Anime Hellsing Ultimate Review

Hellsing Ultimate is a Japanese anime OVA (Original Video Animation) series based on the manga by Kouta Hirano. Released between 2006 and 2012, this 10-episode series is a more faithful adaptation of the original manga compared to the earlier 2001 TV series.

Plot and Setting

Set in a dark, gothic version of England, Hellsing Ultimate follows the secretive Hellsing Organization, led by Sir Integra Fairbrook Wingates Hellsing. The organization's primary mission is to protect the British Empire from supernatural threats, particularly vampires.

The story centers around Alucard, a powerful vampire who serves the Hellsing family, and Seras Victoria, a young police officer turned vampire. As the series progresses, they face increasingly dangerous foes, including the vampire-creating Millennium organization, led by a group of Nazi remnants.

Characters

1. Alucard: The series' anti-hero, an immensely powerful vampire with a complex past and a sardonic personality.
2. Seras Victoria: A newly-turned vampire struggling with her newfound nature while serving as Alucard's protégé.
3. Sir Integra Hellsing: The stern and resolute leader of the Hellsing Organization.
4. Walter C. Dornez: Hellsing's elderly but highly skilled butler and former vampire hunter.
5. Alexander Anderson: A zealous Vatican priest and Alucard's primary rival.

Animation and Art Style

Hellsing Ultimate boasts high-quality animation that significantly improves upon its TV series predecessor. The OVA format allowed for:

• Fluid action sequences
• Detailed character designs
• Vivid, atmospheric backgrounds
• Gruesome and unflinching depictions of violence

The art style embraces a dark, gothic aesthetic that perfectly complements the series' tone and themes.

Themes and Tone

The series explores several mature themes:

• The nature of humanity and monstrosity
• Religious conflict and fanaticism
• Loyalty and betrayal
• The consequences of unchecked power

Hellsing Ultimate maintains a consistently dark and often disturbing tone, balancing moments of intense action with psychological horror and black humor.

Sound and Music

The series features:

• A memorable soundtrack that blends orchestral pieces with rock elements
• Excellent voice acting in both the original Japanese and English dub
• Impactful sound effects that enhance the visceral nature of the action

Strengths

1. Faithful adaptation of the source material
2. Complex and morally ambiguous characters
3. Stunning visuals and animation
4. Intense action sequences
5. Compelling overarching plot

Weaknesses

1. The extreme violence may be off-putting for some viewers
2. Pacing issues in later episodes
3. Some characters may feel underdeveloped due to the focus on action

Conclusion

Hellsing Ultimate is a tour de force in the vampire anime genre. It offers a unique blend of horror, action, and dark fantasy that sets it apart from more conventional anime series. While not for the faint of heart, it rewards viewers with its intricate plot, memorable characters, and stunning audiovisual presentation.

For fans of dark fantasy, vampire lore, or those seeking a more mature and violent anime experience, Hellsing Ultimate is a must-watch. It successfully elevates the original manga's vision to create a visceral and unforgettable anime experience.

Rating: 8.5/10