A rare piece of art, enjoyable all of the way.     Jun 03, 2007     reviewed by Dragonlady BlackDawn    

I think I can speak for many when I say that Hellsing is my favourite anime/manga series. It is truly unique - each character is so individual, they seem almost eccentric (especially the main character, Alucard). However, the art and the writing combined have created a rare thing - though the characters are so different, the reader will feel that they can completely understand and relate to them. The reader will also have no worries cheering on Alucard the vampire, who is on the 'good side,' but seems to be scarily evil on occasion. The story also offers a great plotline which consists of many twists and turns, leaving the reader in constant suspense. In general, the plotline consists of the following (without spoiling anything; you'll have to find that out yourself!) : Hellsing is a special, secret organisation based in England with the task of destroying any supernatural threats. Namely, destroying vampires. (Note here the reference to the myth of Van Hellsing - the monster hunter hired to kill Dracula. I thought that was really cool...) Integra Hellsing, the current leader, is committed to continuing her late father's legacy of issuing and dealing with Hellsing's duties. She does this mainly through Alucard - a vampire who was captured and conditioned for many years under Hellsing to hunt other vampires. Though Alucard is loyal to Hellsing and does his job well, he is still very morbid, and enjoys inflicting pain (much to Integra's disturbance.) During one of their vampire-slaying missions, the Hellsing organization uncovers something that could mean the destruction of them...

But in general, Hellsing is a beautifully illustrated series in both manga and anime form, and will appeal to the mid-teen and over audience. Though enjoyable, it is extremely violent, so I'm warning you now, if you're squeamish. :P. Thanks for your time. ^_^

Dragonlady BlackDawn also recommended: Nightwalker: Midnight Detective, Witch Hunter Robin, Vampire Princess Miyu, Lunar Legend Tsukihime,
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Vampires, Gore, and Guns...what's not to love?     Aug 23, 2007     reviewed by Desiree    

Kohta Hirano has brought us a series that is simply the most unique storyline on the shelves, and certainly the most heavily laden with allusory. The story begins with a secret organization, Hellsing, formally known as the Royal Order of Protestant Knights, charged with defending their country from any and all supernatural threats. In this series, the Hellsing organization is a key piece of the true power structure of Great Britain, ruled over by a shadow monarch and clandestine aristocracy. Hellsing begins as a mystery, the main players searching for answers to foreboding clues that tell of an impending apocalypse. Hirano also presents to his readers a plethora of philosopical themes and queries, riddled with almost endless meanings. Hellsing draws greatly from H.P. Lovecraft's Cthulu works, and of course, Bram Stoker's Dracula, perfectly punctuated with blood-pounding action. Hirano gives scant limit to the cruelties some characters can commit, from murder, rape, torture, mutilation, and even cannibalism. He contrasts this with deep delving into strength of character, kindness of heart, and instances of heroism. In my opinion, Alucard is a perfect example of such contrasts. Alucard is the elite crusader of the Hellsing Organization, and also the most ancient, his former life dating back into the 1400s. As many readers have noted, his name spelled backwards is Dracula, as he is indeed the infamous Count Dracula of Stoker's fabled novel. Alucard displays terrifying strength, preternatural power, and also a deeply shuttered, more human side--rarely seen, but plainly evident when revealed. Aside from deeply developed and vivid characters, there are countless allusions to a gloriously diverse body of works, enough to keep any otaku more than happy. I could go on forever about the diversity that lies within Hellsing's pages, but I wouldn't want to spoil a screamingly good read, now would I? ;-)

Desiree also recommended:
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bloody good     Jun 22, 2007     reviewed by shadow969    
(Hellsing Ultimate Vol. 01)

Hellsing is the most incredible vampire shows ever and the new ova is even better.If you loved the TV series you'll love this even more(Plus if it were not for the TV series being so popular the ova wouldn't look as good as it does).The music may not be as great as the last but it fits well.The dvd is a bit short but still good.Besides it's better this because the orginal plan was to release two episodes per dvd but the release of each dvd would have been about two years apart from each other,but all that aside;great animation,bloody action,and more detailed story equals a great show that everybody should own.

shadow969 also recommended:
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Bloody Hell     Jun 15, 2007     reviewed by Squirrel Ninja    
(Hellsing Ultimate Vol. 01)

The Hellsing Ultimate Series is off to an excellent start. For those who aren't familiar with this new OVA, Hellsing Ultimate is a total upgrade from the original anime. All of the original voice actors appear for stealer repeat performances, but the plot has been compleatly redone to follow the story of the manga, and new cutting edge (and awesome)animation is present. If you love Hellsing there is no reason to pass this up, it rivals even 300 in terms of general bad-assery.

Squirrel Ninja also recommended: Trinity Blood, Samurai Champloo, Vampire Hunter D: Blood Lust,
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The best vampire story out there     Jun 13, 2007     reviewed by DalilaMoon21    

Hands down my most favorite manga. I can't wait for the next volume to come out. Kohta Hirano has created a very unique cast of characters and his art for the funny moments is well, very funny and unique. Alucard and Integra are the best characters of the series. (Crazy fan girl of this pairing..lol)

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Great vampire story     May 25, 2007     reviewed by Mag    

This is my favorit serie of manga about vampire. The art is extremely beautiful and the design of the carathers are really well done and sofisticate. The stroy is very well done and followe a good other. The carachers are funny and in the same time violant. Some time the art seem to be really basic but it's a good thing in this manga. This manga is very violant and have many bloody scene. This serie is for mature readers and vampire fans. A litle hit: When you read Alucard (the name of the vampire of this story) from the end to the start it's done Dracula ^^.

Mag also recommended:
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Buy this please     Feb 06, 2009     reviewed by g0dfath3r8990    
(Hellsing Complete Box Set)

I read the comic and its great the show will be awesome also

g0dfath3r8990 also recommended: Blue Gender, Elfin Leid,
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Hellsing     Jul 07, 2008     reviewed by Mike    

What can I say, I really don't think this manga is really that great. Most people crave about it but I dont find much to drool about. The book is just a little book of seperate stories. While most people like this I would rather read a manga that has a better plot and 1 big story. Although the artwork is top notch I still dont recommend this series.

Mike also recommended: Battle royale, Death Note, Bleach,
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What can be said that has not been said before?     Feb 01, 2008     reviewed by Demoni    

This is truly an amazing series. The plots may be a bit odd at times, but it follows through well and contributes to the story as a whole. Addicting and inventive, Hellsing is a series that will last.

The art is gorgeous in its own right, and consists of a lot of details as well as contrast. You can follow Hirano's evolving art style from the first volume through the rest, and the plot is interesting enough to keep anyone reading it from getting bored. As of current, this manga is still going, and I highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in vague horror, lots of action, lots of intrigue and good story development.

Demoni also recommended: Bastard!!, Trigun, Outlaw Star, Death Note, D. Grey-Man,
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Hellsing     Jul 14, 2007     reviewed by yaoifangirl    

No-one can ever get tired of hellsing (well that's what i think). This manga is so good that you wont even want to put it down :P

yaoifangirl also recommended: trinity blood,
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Hellsing!     Jul 07, 2007     reviewed by Dekar-    

It's hellsing... same godly manga, new volume (at last ^^) very good (GREAT) story, good action, perfect everything (i'm a bit biased)

Dekar- also recommended: Trigun Max, Berserk, Death Note,
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