Vampires have stalked the darkest recesses of our minds and modern media for decades. They’ve appeared in countless movies, television shows, cartoons, books, and video games. And created franchises like Twilight, Castlevania, The Munsters, Hotel Transylvania, and, especially, Vampire Hunter D. Vampire Hunter D tells of the titular character traversing and slaying his horrific prey. What started as a series of light novels eventually became a cult classic animated film. But would it surprise you to know this flick is making a comeback next month?
Biting Into Vampire Hunter D
Written by Hideyuki Kikuchi, Vampire Hunter D is a long-running and best-selling light novel series. It launched in 1983, weaving gothic horror, science fiction, and Western elements. The books explore Earth centuries into the future following a devastating nuclear war. Humanity remains but now resides in a land where technology and medieval mythology coexist. Also inhabiting the landscape is an array of horrific creatures, including vampires. And ruling over all is a group of powerful bloodsuckers known as the Nobility.
Luckily, humans don’t have to face these nightmarish monsters alone because vampire hunters exist. The best among them is D, the titular protagonist of the entire series and franchise. He possesses remarkable physical capabilities, wields a crescent sword, and rides a cyborg horse. D also controls magic and houses a sentient supernatural parasite in his hand. Lastly, his body can regenerate quickly because of his lineage. D is, in truth, a half-human and half-vampire being called a dhampir.
The story of Vampire Hunter D begins when D takes a protection job. He must guard a young woman, Doris Lang, from the vampire noble Count Magnus Lee. The bloodsucker desires to make Doris his wife after tasting her blood once. D must fend off Lee’s vile minions while keeping Doris and her younger brother safe. After he completes the mission, D continues on his lonesome travels as a vampire-hunting dhampir.
Vampire Hunter D Returning to Theaters
The first Vampire Hunter D novel inspired a 1985 animated film of the same name. Influenced by Western horror films like Horror of Dracula, Toyoo Ashida directed it. The movie saw massive success thanks to its themes hitting the market perfectly. Its popularity led to Vampire Hunter D receiving an English dub in 1992. Like in Japan, people adored the movie, thus prompting it to become a cult favorite. It even pushed the boundaries of what anime could be besides typical children’s entertainment.
The franchise went quiet over recent years besides its new 2022 comic. However, the first animated movie will receive its second wind next month. Streaming services HIDIVE and Shudder are re-releasing Vampire Hunter D for its 40th anniversary. This digitally remastered horror classic will grace theaters across the United States and Canada. It will also be available on the platforms later this year. Either way, people will experience this groundbreaking animated film at least once.
Final Thoughts
I like the idea of a classic anime film appearing in theaters. Modern audiences can experience a piece of animated history while die-hard fans relive the nostalgia. That’s pretty much why I love watching the Pokemon TV channel on YouTube. As for Vampire Hunter D, I’m not a big horror fan, but it intrigues me. I’ll have to see if it arrives in my neck of the woods. Vampire Hunter D returns to theaters on April 9, 10, and 13.
