Ranked #1019

Black Blood Brothers

Story:
Even though I'm not a great vampire genre fan I liked the story of this anime. It has a nice build-up without leaving you guessing too much. The smooth development of the story and the nice cliffhangers keep you interested and because of there are only 12 episodes it's an easy to watch show. 9/10

Animation:
The animation style of Black Blood Brothers is a kind of cartoonish, but that really fits the story. This only goes for the shape of the characters, because there movements are fluent and mature. Especially the fights are done very nicely and makes you wanting more. In contrast to most vampire series, the animation of this show is pretty bright, which gives it a less serious look.
I give the animation 9/10.

Sound:
The OP is "Ashita no Kioku" by Naozumi Takahashi. It's a nice J-rock song which just rocks.
The ED is "Shinkirou" by LOVEHOLIC and is a typical J-pop ED.
I liked the way the special FX were done in this series. The sounds were very realistic, like the clashing of the swords and the gunfire. Also does the background music fit the action. Because of that you almost don't notice it. 8/10

Character:
The development of the characters is done very well in only 12 episodes. They also have many different sides. The series is pretty serious, but they managed to put in some funny remarks which makes the show not too heavy. Especially the main character Jirou has some funny one liners every now and then. 9/10

Enjoyment:
This is a short, action-packed, funny vampire series. I really loved watching this show and I hope there will be a second season. This all depends on the DVD sales, so when they are released, please buy them. Since this show only has 12 episodes you don't need to spend a fortune on just these few DVD's.
If you like an easy to follow story, action and vampires, this is definitely a show for you! I give Black Blood Brothers an overall score of 9/10. read more

Story:
It's a story that does indeed focus on a vampire, however the story makes it so that it doesn't revolve around the vampireness, because it really focuses on Jirou, the main character, going up against the Kowloon Children. The background story is revealed in small tidbits at the beginning of each episode, and is rather enigmatic at the start, however unveils as you progress over the episodes and is completely revealed on the final episode. The story itself really is kinda crappy, however the fact that they managed to fully pack the story and it's background story into just 12 episodes is somewhat notable I suppose.

Art:
The artwork is pretty well executed. The fight scenes are fluently animated. Contrary to most vampire genre series, the overall color to the art isn't very dark and shady, providing it with a little more lighthearted feel and mood, however still becoming serious when necessary.

Sound:
The OP is a pretty cool JRock song that definitely suits the series. Good choice for this one. The ED then switches to a light and more melodic tune, giving it a nice contrast. The sound effects work well, and the background music also fits the scenes nicely.

Character:
Well, lemme just start off saying that the main character and vampire, Jirou, has really just a cliche vampire look. Long black hair and red garb, particularly consisting of a long trench coat (hmm...sound like Alucard.) But then there's his brother, Kotarou, who has an appearance that is pretty much the farthest thing from vampire looking.
I'd really like to note though how much I dislike the fact that Jirou seems basically invincible and can defeat anyone with little to no effort, with the exception of the final battle. I don't really like seeing that in a show, despite how much I like action and shounen series.

Enjoyment:
The story is bearable, the art and sound's fine, the characters are fair, but for some reason, I really didn't find it very enjoyable. It lacked the elements to continuously draw me in and make me want to keep watching. Why? Well, the fights were mostly pretty curt, and as I've said, they weren't that entertaining because Jirou basically kicked too much ass in several short seconds, with the exception of the final match. I believe it was also devoid of the suspenseful attributes that most vampire series usually succeed in. Honestly, if it continued past 12 episodes, it probably would have become incredibly boring. Overall, I do feel it is a decent show for a quick 12 episode short series. read more