Kyuketsuki Hanta "D" (2005)
Hideyuki Kikuchi
Translated by Kevin Leahy

Rating:

Vampire Hunter D Volume 1 is the English Translation of the Japanese novel by horror writer Hideyuki Kikuchi. The novel was originally published under the title Kyuketsuki Hanta "D" by Asahi Sonorama Co. Ltd in 1983. This modern English translation is by DH Press and Digital Manga Publishing. Hideyuki Kikuchi's works have already been converted to anime a decade ago and this book is a testament to the popularity of one of his characters, Vampire Hunter D.

Unfortunately, Kevin Leahy's translation does not make for fun or interesting reading. Those who have watched the anime version will minutely see a textual description of the visuals and an overly detailed explanation of the history and milieu of Vampire Hunter D. The translation is overdone and Leahy's accuracy is questionable as he uses a dozens of American colloquial expressions inappropriately. His characterization of the protaganist doesn't even match that of the hero in the two anime full-length features. D is talkative and falls into the typical Western macho mode too often.

Haiku and Japanese poetry often use the same words especially with regard to seasons, but the same technique does not apply to narratives. Leahy's constant use of the word "gorgeous" to describe Rei-Ginsei, D, Doris and even Count Lee is annoying and reveals his inexperience. His action scenes, specifically D's defeat at the hands of Rei-Ginsei, is without drama or style. His rendition of the ending is equally disappointing with its abrupt and forcefully dramatic "Hollywood" manner.

Having read more than a dozen Japanese translated works before and considering Hideyuki Kikuchi's reputation, Vampire Hunter D Volume 1 would have been better off under the hands of Edward G. Seidensticker, Donald Keene or Ivan Morris.

The concept behind D is admittedly dated. A dark and apocalyptic future for mankind has been discussed by many writers and illustrated in anime features a thousand times. Kikuchi's vision may have been revolutionary at the time he wrote it, but it has not aged well. Even his take on vampires seems tired, lacking the class of more recent horror writers.

The beautifully packaged book includes 18 black and white illustrations by Yoshitaka Amano, well-known for his work with Gatchaman and more recently for Western comic books (Sandman and Wolverine). Those accustomed to the dynamic tone and depth of manga will be disappointed, however, as his pictures here resemble black and white pulp American drawings from the 60s then the much revered Japanese style of pencil and ink.

In general Vampire Hunter D Volume 1 is eclipsed by its anime version though it does deserve another chance albeit with a better and more experienced translator than Kevin Leahy. Most fans will probably be content with just watching the original anime 's sequel, Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust.

Click here for images of the original feature length anime Vampire Hunter D.


 
 
August Issue