Blood Blade Volume 1 Manga Review: A Dark Supernatural Fantasy with Captivating Art and Intriguing Characters

Discover the captivating world of Blood Blade Volume 1, a dark supernatural fantasy manga that introduces a unique twist on classic horror stories. Dive into the atmospheric art and meet the intriguing characters as Vlad the Impaler is reborn as a katana-wielding teenage girl and embarks on a perilous journey to Monster Island.

Blood Blade Volume 1 Manga Review: A Dark Supernatural Fantasy with Captivating Art and Intriguing Characters

Blood Blade Volume 1 is a dark supernatural fantasy manga that introduces readers to a unique twist on classic horror stories. In this review, we delve into the captivating world created by Oma Sei and explore the intriguing characters and atmospheric art that make up this first volume.

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The story follows the rebirth of Vlad the Impaler, famously known as Count Dracula, as a katana-wielding teenage girl. Vlad encounters Clara, the golem grand-daughter of Victor Frankenstein, who is being pursued by a half-werewolf. Clara pleads with Vlad to join her on a perilous journey to Monster Island, a sanctuary for supernatural creatures seeking refuge from the Cerberus organization. Cerberus aims to hunt down monsters, hybridize them with humans, and harness their powers. As Vlad, Clara, and their servant Nan embark on their adventure, they are relentlessly pursued by Cerberus’ minions.

Review: Engaging Characters and Atmospheric Art

Chapter two of Blood Blade begins with a question: “Why does Vlad the Impaler look like a young girl?” This intriguing premise immediately captures the reader’s attention. Oma Sei, the author and artist, skillfully creates a detailed and gothic European setting with their art style. The use of heavy black inks and intricate backgrounds adds to the dark and eerie atmosphere of the story.

The new female version of Vlad remains an enigma throughout the volume. Her impulsive nature and picky eating habits, coupled with her duty towards her people, create a multidimensional character. Although Vlad is now a vampire, she only feeds from Nan and exhibits a hatred for carrots. This portrayal deviates from the typical demonic presence associated with Dracula, offering a fresh perspective.

Clara, the golem granddaughter of Dr. Frankenstein, adds another layer to the story. Despite her appearance as a stereotypical pretty blonde girl, her creation from corpses and her mission to warn other “monsters” about Cerberus’ plans make her a compelling character. Fans of similar manga series like The Case Study of Vanitas and Undead Girl Murder Farce will find familiar themes and enjoy the tone and storytelling in Blood Blade.

A Spotlight on Classic Monsters

Sei’s intention to bring back the spotlight on classic monsters is evident in the “monster of the week” format and the inclusion of various iconic creatures. As the main trio ventures towards Monster Island, readers can look forward to spotting references to classic monsters and witnessing their encounters with Cerberus.

Although the first volume of Blood Blade does not delve deeply into its underlying themes, such as the bloodthirstiness of humans and the ethical implications of Cerberus’ experiments, it sets the stage for further exploration in future installments.

Conclusion: A Modern Twist on Classic Horror

In conclusion, Blood Blade Volume 1 offers an enjoyable read for fans of classic horror stories seeking a modern twist. Oma Sei’s detailed artwork, engaging characters, and gothic atmosphere make this manga a worthwhile addition to the genre. While it may not have completely captivated this reviewer, it possesses the potential to find its audience and leave readers eager for more.

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