Andi Benet reviewed Vampire Hunter D by Hideyuki Kikuchi (Vampire Hunter D, #1)
A Vampiric Cowboy Rides into a PostApocalyptic Town
4 stars
Book TW: Violence, gore, multiple rape threats, sexual situations, death, blood...
"Vampire Hunter D" brings us to a world after the fall of the vampire-ruled civilization. A world laser-rifles, robotic steeds, super-powered mutants, ancient demons, bioengineered monsters, recreated medieval ruins, and Old West towns. An after-apocalypse, where the humans have largely forgotten technology, while the vampires are entombed by their own pasts.
The titular hero, D, arrives to take up work, hunting Count Lee, to free his young employer Doris from his cruel intents. The plot is predictable to a large degree (you're never really in fear of D failing), but the atmosphere and worldbuilding make up for it. Despite a rather detached narrator and a largely silent main character, Kikuchi paints D complexly, with hints of teenage boy angst and deep empathy beneath the cool, competent exterior.
Also, Amano's gorgeous illustrations are a real treat.
Book TW: Violence, gore, multiple rape threats, sexual situations, death, blood...
"Vampire Hunter D" brings us to a world after the fall of the vampire-ruled civilization. A world laser-rifles, robotic steeds, super-powered mutants, ancient demons, bioengineered monsters, recreated medieval ruins, and Old West towns. An after-apocalypse, where the humans have largely forgotten technology, while the vampires are entombed by their own pasts.
The titular hero, D, arrives to take up work, hunting Count Lee, to free his young employer Doris from his cruel intents. The plot is predictable to a large degree (you're never really in fear of D failing), but the atmosphere and worldbuilding make up for it. Despite a rather detached narrator and a largely silent main character, Kikuchi paints D complexly, with hints of teenage boy angst and deep empathy beneath the cool, competent exterior.
Also, Amano's gorgeous illustrations are a real treat.