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Step aside Buffy. Move over Van Helsing. Make way for the ultimate vampire hunter: the enigmatic D.

Vampire Hunter D is a manga based on the novels written by Hideyuki Kikuchi. It tells the story of a human/vampire half-breed known only as D whose sole purpose is to destroy his evil brethren, the wicked creatures of the night. The manga version slightly differs from the novels in minor aspects but the general narrative remains the same. If you've already read the novels, then buying the manga is completely optional.

In both the novel and the manga, D is portrayed to be a savior of sorts, the people's sole protector against the vampires. He, however, has mysterious motives which is slowly unraveled as the story goes on. Hints from his murky past gives the reader a glimpse of what his real motives are. Taking place thousands of years after a nuclear holocaust, the post-apocalyptic setting of Vampire Hunter D adds a lot to the unique feel of the manga. Unlike most vampire stories which occur during the Medieval period, this manga tries to defy the norms of the genre.

Although a main narrative connects the manga's volumes, each of them can actually stand on its own separate merits.

Each individual volume pits D against a powerful vampire, as requested by helpless human clients, usually with a promise of rewards and riches upon vanquishing the target. Oftentimes, D accepts a mission not because of the reward but because he feels empathy for the victims. Although he's just a half-breed, he still thinks and acts with compassion for the humans. I'd like to think that there is a slight political undertone within the confines of this manga. The level of maturity depicted here elevates the vampire-hunter genre on an entirely different level.

Compared to most mangas, Vampire Hunter D's artwork leaps out of the pages and engulfs the reader in its world.

Takaki, the manga's illustrator, employs an edgy realistic approach thereby allowing the reader to enjoy not only Kikuchi's superb storytelling but also the manga's stunning visuals. Don't expect too much graphic or gory images though as Vampire Hunter D relies more on the haunting atmosphere of a world overrun by vampires. There's also a slight western touch here which reminded me of another manga I've read: Masamune Shirow's Ghost in the Shell.

I have to admit, at first I felt that a manga with a plotline this complex might scare away casual readers, but I quickly realized that there's something here for everyone. This manga offers a lot of action, suspense, drama, and a healthy dose of bleak humor. Vampire Hunter D is a step up from your usual manga fare, so be sure to buy yourself the first volume if ever you find a copy.

Learn more about this author, Julius Albert Custodio.
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