Story - The story is the good guys vs. bad guys theme, but with a twist. The good guys are brutal, ruthless, and do not hesitate to decimate their enemies and enjoy it. It is not just for the good of "saving the world," but that adrenaline rush of kicking ass.
Art - Although I tend to focus on story more than art style, this anime does a fantastic job of capturing the mood of the show, which is dark and brutal. Nothing about the series is pretty, and the art does it's best to instill the brutal vibe. Alucard's design and mannerisms fit his character and personality perfectly. The same goes for Anderson. These two are easily the most memorable and exciting of the characters, and the artist does a huge job of enhancing that through art style.
Sound - This is where the anime really excels. There are pros and cons to both the sub and dub, and I believe the entertainment value warrants watching it in both. There are characters with British, German, Irish, and American accents, the dub does justice in terms of accurate pronunciation difference. This is especially notable in Steven Brand's portrayal of Scottish Priest Alexander Anderson. While Crispin Freeman does do a good job with the deliciously brutal Alucard, it is simply no match for the Japanese voice actor. His Alucard is amazingly frightening. I know this may not be popular with die-hard Freeman fans, but again, it's my personal opinion.
Characters - The characters in the story are far from one-dimensional, which is too often the case in many shows. There are background stories to several of them, and they aren't just generic and interchangeable. The same goes for the "bad guys" as well. Alucard's antics and thirst for battle is second to none. He relishes the opportunity. Indeed, another striking about the show is not spending time on the reluctant hero finally decided to fight for the greater good. The characters on both sides are determined and brutal. I've watched many many shows, and Alucard is one of the most unforgettable characters I have had the pleasure of watching.
Enjoyment - Another great thing is, without even considering the depth and background stories, the action is over-the-top and kick-ass. This in itself makes the show worth watching. If you aren't one to focus on detail and take notes, or a die-hard anime fan, the sheer badassery of the series earns a watch. I have seen the anime twice, once in English and once in Japanese, and will probably go through it again when I crave a dose of kickass over-the-top action.
Thanks for reading. This is my first review, and I hope it was helpful.
