Search - Hellsing - Impure Souls (Vol. 1) - With Series Box on DVD

Gonzo's biggest 2001 hit

T. Kim | 06/17/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Gonzo outdid itself. Again.Hellsing, although a short series with only 12 episodes, was a definite hit, taking on a new spin on vampires in the streets of Britain. (Side note: There are sepculations from Gonzo to start a sequel. More information later.) I sat there for all 12 episodes with satisfaction as a horror series is given not just its share of shrieks and shrills, but a storyline with heart.The main character is Arucard, a vampire. And as all vampires, he has the curse of immortality and the desire for blood. But he works for the other side. He slays vampires and the lot for the Hellsing Agency. It is headed by Integra Wingates Hellsing, descendent of Baron Van Hellsing the legendary vampire hunter and a Knight of the Round Table. They protect the Queen and Britain, but more is afoot than they know...With a simple but crisp animation, coupled with stunning presentation and matching soundtrack, Hellsing was regarded as one of the best animations in Japan of the year 2001, third after Mahoromatic and Scryed. Not quite shocking, yet it leaves you feeling displaced."

A complete review from Japan (The whole series)

Sylvantha | 07/15/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"When I bought the first three DVD's of Helsing, I was blown away by its amazing story and take on the classic theme of "vampires". Helsing provides a fresh look into a done to death genre and with fascinating characters and story developments, I was instantly hooked. In fact I would have easily given this series a "five star" rating if not for its weak ending. I think many people who have given this series a high rating probably have not had the opportunity to see the final few episodes which were quite disappointing. The series had moving along so well but then it ends rather abruptly leaving a whole host of unanswered questions to the viewers. Regardless of, I would still strongly recommend this series to most viewers and it is unforunate that this series suffered the same fate of most Japanese anime and comics, i.e. a weak ending.
Oh well..."

Devilishly Stunning

madnessmark | Maple Grove, MN | 10/07/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Gonzo has been well known for their excellent CG in Blue Sub #6 and Vandread, but Hellsing is probably one of their best titles yet. They don't go overboard with the CG and the story bones well for vampire fans. For many anime fans, this will be one of the coolest series ever.Order 01: Alucard must track down a vampire disguised as a priest in Chedder, where he also meets Victoria Seras.
Order 02: Victoria becomes more aware of the Hellsing organization when on a mission to obliterate two teenage vampires.
Order 03: Victoria is assigned to take out a crazed vampire medical patient where she also meets Alucard's new enemy.The story in this series is VERY violent. Enough to make you wince atleast once. Alucard will immedietly become a favorite with many anime fans since he is purely a psychotic killing vampire. Take Vampire Hunter D's clothing mixed with Trigun's Vash's attitude and you should have a pretty good idea of what Alucard is like. It's rare that a moment goes by where Alucard isn't smiling. Victoria acts as kind of the viewers reaction to all this fighting and provides some good comic relief and female influence to the show. Other characters include Sir Integra Hellsing (leader of the Hellsing organization), Sir Walter (faithful servent of Integra), Peter Ferguson (main captain of Hellsing) and Paladin (a Catholic who exterminates vampires).The English dub has been made to fit the location of England. All the English cast members (with an exception of Alucard) have English accents. It doesn't bog down the story too much, but what bothered me about the English script was the blatant use of the F word. It's only used a couple of times in Episode 2, but it will become a habit of Pioneer in later episodes. But then again, I guess thats what would lure more people into the series.The extras are pretty good for the first release. We get a creditless opening, music video (in Japanese), 50 concept art images and a gallery on the Alucard action figure (sans the hat).Overall, Hellsing is a great series I recommend that everyone atleast give a try. If you like pure insane violence mixed with vampires and cursing and a good rocking soundtrack, you should have no problem warming up to this show."

Das vampir

A. Hansen | 05/14/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ah, Hellsing... one of the finest pieces of anime this side of Gehenna.The story details the Hellsing agency, leaded by Integra Wingates Hellsing. She is the descendant of the legendary doctor/vampire-hunter Abraham Van Helsing from Bram Stokers Dracula.
Because of her bloodline, she has control of a maliciously powerful vampire named Alucard, whose origin has yet to be revealed.Alucard has become the top agent of the Hellsing agency, whose job is to protect the Queen of England from all sorts of undead rabble and/or monsters.
During a mission, Alucard "embraces" a female policewoman, making her a creature of the night as well.
The policewoman, named Ceres Victoria, struggles to accept her new undead form, which is also a main theme of the anime.The art of the anime is stunning... though it varies in some of the later episodes. Also, the soundtrack is smooth and cool.
Definitely worth a buy if you like horror, vampires (or Vampire Hunter D), or H.P. Lovecraft (as the series is highly inspired by the Lovecraftian realm).Finally, I should mention that Alucard is... so... bad-[one]."