampire princess and her demonic guardian Larva. Her mission, as a protector of the world, is to hunt down and defeat stray Shinma demons. A high school student, Miyu is a lovable young vampire whose name literally translates to “evening beauty.” Befriending mortal girls, Miyu’s friends are more a hindrance to her than they are a help, but clearly symbolize Miyu’s affinity for, and protector of, innocent mortals. Vampire Princess Miyu is available in individual volumes, or in a box set.
Hellsing
Appearing on television in 1997, Hellsing is a vampire anime about a Holy Order of Protestant Knights and their mission to protect their country by hunting and killing vampires. The Hellsing Organization, or Holy Order of Protestant Knights, was began by Abraham Van Hellsing and run by his descendants, who protect and control Alucard, a vampire they use in their holy war against vampires. Conflict in Hellsing, outside their mission to kill anything that goes bump in the night, involves clashes with both a sector of the Vatican and a Nazi order called Millennium. Look for Hellsing on DVD and Blu-Ray as individual volumes or as a box set.
Trinity Blood
A futuristic, dystopian vampire television series, Trinity Blood first aired in 2001. With a whole host of characters who also to be catholic priests and nuns, Trinity Blood features Abel Nightroad, a lovable priest with a dark and powerful secret. Centered in a post Apocalyptic world around the somewhat secretive war between the AX and Rosen Kreutz, Trinity Blood features a highly complex story sure to please all anime fans, even those not necessarily out for a vampire fix.
Vampire Hunter D
A dampir with the power to fight and kill vampires, D is a mysterious hunter who roams the dark nights in a highly futuristic world. Vampire Hunter D embodies not only three anime movies but also a series of books, each with its own distinctive story to tell. Often helping those who cannot help themselves against vampires bent on doing wrong, and humans bent on destruction, D is the quintessential anti-hero. He lives by his own rules, never caring what others think of him and always trying to do what’s right by his own morality. Look for Vampire Hunter D on DVD, Blu-Ray and in bookstores.
Vampire anime continues to be produced and is not limited to these four anime programs, so check your local video store or favorite online retailer for other vampire related anime series and movies.
Kristyn Hammond - A freelance professional since 2007, Kristyn Hammond has both her BA & MA in English from Tarleton State University in Stephenville, TX.
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