Hellsing

About Hellsing

Hellsing is a Japanese anime television series based on the manga series of the same name by Kouta Hirano. The plot is set in modern times and follows the Hellsing Organization, a secret agency tasked with combating supernatural threats in England, primarily led by vampires. The primary protagonist, Alucard, is a powerful vampire enslaved by the Hellsing family and enlisted to fight against these dark forces.

Making / Production

The production of the series involved a collaboration between Gonzo (an anime studio) and Satelight. The design and animation process sought to recreate the dark, Gothic aesthetic of the original manga. The series first premiered on the Fuji Television network in October 13, 2001 and lasted for 13 episodes.

Actors

• Jōji Nakata: He voiced Alucard, the series's protagonist, lending him a captivating and enigmatic presence.
• Fumiko Orikasa: As Seras Victoria, Orikasa brings a sense of humanity and struggle to the character who grapples with her newfound vampire existence.
• Unshō Ishizuka: He voiced Sir Integra Fairbrook Wingates Hellsing, effectively portraying the character's strong leadership and determination.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The show is unique for its interpretation of the Dracula mythology. It marries traditional vampire lore with modern themes and settings.
• The name 'Alucard' is 'Dracula' spelled backward, showing the character's connection with the original vampire myth.
• Pilot of this series was actually an OVA, which stands for "Original Video Animation" and is a term used in Japan for anime titles that are released directly to home video formats without prior showings on TV or in theatres.

Quotes

• "I'm a dog, then you're dog food." - Alucard
• "Humans... all so weak. Cats, rabbits, hawks... no, even the worms live far more fiercely." - Alexander Anderson
• "Mankind’s greatest fear is Mankind itself" - Integra Fairbrook Wingates Hellsing

Music, Soundtrack

• 'Hellsing OST 1: Raid' includes "Logos Naki World (World Without Logos)" which is the opening theme song, and "Shine" which is the ending theme song.
• 'Hellsing OVA Series OST 2: Ruins' encompasses several background and fight-scene themes.
• 'Hellsing OVA Series OST 1: Faith of by Jesper Kyd' includes more atmospheric and dramatic music for the series.

Awards

Though highly popular among the anime community, the Hellsing television series did not receive any major awards during its initial airing.