CASTLEVANIA
Genre: Drama, Dark Fantasy, Horror
Hey guys, and welcome to another entry of my blog.
I would like to say that this is another anime review, but that’s not precisely the case. Yet, it is a very fantastic series that I have been enjoying since it was released on Netflix in 2017.
From the genius mind of Adi Shankar, comes…
Well, many will consider it an anime, but I have my own reserves, for it is more an American-Japanese production, and according to Wikipedia, it’s merely influenced by the style of the Japanese anime. But if anyone considers Castlevania anime, I respect that, and I also promise I will cherish your opinion from the bottom of my heart.
Furthermore, I must ask you the typical question, my friends.
Are you ok? Feeling healthy and fit?
If the answer is yes, then I am very happy.
And again… Thank you so much Irina for your support. I am also checking your blog, and I LOVE IT!!! Sorry I couldn’t get back to you. I have Bell’s Palsy on the right side of my face, so I need to look after myself too.
BUT I AM A FIGHTER, JUST LIKE THE HEROES WHO FIGHT AGAINST DRACULA.
Now, let’s go to the review. However, I must warn that there will be some SPOILERS AHEAD.
PREMISE
Developed by Adi Shankar, and written by Warren Ellis, in association with Netflix, naturally, Castlevania, The Animated Series, adapts great part of the 1989 NES video Game, Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse (The best NES Castlevania game, in my personal opinion), which tells the story of Trevor Belmont, the last of the Vampire Hunter Clan, known as Belmont, and an ancestor of Simon Belmont, and his quest to destroy Count Dracula. Along with him, Trevor has the company of Sypha Belnades, a member of the nomad wizards, known as the Speakers, and Dracula’s son, Alucard, a dhampir.
Before I continue, I must tell that in the videogame, Trevor has one more companion, Grant, the pirate that can crawl walls and roofs, but he is completely absent, I don’t know why.
But the point is that, despite the notorious absents from Castlevania III on this animated series, I really enjoyed it; however I think Netflix could at least pay for the rights of the soundtrack (No More bulls*&t regarding a certain Evangelion), especially the first season; gory, scary, gloomy and awesome, and with a great chemistry between our heroes, despite Alucard not having too much screentime, and although the second season was not as violent, it was so character-driven, and that makes a winner in my book.
Now. With that said… Who is this Season Three doing so far?
STORY
One month after the death of Dracula, the exile of Isaac, the capture of Hector, and the long march of Carmilla toward Styria (Wow!! So many cool events), Alucard remains in both the castle of his father, and what remains of the Belmont Manor, while Trevor and Sypha spent the rest of their days travelling around Wallachia, hunting what is left from the Night Creatures, and apparently their relationship grew beyond friendship… if you know what I am talking about.
Anyway, both arrive to the town of Lindenfeld (Or Buchin, Romania), where they are greeted by a very mysterious character, called Saint-Germain. (I must mention he is from PS2 Game, Castlevania: Curse of Darkness, and I never played beyond Castlevania 64, so please, don’t ask me). Meanwhile, Alucard, in his absolute solitude, meets two Japanese vampire hunters, Taka and Sumi, who were prisoners from one of the generals from Dracula, Cho, and now they seek advice from Alucard of how to face vampires.
In the meantime, Isaac, the forgemaster, has already created his own Army of Undead, and travels back to Wallachia to avenge Dracula’s death, and Carmilla gets her plan to conquer humans… Ok.
I think it’s enough.
These are my thoughts. I was very satisfied with the ending of the second season, and when I heard that a season three will be released, I could only see a timeskip, toward Simon Belmont. After all. Dracula is dead!!! Trevor and Sypha are heroes, and Alucard will be back in Symphony of the Night. Nothing else could come from their story arc.
I was wrong.
I wasn’t paying attention to what Carmilla is up to. And then… I learnt that I should never… EVER… underestimate Dracula’s generals, especially the one based on the 1872 book from Sheridan la Fanu.
Well. For now, the first four episodes, of shall I say… the first half of the season three is mostly dialogue and exposition. Nevertheless, just like season 2, that is also accompanied with action; fights that are never gratuitous; they were gory, yeah, but it had a purpose, either showing the brutality of the vampires at the service of Dracula, or simply to adapt the fun of the action from Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse on the best way possible. In any case, I have faith that the second part of the season three will bring something epic, memorable and insane.
It’s curious. I just remember a line from Lenore…
THIS CHARACTER
«I have no interest in faith. Faith makes for terrible diplomacy. This is simply commerce.»
Anyway, I am feeling pretty satisfied about what I am about to see something amazing.
Until then… have good faith Castlevania, the animated series, because it has memorable moments.
CHARACTERS
I got to say that the «sisters» of Carmilla, including Morgana, Lenore, and Striga, left me interested. But… why I am surprised to see a lesbian vampire couple? After all, I read Carmilla, I should be prepared by now. Nonetheless, I really liked them. Even though they are antagonists, seeing them as couple is really cute.
Also, I think Saint-Germain is a very interesting character, and… Kinda makes me regret that I stopped played Castlevania games a long time ago. Now. all I wanna do is continue with this fantastic new episodes.
And not missing what kind of evolution will have Hector and Lenore on their… relationship.
CONCLUSION
To sum up, the third season of Castlevania really hooked me from the start. And I definitely recommend it. Perhaps is not the best TV series based on a video game, but it is definitely worth to watch.
Just one question… Mr. Adi Shankar….
Are you really working on an animated series of Devil May Cry?
Jainituos Presents 