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Anime Quick Information
| Title: | Hellsing |
| UK publisher: | ADV Films |
| Genre: | Horror |
| Studio: | GONZO |
| Type: | TV Series |
| Director: | Yasunori Urata |
| Year: | 2001 |
| Running Time: | 13 episodes x 25 mins |
| Average Rating: 7.50 |
Paranoia Agent's review
Paranoia Agent scored this with 8/10. Disagree?
Hellsing is a gutsy, stylish re-interpretation of the vampire myth, taking place in modern day England it centres on a clandestine organization of Vampire hunters called Hellsing. Head of the organization is Sir Integra Wingates Hellsing, a stubborn but level-headed young woman who holds the secret to Hellsing's most potent weapon, Alucard; an all powerful Vampire dutifully bound to protect and serve his human masters.
Despite it's unoriginal premise, 'Hellsing' is an oft brilliant and entertaining series, at times it can degenerate into cliché but some novel ideas (the notion of instant or man made vampires) help lift it above similar genre fare. The action sequences are deftly executed, showcasing a flair for violence that piles on the gore, guns and style with vicious aplomb. The superbly handled script crackles with some great one liners (giving our laconic hero ample opportunity to shine) and grants the seemingly shallow story a surprising amount of depth.
The action often segues into wide expanses of plot that gradually pencil in the tangled histories of Hellsing's eclectic cast of characters. There's Walter; the seemingly mild mannered Butler who goes by the alias 'Angel of Death', the icily cool Incognito and my personal favourite - Alexander Anderson, a bayonet wielding Catholic priest who'd have your local congregation cowering behind their pews! Then there's Alucard himself, garbed in a crimson hat and trench coat whilst sporting a pair of handguns that would make Vash from Trigun blush. He's the epitome of gothic cool and would certainly give Vampire Hunter D a run for his money. If I were forced to make a complaint, it would be that the dark vein of black humour, which saturated Hellsing's manga incarnation, has all but been expunged from the anime; a few laughs here and there wouldn't have gone amiss.
Animated by the talented folks at Gonzo and using newer digimation techniques, Hellsing is a solid looking anime. The characters are realised in amazing detail with crystal lines and that unmistakable digital sheen. Special mention must also go to the striking use of colour; blood red skies and heavy blacks help create an evocative gothic atmosphere reminiscent of old Hammer Horror movies.
Proceedings are really enlivened by a great soundtrack; gothic flavoured classical pieces sit alongside throbbing heavy metal, and if it wasn't for the poodle rock ballad that accompanies the ending credits - it'd be nigh on perfect!
A balls to the wall anime series, loaded with enough fantastic characters, slick animation and macabre action to satiate even the hungriest of bloodsuckers! So put down that copy of 'Vampire Wars' and give Hellsing a look instead, you won't regret it.
Screenshots (click to pop out)
Review Information
| Score: | 8 out of 10 |
| Review By: | Paranoia Agent |
| Date Published: | Thu, 13 May 2004 |
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1. Comment by Paul
Posted on Thu, 13 May 2004. Paul rated "Hellsing": 8 out of 10.
2. Comment by aniki
Posted on Thu, 13 May 2004. aniki rated "Hellsing": 8 out of 10.
3. Comment by Keith, Portsmouth, UK
Now though I love this series I would highly recommened getting the manga as well. Don't get me wrong the anime is very good but it pales in comparisonto the vastly superior drawn version.
Despite that I'd still recommened watching the anime because it still rocks so hard.
Posted on Wed, 19 May 2004. Keith, Portsmouth, UK rated "Hellsing": 1 out of 10.
4. Comment by keith, Portsmouth, UK
Posted on Wed, 19 May 2004. keith, Portsmouth, UK rated "Hellsing": 1 out of 10.
5. Comment by Michael Hirst, Bristol
But otherwise i loved it, and i can only hope the rumours of a second series are true.
Posted on Mon, 26 Jul 2004. Michael Hirst, Bristol rated "Hellsing": 9 out of 10.
6. Comment by Sithe
Posted on Sat, 22 Jan 2005. Sithe rated "Hellsing": 10 out of 10.
7. Comment by Sheryl Lyn
it's just sad that there is no more than 13 episodes...
well...at least the manga is still going...
Posted on Sun, 23 Jan 2005. Sheryl Lyn rated "Hellsing": 10 out of 10.
8. Comment by Marie
Posted on Fri, 4 Feb 2005. Marie rated "Hellsing": 10 out of 10.
9. Comment by isaac
Posted on Thu, 24 Feb 2005. isaac rated "Hellsing": 10 out of 10.
10. Comment by Roachy
Posted on Fri, 15 Apr 2005. Roachy rated "Hellsing": 10 out of 10.
11. Comment by Tekkaman X
Posted on Tue, 19 Apr 2005. Tekkaman X rated "Hellsing": 10 out of 10.
12. Comment by Roachy
Posted on Wed, 20 Apr 2005. Roachy rated "Hellsing": 10 out of 10.
13. Comment by alucard freak!
Posted on Thu, 28 Apr 2005. alucard freak! rated "Hellsing": 10 out of 10.
14. Comment by Ryan dennison
Posted on Tue, 3 May 2005. Ryan dennison rated "Hellsing": 10 out of 10.
15. Comment by Celina Martinez
Posted on Thu, 9 Jun 2005. Celina Martinez rated "Hellsing": 10 out of 10.
16. Comment by dunerat
On topic, an excellent series, but leaves out quite a bit of the actual story, which can be found... in the manga!
Posted on Tue, 14 Jun 2005. dunerat rated "Hellsing": 8 out of 10.
17. Comment by XY
Posted on Sat, 18 Jun 2005. XY rated "Hellsing": 10 out of 10.
18. Comment by botmaster2005
Posted on Mon, 27 Jun 2005. botmaster2005 rated "Hellsing": 10 out of 10.
19. Comment by Loyal Integra Fanboy!
Posted on Wed, 29 Jun 2005. Loyal Integra Fanboy! rated "Hellsing": 9 out of 10.
20. Comment by Xariyn
Posted on Tue, 30 Aug 2005. Xariyn rated "Hellsing": 10 out of 10.
21. Comment by Wildcard
Posted on Tue, 6 Sep 2005. Wildcard rated "Hellsing": 10 out of 10.
22. Comment by Major
Posted on Sun, 25 Sep 2005. Major rated "Hellsing": 8 out of 10.
23. Comment by jorkke
Posted on Sun, 18 Dec 2005. jorkke rated "Hellsing": 10 out of 10.
24. Comment by Midian of London
Posted on Mon, 30 Jan 2006. Midian of London rated "Hellsing": 7 out of 10.
25. Comment by necrowarrior
As i can all of you loved this one so i'll just recommend a similar anime.
Trinity Blood- its equally good .... if not better!
Posted on Sun, 25 Jun 2006. necrowarrior rated "Hellsing": 8 out of 10.
26. Comment by Catalyst.
I loved the series, but it lacked after episode 7, there was so much that could have been done, but no Gonzo went off on their own little story. Eh, all in all, good not great.
Posted on Mon, 26 Jun 2006. Catalyst. rated "Hellsing": 8 out of 10.
Type the characters you see in the picture above.