by Robert Smith

Created on: November 05, 2008

This DVD brings you the first episode from the Hellsing OVA (original video animation). Originally there was a 13 episode anime of Hellsing but this strayed from the original Manga which the anime is based on. Hellsing ultimate is still in development but there are currently three episodes each of which are fifty minutes. Fans have praised Hellsing Ultimate due to its better representation of the characters and storylines.

Story
The story follows the adventures of the Hellsing Corporation in Britain. This organisation is charged with the protection of the public from the supernatural. Also they must cover up all traces of this supernatural threat. Think of them as Men in Black for the undead. Their enemies range from zombies to vampires.
The first episode introduces us to the characters. Firstly we come across a girl named Seras Victoria who is not a member of the Hellsing organisation from the start. She is originally part of a Special Forces group. On a mission she comes face to face with a vampire and is captured. This is where we meet Alucard who is the most powerful member of the Hellsing Corporation. He too is a vampire but seems to be a good guy. In order to save Seras he impales through her to kill the vampire behind her. This leaves her mortally wounded. Alucard makes Seras a vampire so she does not die. She then becomes his assistant and part of the Hellsing Corporation.The story progresses and we learn of the threats the Corporation faces and must defeat. There are also religious groups who are neither friend nor foe and so confrontations do occur. I am a huge fan of the story of this anime. Whilst there are many animes that deal with the supernatural this story maintains originality from the others. It does this by being quite dark with a black humour. It is quite violent and not really for those younger than 15. I also enjoy the historical references in Hellsing that seem to have influenced its creation. It is essentially a modern twist on old stories.

Characters
Alucard - Voiced by Crispin Freeman. This is the best voice casting of any English Dub in anime. Freeman's voice couldn't suit the character better. Alucard is a very old Vampire and is under the control of the Hellsing organisation. He wears a red suit and a red hat and rounded glasses. The red of his outfit is great thinking. Obviously most of his personality revolves around blood so it is almost like his clothes are stained from centuries of bloodshed. He looks stereotypically evil and menacing.

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