Hellsing Review

Vampire hunting in style.

 Based on the Hirano Kouta manga of the same name, Hellsing is a vampire anime with action elements. It was released back in 2001, when the manga was still not finished, meaning Hellsing mostly follows the story of the manga but later in its episodes comes up with its own original story. 


STORY- The story follows the Hellsing Organization, lead by Integra Hellsing, as it seeks and destroy any supernatural forces that threatens Britain. On one night, Seras Victoria, a police officer, is captured by a vampire whom turned a village's locals and members of her team into ghouls. Hellsing's expert vampire, Alucard is sent in the neutralize the threat, he succeeds but badly injures Seras. He offers her that he drinks her blood and make her a vampire, she agrees. She now joins the Hellsing Organization and fights the supernatural threats awaits.

 Since the manga wasn't finished at the time, Studio Gonzo had to come up with an original story to continue the show. The result is OK. Many major plot points were dropped to focus on the "freak chip" technology and the villain, Incognito. Speaking of Incognito, he's not as interesting and memorable as The Major from the manga and later in Hellsing Ultimate. During the short 13 episodes, barely anything is given about him and the ending feels rushed and vague.


CHARACTERS- Hellsing focuses on three major characters. Alucard is the main anti-hero of the show. His methods in dealing with other vampires and enemies are ruthless, cold, and extreme. He does it all with style, of course. Seras is our main female lead. Former police officer turned vampire, she tries to adapt to her new lifestyle of drinking blood and realizing her true potential as a vampire. But in this anime series, she feels left out and forgotten, a missed opportunity. Integra Hellsing is Alucard's cold and no-nonsense master and current head of the Hellsing Organization. There are many characters to discuss as well, but only Alucard, Seras, and Integra feel that they are the only fleshed-out in the series.

The characters in Hellsing are neat.

PRESENTATION- The presentation in Hellsing is great. The visuals were OK for their time. Background and character models are good but Alucard in his stylish duster coat, red hat, and yellow shades is the best looking character in the show. The English dub is great, with Crispin Freeman providing a great job voicing Alucard. The best and most memorable aspect of the presentation and the show itself is the is soundtrack. Jazzy and rock tunes are packed in and they sound great. The opening theme "A World Without Logos" and the ending credits both sound great are among the best I've heard.


OVERALL- Hellsing is a good adaptation of the source material, but could have done better in terms of plot. Its a good watch for Hellsing fans looking for more and if you're new to the Hellsing series, watch Hellsing Ultimate. It follows the manga more closely. Despite its shortcomings, the soundtrack and characters are a treat to watch and listen.

- Hellsing is targeted at a mature audiance. The are scenes of violence, sexual themes, and profanity.- 

WATCH