Hellsing
Garlic won't save you this time
Length: 13 episodes
Genre: Action, horror
Watched: 1-13, subbed
I am not a big fan of vampires (editor's note: Yeah, like I'm supposed to believe that...). So, when my roommate picked up a copy of the first Hellsing DVD, I was a little skeptical. I figured that it would only appeal to the hardcore vampire enthusiasts, and leave me in the dust. That moment was
probably the most wrong I have ever been in my life.
Artwork: Some of the best animation around. The action sequences are smooth and seamless, and the attention to detail is fantastic. No corners were cut, and no scenes were recycled. The dark atmosphere (they are vampires, after all) is
reminiscent of Batman the Animated Series, but of course is done much more skillfully. Unless your standards are impossibly high, you will most likely be awestruck by Hellsing's visuals.Characters: Hellsing has some of the best characters of any anime I've seen. For those who like dark heroes, Alucard is the last word in badasses. He's arrogant, impatient, a snappy dresser, and he just loves shooting things! When Alucard walks
into a room, everyone else can't help but say, "Oh shit!" Ceras is almost the antithesis of Alucard; she clings desperately to her humanity, and avoids confrontation unless necessary. Her demure, somewhat naive manner is out of place in the
organization, but she does her job well. Integra is definitely not the girl next door. She is proud, businesslike, strong of will, and generally kicks a lot of ass. Her no-nonsense manner commands respect, and her tomboyish demeanor and
appearance is the embodiment of girl power. Walter, Integra's faithful butler, is what Alfred is for Batman; however, Walter could probably wipe the floor with Batman any day of the week. Fiercely loyal to the Hellsing organization and to Integra
especially, his normally quiet and dignified exterior is shattered when she is threatened. He was formerly a field agent, and fights with fine wire which can cut through anything. Alucard's chief rival-he's not really an enemy, since he is basically working towards the same goal--is Father Alexander Anderson, a disciple of the Vatican who fights with long knives and religious magic. If the Virgin Mary and Charles Manson had a kid, it would probably turn out a lot like Anderson. The main villain, who does not get introduced at all until halfway through the series, is Incognito, a powerful vampire who, like Alucard, works in the service of a human master. He's evil, and that's that. The characters all have something unique and interesting to contribute to the show, and you will find yourself eager to know just what they will do next.
Plot: Since the series is only 13 episodes long, time for plot development was abbreviated. Aside from a few loose ends, however, it's easy to see what's going on as you watch. It never tries to fool you, or make you think inordinately hard. It
takes the vampire hunter genre, and imbues a political element as well, turning it into a double-edged sword which works well. In the end, some questions still remain, such as Alucard's true identity, the prospect of his continued loyalty to
Integra, and the ultimate future of the Hellsing organization. But, as for the plot that is presented in the here and now, everything is wrapped up quite nicely.
Fraught with confusion over the nature of her new existence, I could not help but feel sorry for her and her struggles, which added to her appeal. Integra is tough as nails and domineering, and I would not be surprised if her undergarments were
leather. Though usually covered by an olive-drab suit, she has a fantastic figure, and would not have any trouble finding a man who would willingly submit to her. Count me among those in line.