Review by Library Journal Review
Japan's lone gunfighter comes to manga from a series of novels and anime popular since 1983. D wields a sword and psychic powers, not a gun, but the spirit of Shane shines through this renegade half-blood prince sired by the King of Fangs himself, Dracula. The ultra-mash-up plot combines trappings of the American Western with fantasy, horror, sf, and shojo. In a postnuclear Earth circa 12,000 C.E., civilization has crept back under the rule of a predatory vampire nobility. But a few select beings excel as vampire hunters, protecting and avenging humans. D's special powers as a "dhampir" stem from his vampire blood, and in Vol. 1 (based on the first novel) he is hired by gorgeous young rancher Doris to deal with a vampire count who wants her for his bride. The mayor's sleazy son and demon half-breed bandit Rei-Ginsei also have the hots for feisty Doris, so D has his hands full-including his sidekick, a sentient left hand who takes more of a shine to Doris than D does. The heavy, sensual Gothic art suggests a shojo Hellsing and does more than justice to the beautiful, mysterious D and the increasingly infatuated Doris. Nudity, but no actual sex. For ages 16+.-M.C. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 10 Up-This is a manga adaptation of the first book in the "Vampire Hunter D" series of novels (Dark Horse). Doris, a beautiful young woman bearing two bite marks on her neck, takes shelter with a man in a wide-brimmed black hat. He is D, a vampire hunter who might be able to stop her transformation. Although some street scenes make it appear as though the story is contemporary, the many time vortexes, other dimensions, and fanged vampires that constantly surface suggest otherwise. A touching subplot about two children is introduced much too briefly, and essentially the story is simply about beautiful Doris and her flirtation with the dark side. This is a lengthy book with black-and-white manga-style artwork-not meant for easy viewing or for much background detail. Its romance, Goth, and fantasy elements mark it as a niche-interest story, suitable for pubic libraries.-John Leighton, Brooklyn Public Library, NY (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
