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The most iconic image in the Castlevaniauniverse has to be the cover art for the series-defining game Symphony of the Night on the PS1. This cover art focuses on the protagonist of that side-scrolling adventure, the enigmatic blonde hero Alucard. Alucard is the powerful and often righteous half-vampire son of Dracula, who appears both as a main character and a side character throughout the series.

Alucard plays a crucial role in the Castlevania universe, standing alongside Dracula and the Belmont family as one of the series' most essential characters. Throughout the series, he has battled both personal and literal demons, but there are still some facts about the character that even longtime fans may not know.

Updated on March 13, 2025, by Robbie Robinson: Alucard is a central character throughout Castlevania. While he became known to gamers through one of the best Castlevania games, Symphony of the Night, many new Castlevania fans met him through Netflix.

Even if a manga series and anime tell the same story, the presentation may differ a great deal. Aside from tweaks like censoring graphic content or adding a few extra lines of dialogue, an anime series might look either much better or much worse than the source manga, which may inspire fans to prefer one version or the other. In certain cases, the anime version may look worse due to dated and clunky production values from the time, or the anime might be incapable of capturing the manga's unique art style no matter the budget.

Such is the case for plenty of high-profile anime series, which told the same story as the source manga but could never recapture the same look. At best, these anime series are just an introduction to the original manga, which will treat fans with the definitive version of the story with the perfect art to...

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Castlevania is an adult animated dark medieval fantasy action-horror drama series created by Warren Ellis. Based on the Japanese Castlevania video game series developed by Konami, the Netflix series follows Trevor Belmont, the last surviving member of the disgraced Belmont clan, who joins hands with vampire Alucard and a Speaker magician to save Eastern Europe from the wrath of vampire Vlad Dracula Tepes. Castlevania’s voice cast includes Richard Armitage, James Callis, Graham McTavish, Alejandra Reynoso, Matt Frewer, Emily Swallow, and Tony Amendola. So, if you loved the dark fantasy elements, brutal action, and compelling characters in Castlevania, here are some similar shows you should check out next.

Castlevania: Nocturne (Netflix) Credit – Netflix

Castlevania: Nocturne is an adult animated historical dark fantasy action-horror series created by Clive Bradley. Based on the video game Castlevania: Rondo of Blood, developed by Konami,...

There's a lot to love in Netflix's animated "Castlevania" shows. Based on the hit video game franchise of the same name, the sharply animated shows feature a fun alternate history to our own, where real-world events have been altered by the inclusion of supernatural beings like vampires and demons. There are some truly great characters with a lot of charm, some fantastically tragic antiheroes, and some good old-fashioned blood and gore. The sequel series, "Castlevania: Nocturne," has done well for the streamer, continuing the story set forth in "Castlevania" and setting up one of the best storylines in the whole saga, "Symphony of the Night."

But even if Netflix inexplicably gives "Castlevania" the axe (or stake), there's great news for fans who just can't get enough of vampires, alternate history, amazing animated violence, and guys named Alucard, because there's a classic anime franchise that contains all of those things: "Hellsing.

Many of the most popular anime villains of all time are sympathetic, or at least nuanced. On the flip side, there are figures like Frieza, who are loved for how unabashedly wicked they are. Frieza is an anime icon, but he's also sadistic, manipulative, responsible for the deaths and oppression of billions, and lacking in any redeemable traits.

Dragon Ball Z's Frieza is one of the most evil characters in any anime, but there are far more cruel villains in other series. Cruel as Frieza may be, he can be reasoned with. He treats those who are loyal and useful to him well, and Dragon Ball Z, being a shōnen anime meant to be appropriate for kids, keeps the forms of crimes he commits restrained. Few antagonists can match the number of people killed by the Emperor of the Universe, but that doesn't mean they can't be worse in their own ways.

Castlevania is anything but a bog-standard vampire story. From its visuals to its plotline, the series does absolute justice to the franchise in every way. Moreover, Powerhouse Studios went above and beyond in their animation.

But what truly makes it stand out is the protagonist’s story. His trajectory as a greyscale character ridden with conflict and morality is impeccable. There is, however, a catch to that as well.

Lisa Tepes in a still from the anime | Credit: Powerhouse Animation

While the anime is stellar and spectacular in its visuals and pacing, it stands in contrast to the game. This has majorly to do with Dracula’s fleshed-out character in the series. His trajectory of love and loss embodies gravitas and depth which further adds to his character’s appeal.

Interestingly, it all ties well with the themes of morality and conflict along with the ever-present binaries. This holds true for the good,...

Alucard has been one of the main protagonists in Netflix’s Castlevania. The son of Dracula, who has lived his entire life trying to defeat his father, has spent centuries in his pursuit of justice. Throughout the several seasons of the show, Alucard’s character has been developed like no other.

On his lonely journey, he met Trevor and Sypha, the two people who he could trust with his life. While he was not as welcoming towards them in the beginning, it quickly became clear that he had finally received the company he had been craving for.

Alucard’s character development in Castlevania is not only impressive but also thought-provoking Alucard, Sypha, and Trevor’s unbreakable bond in Castlevania | Credits: Netflix, Powerhouse Animation

When he first debuted in Season 1, Alucard was shown to have inherited intelligence and deadliness from his father and his mother’s class and kindness. This calm...

If someone asks you about the best vampire anime, and you’re still stuck with Castlevania and Hellsing, then mate, you’re on the wrong track. Both Castlevania and Hellsing are undoubtedly great anime, whether it’s the animation, fights, or the plot that’s being discussed. Castlevania’s brilliance appeals to a wider audience even beyond the anime and manga community, whereas Hellsing is revered by its loyal fanbase.

A still of Vanitas from The Case Study of Vanitas | Credits: Studio Bones

However, fans need to immediately direct their attention to The Case Study of Vanitas, also popularly known as Vanitas no Carte. It’s a shame that the anime doesn’t get the attention it deserves despite everything it has to offer. The Case Study of Vanitas has its strengths, which are definitely worth watching once or seven times!

The Case Study of Vanitas excels on all fronts...

If you happened to catch Misery Signals on their farewell tour, first of all I am extremely jealous. Not just because you got to see one of the most influential metalcore bands of all time, but you also got to see one of the best up and coming metalcore bands around, Trench. Trench brings the heavy and dark, and it may not be a surprise to learn how much of that is influenced, whether directly or indirectly, by the anime they watched growing up and still watch to this day. I chatted with vocalist Jay Breen about anime and how they were able to bring their influences to life in the video for “Divided Between New Skin.” Can you tell me a little about your anime journey? How it started and where you are now? Are there genres you gravitate toward? What is your favorite anime series or movie of all time?...

One of the most fun tropes in anime is for a character to be much older than they look. A character who may look like they're in their mid 20s can actually be hundreds, or even thousands of years old, creating an entirely new dynamic for the cast to deal with. Older characters that look young are usually the wisest, most powerful people around. They've lived long enough to learn a thing or two and usually aren't too concerned with what's going around them.

While some characters are fun in their youth, other characters remain young for more sinister reasons. Characters like Muzan Kibutsuji from Demon Slayer don't stay alive to help people out. Instead, they're sticking around to live the best lives possible, and they don't care who they need to sacrifice to achieve it.

Milim Nava - That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime The Daughter of...

For over a decade now, no genre, for better or worse, has dominated anime quite like the isekai genre. While it had always existed in some form, isekai didnt start being recognized as its own thing until the 2010s, and thanks in large part to the escapist elements of the genre, its become a mainstay of the medium with dozens of new anime produced every year.

As isekai began growing in popularity, it also started becoming contentious among fans and critics because of how so many stories come across as different takes on escapist power fantasies revolving around uninteresting leads and their rapidly growing harems of girls. That being said, there are plenty of isekai anime that break away from those cliches, and because of that, plenty of great isekai anime have heroes who come off as being far cooler and more entertaining than the average isekai anime protagonist. A...

N Lite animation studio has unveiled a new partnership with Emmy-winning Japanese anime studio Gonzo K.K. (“Afro Samurai”) and Oscar-winning “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” director Peter Ramsey to produce two animated projects: a noir thriller feature titled “Ripper” and the sci-fi adventure series “Hotaru.”

Ramsey is lined up to executive produce and co-write the screenplay for “Ripper,” a live-action/anime hybrid feature set in post-wwii Japan. Currently in development, the film tells the story of two detectives hunting down a serial killer who took the lives of the women that each of them loved. The project is created by Samantha Inoue Harte and co-writers Paul Alvarado-Dykstra and Rafael Antonio Ruiz.

Viola Davis and husband Julius Tennon’s JuVee Productions is attached to produce alongside N Lite and Gonzo K.K. Davis. For JuVee, Tennon and Melanie Clark will join Gonzo CEO Shinichiro Ishikawa as executive producers. Inoue Harte and...

Hellsing, the ultimate vampire anime, has stolen the hearts of Dracula lovers for decades. It received a 13-episode anime adaptation by Studio Gonzo in 2001 and then a 10-episode Ova in 2006. But fans still can’t have enough of Alucard.

In all honesty, can you ever have enough of Alucard? His sharp grin, paired with an even sharper tongue, creates a menacing image, and his Op abilities make him the strongest vampire in existence. This leads to the good news: prepare to have Hellsing-flavored adrenaline injected directly into your bloodstream soon.

Rumors Dicatate that Hellsing Might Receive an Anime Remake Hellsing | Credits: Gonzo Studio

The original Hellsing anime by Studio Gonzo lacked in many aspects. It began by adapting the manga but then veered off into an entirely different plotline. Hellsing Ultimate, on the other hand, is applauded for its perfect representation of the original material. The difference between Hellsing and...

Although three years have now passed since the original Solo Leveling manhwa's conclusion, it continues bringing in accolades, recently taking the Grand Prize at the all-new World Webtoon Awards.

Via The Korea Times, Solo Leveling won the Grand Prize at the inaugural World Webtoon Awards held late last month. The award was set up this year by the South Korean government's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Creative Content Agency (Kocca) as the latest step in strengthening global awareness of webtoons -- one of the country's biggest cultural exports.

Related Solo Leveling: Arise's Traumatized Twin Hunters Return in New Limited Webtoon Series

The latest webtoon release inSolo Leveling: Arise's ongoing origin series welcomes the second part of Charlotte & Harper's tragic yet riveting story.

Solo Leveling's Global Popularity Continues With Ragnarok and Anime's Season 2

The award was held during the World Webtoon Festival, a celebration...

Kouta Hirano is a celebrated manga artist who created Hellsing and Drifters, both incredibly popular and critically acclaimed in the anime world. The underrated success of these two is unmatched and this was the man behind them. The mangaka has an estimated net worth of $1 million to $5 million.

The Hellsing author’s wealth stems from the popularity of these two manga series, which have been adapted into successful anime series, and naturally, their associated merchandise. His rise in the manga industry started with Hellsing, which quickly gained a global following and secured his place among the elite manga creators.

How Did Hellsing and Drifters Become Massive Hits? Hellsing by Hirano Kouta. [Credit: Gonzo]

Hellsing includes 10 volumes of fantasy, action and gothic brilliance. It revolves around the Hellsing Organisation, led by Sir Integra Hellsing, who defend England from supernatural threats, specifically vampires. Sir Integra Hellsing is based on the fictional character from the gothic novel,...

It has been more than two decades since the original Hellsing anime premiered. Kouta Hirano began serialization in 1997 and was adapted into an anime in 2001. The first anime only had 13 episodes, and Hellsing: The Dawn had ten episodes. All ten episodes were around an hour long, and the episodes were produced by separate animation studios.

One of the best things about Hellsing is Alucard, the first and strongest vampire to ever live, who is a sworn protector of the Hellsing. The mangaka created him as the most dominant force in his story. At one point, there was no one left to challenge, and Hirano had to introduce another powerful character to rival the vampire.

Alucard Found The Perfect Rival In Father Anderson Alucard (Credits: Fuji TV)

Hellsing has three factions the Hellsing Family, Millennium, and the Vatican Section 13. The Millennium were the antagonists who tried to bring back the Nazi...

Kouta Hirano excelled in blending gore with comedy bits with Hellsing. This peculiar blend of such different elements have appealed to many fans all over the world. During the early 2000s, when Hellsing was still being published, anime wasn’t as mainstream as it is today. There were few anime that were successful enough to reach the fans overseas.

With its striking visuals, Hellsing garnered international attention. Even today, the series enjoys a dedicated fanbase that is always on the lookout for Hirano’s new works.

Kouta Hirano On His Overseas Fans Alucard in Hellsing Ultimate | Credits: Studio Graphinica

Hellsing balances extreme violence and horror with brief amusing bits. The manga is more stylish than what is considered normal and the characters stand out for their elaborate character designs. What appealed to fans primarily was the visual aspect, followed by Hirano’s ability to keep things intense, and then suddenly...

Count Dracula made his debut in Bram Stoker's 1897 novel but the Count's presence on the silver screen has been just as vital in making him a horror icon. Bela Lugosi, Sir Christopher Lee, Gary Oldman, and Nicolas Cage are just a few of the actors who've played Dracula. With the dozens of Dracula movies out there, what's the cream of the crop? We've got you covered with /Film's choices for the best Dracula movies.

But the vampire lord's adventures don't end at movies; he is just as much a creature of the funny books. He's quite similar to Frankenstein's Monster that way, who has also starred in plenty of comics. Dracula has faced superheroes on both sides of the Marvel/DC divide, from Batman to Wolverine (rapid healing blood is the most delicious).

Argentinian cartoonist Alberto Breccia turned Dracula into a gothic comedy bravely satirizing the fascist Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet.

Kizumonogatari -Koyomi Vamp- begins with a kinetic display of carnage where its main character bursts into flames and careens down a skyscraper like a rogue pinball. It’s a violent, chaotic way to begin this vampire tale that feels all-too thematically appropriate for its conflicted hero, Koyomi Araragi, who gets pulled in extreme directions as he struggles to gain control of his life. It’s not dissimilar to the madness that the audience experiences as Koyomi Vamp’s aggressive storytelling grabs hold of them and doesn’t let go for two-and-a-half hours.

Anime is dense in groundbreaking and foundational vampire texts, whether it’s Vampire Hunter D, Blood: The Last Vampire, Hellsing, or even absurdly violent monster titles like Wicked City and Demon City Shinjuku. However, Kizunonogatari -Koyomi Vamp- clears them all. There’s a strong case to be made that Koyomi Vamp is not just one of the best anime vampire movies of all-time,...

Drifters is a dark fantasy anime that turns isekai norms upside down with a violent approach to the genre. Unique for bringing historical figures into a battle of good versus evil, this series is not a power fantasy. Drifters demonstrates the true horrors of war and the impact historical figures can have in a grim new world.

Drifters is an anime that turns the tables on the norms of isekai, and one of the best hidden gems currently available on Crunchyroll. The series was created by Kouta Hirano, best known for the Hellsing franchise, and it was originally published as a manga in 2010, gaining an anime adaptation in 2016. Drifters is a dark fantasy to its core, as it distances itself from the normal tropes that fans see in isekai with a much more of a violent approach to the genre.

Every anime fan is looking for a new hidden gem...

Angel from Buffy the Vampire Slayer might struggle with guilt in the Hunger Games, but he has experience and power. Vampire characters like Blade, Eric Northman, Damon Salvatore, and Lestat de Lioncourt would bring unique abilities and strengths to the Hunger Games. The unpredictable combination of strengths and weaknesses among these characters would make for an exciting Hunger Games.

Some of the best vampire characters from different TV shows would decimate everyone and emerge as the victor if they were in the Hunger Games. The vampire TV show became a staple of pop culture in the 1990s with the advent of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, but was spurred forward in the 2000s when Twilight blew up (although the animated Twilight TV show is still in the works). These days, fans of this particular fantasy subgenre have plenty of shows to enjoy, many of which showcase similar tones, stories, and themes.

Big Ben, Tower Bridge, Crystal Palace, the green and vast landscape of the English countryside, a lot of smog, and a lot of tea. With the return of the Black Butler anime series, we've been able to see an intriguing interpretation of England and its iconic landmarks. When anime is set in England, it tries to capture every mainstream landmark of British culture. Usually, the setting is dark, gothic and mysterious to match the overall vibe of the Victorian era. However, England's rich tapestry of history, culture and architecture has provided a captivating backdrop for a diverse array of stories and characters to travel in different periods that range from the 15th century to modern fantasy London. Let’s dive into a couple of anime series set in England. Black Butler Yana Toboso’s Black Butler manga series is the epitome of Victorian culture. It follows the life of the young Ciel Phantomhive,...

Demon Slayer: Hashira Training Arc Reveals English Dub Release Date - Main Image

Good news for Demon Slayer fans, as the Hashira Training Arc’s English dub release date has been confirmed.

This announcement comes ahead of the series finale in the original Japanese version, so fans who prefer the English version or want to re-watch the series will have a lot of Demon Slayer content to enjoy.

Demon Slayer S4: Hashira Training Arc English Dub Release Date Confirmed

The Demon Slayer: Hashira Training Arc anime is down to its last episode, which will air on June 30th.

Interestingly, Crunchyroll announced that the anime’s English dub release date is also set for June 30, 2024, meaning the fourth season’s finale and English dub premiere will be on the same day.

The first English dub episode will stream on Sunday, June 30, at 1:30 Pm Pt, exclusively on Crunchyroll. As such,...

Creative freedom is one of the biggest advantages any manga creator can get. It would not only help them write the manga according to their imagination but also remove any kind of restriction that hinders their work. And while most manga creators don’t have this freedom, Hellsing’s author, Kouta Hirano, was lucky enough to receive it.

Hellsing | Gonzo Studio

Hellsing is a complicated dark fantasy story involving vampires and Nazis and focusing on the protection of England from other mystical elements. The story featured some grim moments that ideally should have been a topic of discussion, but Shônen Gahosha, the publishing house for Hellsing, allowed them as they never restricted Hirano.

Hirano once revealed that he was lucky enough to work with Gahosha, as it helped him portray the story of Hellsing in the exact way he wanted, which is a big deal for him considering it was one of his early works.

After several poor financial and managerial outcomes, Neon Genesis Evangelion's studio Gainax has filed for bankruptcy, soon bringing its 40-year-long history to a close.

Via the official Gainax website, Gainax Co., Ltd.'s petition for bankruptcy has been accepted by the Tokyo District Court, with the transfer of all their copyrights under supervision by Evangelion creator Hideaki Anno's Studio Khara. The announcement highlights numerous executive failures and unfruitful ventures, such as restaurant management, an "unplanned" CG company, large unsecured loans to individual executives, and the failure to win investment contracts. As a result, "We fell into a difficult situation," continues the report, "such as being expelled from the committee for non-payment of royalties and being sued for loans." A notable example is Studio Khara successfully suing Gainax for unpaid royalties.

Related Evangelion Creator Hideaki Anno Reveals Potential Plans for Sequel

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Kouta Hirano’s Hellsing has done wonders for the dark fantasy vampire genre, and most of its credit goes to its main character, Alucard. Deemed one of the strongest characters in the history of anime and manga, Alucard has remained undefeated in the entire series and has served the Hellsing organization in dealing with vampires and other supernatural forces.

Hellsing by Kouta Hirano | Gonzo Studio

While there were many villains introduced in the story, none of them were able to defeat Alucard because of the plethora of powers and abilities that he possessed. From shapeshifting to dark composition, Alucard is filled with strong attacks that can’t be rivaled by anyone. However, there was only one character who came close.

His name was Alexander Anderson, and he was a prominent member of the Iscariot organization, also known as Vatican Section 13. Hirano once revealed that he introduced Section 13 and Anderson...

In an effort to dispel the popular myth that anime can't do horror stories well, one of the largest anime communities online assembled a list of the best horror-themed anime series. However, the results of poll, particularly those titles that made the top 25 list, is now under fire for its inclusion of Berserk and Chainsaw Man.

On the r/anime forum on Reddit, a poll of the best horror anime series was created based on the input of 833 users. "A lot of people say that anime 'can't do horror,'" the infographic said. "It certainly doesn't very often, but there's still some great options out there. So, 833 r/anime users put forth up to 10 anime. Their #1 choice received 3 points, #2 and #3 each received 2 points, and the rest received 1 point."

Related Studio Eclypse's Berserk: The Black Swordsman Gets New Key Art Ahead of Trailer Release Studio Eclypse's Berserk: The Black Swordsmananime receives...

There's always a gateway or jumping off point that captures the human imagination. International sensations, for example, are the kind of thing that can be a gateway to learning new cultures and languages. A lot of good can come out of spreading a new form of media for people to enjoy. Taking risks is half the fun of enjoying art in general, and animation is absolutely no exception to that rule. Anime has boomed in the last two decades in the West and that is in no small part because of Toonami.

The Toonami programming block on Cartoon Network in the late '90s and early '00s was a cultural touchstone point that deserves to be studied more closely. Anime shifted from being a niche hobby that was supplied by fandubs and overseas courier services to something that has brought together many people from many different walks of life.

Your scent. It's like a drug to me. You're like my own personal brand of heroin. Or perhaps it's just that Lionsgate simply refuses to let sleeping dogs (shape-shifters?) lie, even now that we're more than a decade removed from the peak of "Twilight" fever. The studio has already revealed its intention to reboot Stephenie Meyer's YA fantasy romance phenomenon for the small screen as a TV series, which begs the question: how exactly does it plan to go about trying to rebottle the "stupid lightning in a stupid bottle" that was the original movie adaptations of Meyer's books, to quote /Film's Bj Colangelo? We now have part of the answer and, incredibly enough, it's not at all a bad idea.

Speaking during a Q&a at this week's Morgan Stanley media conference (as reported on by Variety), Lionsgate vice chairman Michael Burns casually dropped the bombshell that...

Director Denis Villeneuve's "Dune: Part Two" is lighting the world on fire right now, much like Paul Muad'Dib's (Timothee Chalamet) jihad will be doing to the known universe after the movie's end. The sequel enjoyed a box office debut twice as big as the first "Dune" did in 2021. Unlike was the case with David Lynch's 1984 "Dune," which earned too little for sequels, it seems that Warner Bros. now has its next blockbuster franchise.

From the Worms to the Spice (which the movies hardly explain), the world of "Dune" is quite weird. One of this bizarre iceberg's tips is the villainous Baron Vladimir Harkonnen, leader of the Harkonnen feudal house. Played in the recent movies by Stellan Skarsgård, the Baron is about 600 pounds (reflecting his gluttonous wealth) and to get around, he doesn't walk, he floats with anti-gravity belts. Frank Hebert's original "Dune" books were an influence on...

The "Vinland Saga" anime wrapped its second season in 2023, and we at /Film dubbed it some of the year's best-animated TV. However, this Viking epic began not in animation cells, but on manga pages authored by Makoto Yukimura. Now, old and new fans will be able to experience this story in glorious deluxe editions.

Publisher Kodansha has announced a new serialized printing of "Vinland Saga Deluxe," printed in 7 by 10-inch margins with hardcover faux-leather binding. The first volume is scheduled for release this month, and three more have been announced (with presumably more to follow). The first four "Vinland Saga Deluxe" volumes are currently available for pre-order on digital retailers including Amazon and Crunchyroll, with a list price of $54.99 each. Release dates are as follows:

Volume 1: February 6, 2024 Volume 2: April 23, 2024 Volume 3: June 18, 2024 Volume 4: September 3, 2024 Kodansha

"Vinland Saga" is set in 11th-century Europe, opening during the Danish invasion of England.

Fans of the retro vampire-horror anime Hellsing can sink their teeth (and their eyes) into a stylish new fashion accessory.

Butler Glasses is once again partnering with the Hellsing to deliver blood-pumping merchandise perfect for those trying to show off their vampire hunter style. The company's new glasses are made in the same fashion as those worn by the character Alexander Anderson. Fully functional, these spectacles add a blood-curdling sense of style to any ensemble -- but especially to a trenchcoat and a frightening grin.

Related Iconic Luxury Sneaker Brand Celebrates 75th Anniversary With Bold Astro Boy Collab Turning 75 years old in 2024, a major Japanese fashion brand is celebrating with a new collection of fresh Astro Boy-themed sneakers and clothing. The Latest Hellsing Merchandise Is a Sight for Sore Eyeteeth Close

The new Hellsing glasses from Butler Glasses feature titanium frames and faux-wood tips, giving the appearance of vampire-hunting class without (completely) breaking the bank.

There are lots of things to love about Hellsing , but high on the list is the cool character designs — many of which include awesome glasses. And if you've ever found yourself wishing for a functional pair inspired by the series, they're here, as inspired by Father Alexander Anderson. The titanium frames are dark silver in color, hand-distressed and tipped with faux wood accents. They come with a glasses case and a glasses cloth, printed with the manga panel seen above. Related: Feature: The Original Hellsing Anime is a Slow Burn That's Worth the Time The Alexander Anderson frames are now available for pre-order , priced at 29,700 yen including tax. This isn't the first time Butler Glasses has collaborated with Hellsing , either: you can also grab Alucard's tinted specs . Don't forget, you can watch both Hellsing and Hellsing Ultimate right here on Crunchyroll! Source: Comic Natalie...

5 Best Monster Anime of All Time — These Are Not Your Average Creature Features (Picture Credit: IMDb)

Anime is the most hyped form of media in this day and age. While it has been popular for the longest time, newer anime such as “Jujutsu Kaisen,” “Demon Slayer,” “Attack on Titan,” “Spy x Family,” and more have taken its popularity to newer heights.

Although these mainstream anime are a wild ride, with their unique stories, gorgeous art, and endearing characters, some anime go beyond the scope of ‘likeability’ and almost border on ‘insanity.’ Some of the best monster anime in the industry are like that.

Most monster anime in the anime world are psychologically driven shows that are not for every demographic. However, they all possess an allure that many anime fans simply cannot ignore. Here are some of the best monster anime of all time.

Trending Complete Guide To Watch Every...

Most Underrated Horror Anime Series: Eerie Hell Girl, Philosophical Devilman Crybaby & Others (Photo Credit –IMDb)

There is a reason why avid anime fans are offended when non-anime watchers refer to anime as ‘cartoons.’ Cartoons are wholesome, child-appropriate animated sequences that invoke a feeling of joy and fun in people. They’re bright and dreamy and are generally what kids, and even adults, watch to wind down and forget the weighted realities of the world. They’re definitely not something that would give people existential crises and nightmares.

On the other hand, anime is famous for catering to a more adult demographic. And sure, there are numerous anime out there that are more kid-friendly and bright and are considered far from scary. Think “Pokemon” and “Doremon.” But many horror anime, like the famous “Junji Ito Collection” and “Hellsing,” are so spine-chilling and horrific that even adults shy away from them.

Here...

When talking about powerful anime characters, the big names that always get dropped are Goku, Ichigo, Naruto, and Luffy. Unsurprisingly, male anime characters are associated with "power" and eviscerating their enemies with energy blasts. It is easy to forget that there are also plenty of equally ripped and powerful anime women who could give the men a run for their money in the power rankings.

From cybernetic police officers to goddesses, some of anime's heaviest hitters are female. Characters across all genres have proven their mettle in battle. That power can be physical, magical, or technological. The more damage these girls and women have dealt, the more they have solidified themselves as some of the strongest female anime characters.

Updated by Alexandra Locke & Ajay Aravind on November 29, 2023: Powerful women often get overlooked in anime, but these female characters stand out anyway. Their strength and powers are so incredible that...

Gamera Rebirth delivers impressive kaiju battles, but the human storyline and animation quality fall short. Durarara!! blends mythological elements with a gang war, showing that the most horrifying events are caused by humans. Hellsing combines frightening monster designs with impressive action sequences, making Alucard one of the most popular anime protagonists.

The best monster anime has been scaring and thrilling audiences for decades. As the villains or even occasionally as the heroes, monsters have become mainstay characters in both classic anime and new favorites. However, even when monsters are the heroes, that doesn't make them any less scary.

The concept of monster and what any one person considers monstrous is open-ended, and anime certainly has its share of wild interpretations. From classic horror creatures like vampires, to big threats like kaiju, to monsters that are much harder to define, monsters have always been a big part of anime. The greatest...

Female voice actors in anime dubs deserve more praise and recognition for their performances, as they can bring characters to life just as well as their male counterparts. Some female voice actors stand out for their ability to emulate the performances of the original Japanese voice actors, while others add originality and charm to their performances. The performances of female voice actors, such as K.T. Gray as Seras Victoria in Hellsing, Cherami Leigh as Asuna in Sword Art Online, and Erica Mendez as Ryuko Matoi in Kill la Kill, showcase their immense talent and are worthy of discussion.

While it’s common for the performances of male voice actors to get the most praise in an anime dub, English dub performances by women deserve plenty of praise, as well. Just like with Japanese voice actors, female dub actors can give performances that do an incredible job of bringing their characters to life,...

Derek Kolstad is an American screenwriter and film producer who is best known as the co-creator of the John Wick franchise, one of the most successful and acclaimed action series in Hollywood. He has also written and produced other action films and shows, such as Nobody, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, and Splinter Cell. In this article, we will rank his movies from the worst to the best, based on our personal opinion and some facts from his biography123.

6. The Package (2012) The Package Trailer

The Package is a direct-to-video action film starring Dolph Lundgren and Steve Austin. It was written by Kolstad and directed by Jesse V. Johnson. The film follows a courier who must deliver a mysterious package to a crime boss while being pursued by rival gangs and corrupt cops. The Package is a generic and forgettable action flick that wastes the talents of its lead actors.

Vampires in television and cinema possess superhuman physical traits and supernatural abilities, making them strong and formidable creatures. The strengths and abilities of TV vampires vary, with some having the power to change their appearance, manipulate objects with their minds, and even read souls and communicate telepathically. Vampires in different TV shows, such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Supernatural, and Hellsing, have unique characteristics and abilities, making them distinct and memorable in their respective universes.

Vampires have always been the most popular monsters because they represent the wish-fulfillment aspect of human existence. If given the chance, most people would wish to live forever as long as they do not have to worry about aging. This explains the abundance of vampires in television and cinema. When it comes to television, vampires always possess superhuman physical traits or supernatural abilities. These vampires may all be strong, but some are stronger than others.

Major character deaths and mass murders of entire communities are practically a tradition in horror anime. Having memorably gory kills plus a high casualty rate that doesn't spare named characters are surefire ways for a horror anime to gain fame or notoriety. Notable anime, however, went the extra mile.

Instead of simply killing more than one important character and a classroom's worth of background characters at most, these anime slaughtered countless people by the thousands—at the very least. Most of these mass deaths were typical horror anime kills, but ramped up in brutality and scale. Others even transcended time and space.

Related: 10 Things You Didn't Know About Junji Ito, The Creator Of Uzumaki

Shiki Death Toll: 1,300 people at most

In Shiki, the rural village of Sotoba was besieged by the Shiki (or vampires). The village's population of around 1,300 was slowly but surely decimated by the Shikis' nighttime attacks. But when the townspeople had enough,...

Anime fans can enjoy a variety of spooky, Halloween-themed titles for free on Crunchyroll in October, including both classics and newer titles. The celebration includes such titles as Blue Exorcist, Corpse Princess: Shikabane Hime, Hellsing Ultimate, Is this a Zombie?, The Vampire Dies in No Time, Tokyo Ghoul, and more! The content is accessible for free users, but there will be ads, similar to other free streaming platforms.

As October makes it grand entrance, fans of all things scary are looking to new entertainment to pass the time. Some look for the classics. Some look for more recent titles. But what about fans of anime? If you happen to be among that group then Crunchyroll has a special treat in mind! For the month of October, the anime streaming service will be putting up a number of spooky, Halloween themed titles for free! The content is available to anybody who...

The popular streaming platform Crunchyroll celebrates Halloween with free supernatural and horror-themed anime this October.

Crunchyroll announced that it will offer a carefully selected collection of spooky entertainment. These programs will be running from October 1 all the way to Halloween. This service will be free to any member with a basic account on their platform.

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The announcement follows Crunchyroll's established tradition of providing free ad-supported content but with an exclusive Halloween twist. This collection promises a wide range of titles, featuring monsters, ghosts, ghouls, and more from different eras and with unique creative styles, courtesy of various anime studios. The collection consists of animes from the last two decades with Hell’s Paradise, a breakout hit from the Spring 2023 anime season, being its newest addition.

The diverse range of supernatural and horror-themed series in Crunchyroll's specially curated Halloween lineup includes Blood Blockade Battlefront,...

As a special treat for horror fans this Halloween season, Crunchyroll will have a wide variety of horror-themed anime to stream for free (with ads) throughout October, including Junji Ito Collection, Mieruko-chan, Hellsing, and many more!

You can check out the full list of free (with ads) anime streaming on Crunchyroll this October, and to learn more about the streaming service, visit:

https://www.crunchyroll.com/

Press Release: Culver City, California – Crunchyroll has harvested a bounty of treats to fulfill anime fans’ needs for something chilling this Halloween. Beginning on October 1 and only through the rest of the month, select titles across the spooky spectrum will be free to watch with ads for anyone who has signed up for a free user account with Crunchyroll. Those titles include Tokyo Ghoul, Zombie Land Saga, Mieruko-chan, Blue Exorcist, this year’s new breakout hit from studio Mappa Hell’s Paradise, and more.

See...

Fans of horror anime should prepare themselves, as Crunchyroll is releasing a wide assortment of spooky anime for free to celebrate the Halloween season. Though the anime streaming giant's premium subscribers already have access to some of the greatest horror anime ever made, this new initiative is an exciting prospect for fans of anime currently using the ad-supported free side of Crunchyroll.

In a press release, Crunchyroll detailed the exciting bevy of anime being offered from October 1st to the 31st for fans who have a free account. The list of anime free with ads is expansive and includes classics like Hellsing Ultimate and Tokyo Ghoul as well as more recent horror-tinged adventures such as Hell's Paradise. In addition to these holiday offerings, Crunchyroll already offers hit series like Blue Lock, Chainsaw Man, and Spy x Family for free with ads.

Stream Hellsing, Tokyo Ghoul, Hell's Paradise, & More for Free...

Gunslingers in anime often appear in western-inspired settings, resulting in some of the medium's most iconic characters. While the top touchstones like Trigun and Cowboy Bebop hit their heights in 1990s, the time is always right for a comeback... and to appreciate the lone wolves that cemented their place in anime history.

There are many other types of gunslingers in anime: charismatic vampires, like the immortal Alucard from Hellsing, or trained assassins, like Train Heartnet from Black Cat. All of them are well-known for their precise skill with a gun, and ability to take out targets most would think impossible. Gunslingers come and go in anime, but here are the most elite to carry the name.

Related: 10 Seinen With The Best Manga Art

Death The Kid (Soul Eater)

Death the Kid is the son of Death himself, and the most popular character in Soul Eater (an anime famous for its...

There are some things that people just don't grow out of. Whether it be interests or music genres or styles of clothing, some little aspects of people just stay a part of them forever, no matter how old they get. This is why it makes sense that the audience for much of Hot Topic has seemed to age over the years. Teens and tweens still go there, but it's far more likely to find people in their twenties and thirties shopping at the chain, especially since their brand-wide embrace of anime.

That general gothic aesthetic is something that anime has long been known to embrace and play off of, but it is less common in comedic anime and usually relegated to series like Hellsing or Black Butler. Goths like to laugh, too; it can't all just be blood and sexy monster boys. This is the niche that The Vampire Dies In No Time...

Baki Hanma is based on a popular Japanese manga series created by Keisuke Itagaki. The anime series follows the titular character in his journey to become strong enough to surpass his father Yujiro Hanma, the strongest fighter in the world. So, if you loved the Netflix anime series here are some similar anime shows you should watch next.

Record of Ragnarok (Netflix)

Synopsis: The anime based on the popular manga serialized in Monthly Comic Zenon and which has sold over 10 million copies enters its second season! The 13 one-on-one battles between representatives of gods and humans across the entire world for the survival of humanity begin once more! Blood flows and fists fly in these intense battles of strong convictions!

Drifters

Synopsis: From the creator and team behind Hellsing comes a thrilling story where history and fantasy collide. Shimazu Toyohisa, a famous samurai who fought in the historical Battle of Sekigahara,...

Demons, poltergeists, and Frankenstein-like creations don't just make great costumes — they make great characters, too. Not all monsters in anime are horrific; some anime have a diverse range of monsters with more cartoony, Halloween vibes than straightforward horror. Their cast of characters comprising vampires, ghosts, ghouls, and zombies are like a love letter to "The Monster Mash" and make year-round entertaining watches.

Sometimes, the protagonist is an unwitting human who serves as a foil to the supernatural that surrounds them, while other monster anime are full of sympathetic, humanized monsters. Some titles really lean into seinen-level horror, while others are more lighthearted, like The Munsters meets anime.

Related: 10 Best Halloween-Themed Anime Episodes

Soul Eater

Soul Eater takes place in an academy run by Death itself. The cast is huge, full of humans who can turn into weapons and supernatural creatures with strange powers.

From werecats (called Monster Cats) to...

Hollywood has a terrible reputation when it comes to adapting anime into live-action, but that doesn't mean that filmmakers will stop trying to bring anime to life. This trend won't be stopping anytime soon, especially in light of how anime seems to keep getting bigger and adored around the world with each passing year.

Related: 10 Anime You Didn't Know Had A Different Title In English

Additionally, filmmakers who grew up loving anime are gradually making their presences felt. It's becoming more likely that live-action anime adaptations will become more common in the near future. Now that these movies are being made by fans, it's possible that live-action anime movies will get better with time.

Untitled Alita: Battle Angel Sequel To be directed by Robert Rodriguez

Alita: Battle Angel is one of the best live-action anime adaptations yet. Not only was it directed by Desperado's Robert Rodriguez and produced by Avatar's James Cameron,...