There have been numerous stories featuring vampires hunting vampires. I believe Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust told a very good and better story; but Hellsing is unique in its on way, and I don't think anything else does it quite like it. Hellsing completely abandons the traditional vampire of folklore. Alucard seems truly demonic, and at times, far beyond a vampire due to his amazing abilities. He's the main reason to see this series, because he's definitely among the most unusual of anti-heroes.
Although not a great series in my view, it's very far from a bad one. The series is very stylish with a main character that defines cool. Despite what bit of flaws that are present in Hellsing, watching Alucard kill in battle kind of makes up for its shortcomings. That is considering if you're an action starved person only. Myself on the other hand, I'm more story and plot driven, so a majority of the time I demand a whole lot from whatever it is I'm watching.
I found the story a lot more interesting during the first few episodes. One of the main characters introduced, by the name of Seras Victoria is turned into a vampire by Alucard. She has a very hard time dealing with this drastic change in her life. She sometimes refuses to drink blood. When her cravings would appear, I found the segments to be very funny, at the same time sad. Her cravings actually reminds me of a person on a very strict diet whom happens to come across a bakery, and eventually falls victim to their desire, thus going on a pastry rampage.
Unfortunately, the series began to fall storywise for me. The half naked plot only began to stroll along, and resorted to introducing one blood bath after the next. The action scenes are good but they are not very brutal. You get a very good amount of body dismantlement and blood, but for a series about vampires and ghouls tearing people to shreds. I would've prefered seeing Ninja Scroll or Angel Cop type of graphic death.
One thing that did bother me about the fight scenes. At least one time I can recall, there was a lengthy battle which took place and simply ended. It didn't resolve anything or push the plot at all. For a 13 episode series that has a thin as needles plot. I found this to be somewhat aggravating.
Hellsing prepares a very big dinner and leaves quite a bit of left overs. There are numerous things taking place only to be lazily covered. Characters come and go with very little to no background given about them. I don't need my info to be spoon fed. I just need an explanation for events taking place, or I'm going to slice it up as poor direction.
This is a subject I have to hit on although it doesn't effect the rating. I noticed several fans of the series claim horror fans will love Hellsing. Well not this horror fan. I don't find the series atmospheric from an actual horror point of view. It does have a dark setting with characters that are equally dark; but the soundtrack which is excellent by the way, would have sounded better for something other than this. If a horror feel is what this anime was aiming for, which I don't believe was the goal at all. Then jazz ruined the atmosphere completely. Some genres really should stay as far away from each other as possible, and these two genres grouped together with vampires is a good example.
When thinking of a horror atmosphere, for me, it must produce a sinister feel. It needs a setting that can stimulate fear. Characters that are equally dark, and a soundtrack to create a sense of terror. Not a single one of these elements are any less important. Anime series that do have a more competent horror like atmosphere and fit that description are Requiem from the Darkness, Devil Lady, and Doomed Megalopolis. Hellsing should be looked at as an all out action series. From the way I look at horror. I just don't believe a horror fan should buy into that.
The animation is decent and detailed enough during the battles. There were actually very little reused cels, and I can't recall any during the battles. It also looks the best when Alucard uses his supernatural abilities to unlock his true potential. The character designs are pretty cool at times, with Alucard as well as his enemies Incognito, and Paladin looking the absolute best. I also liked the attention to detail. You can see the writing on Alucard's weapons and gloves. This is also another occasion I have to heavily lean in favor of the English voice actors. They do a great job, and I think everyone's personality is better acted.
Hellsing is a solid action series. I think it's best to approach this series with a turned off brain and completely forget the plot. The characters are cool enough to hold one's attention. There is quite a bit of foul language, and a couple of sexual situations.
I also recommend watching this version way before the remake Hellsing: Ultimate. The remake is far better visually and far more action packed, with very, very detailed graphic violence. I recommend this one first, because I know too many people whom saw the remake prior, and ended up absolutely hating this one.
Highs: Lots of action, very charismatic anti-hero, good music
Lows: Plot is on crutches, so many characters... so little background
