Vampire Hunter D (1985), directed by Toyoo Ashida, is an anime based on a novel by Hideyuki Kikuchi. It’s set in a future where vampires and monsters rule, mixing horror, action, and fantasy. The animation may seem old by today’s standards, but it’s still a fascinating glimpse into how anime looked and felt in the 80s. This movie helped bring Japanese animation to international audiences.
When I watched Vampire Hunter D for the first time, I could tell it was from an older era. The mix of gothic horror and sci-fi is interesting and unusual, making the movie stand out even today. The world is dark and mysterious, and while the plot is simple, the movie’s style and atmosphere are its real strengths.
However, the slow pacing took some getting used to. There are moments where the lack of dialogue and the characters’ serious expressions make the scenes feel longer than necessary. D is a cool character, but he’s not very expressive, so it’s harder to connect with him emotionally.
What impressed me the most was the artwork—especially D’s design. He’s one of the most iconic anime characters, and his look is still striking today. The dark, moody tone of the film is consistent, and there’s a strong sense of danger and sadness that I appreciated.
On the downside, I think younger viewers or those who prefer fast action might find this movie slow or outdated. Still, it’s an important anime for the horror and vampire genres, and fans of older anime or gothic stories will likely enjoy it.
Story
The story is simple but effective. It follows D, a half-human, half-vampire hunter, who is hired by a girl named Doris Lang. She’s been bitten by Count Magnus Lee, a powerful vampire who wants to make her his bride. Doris asks D to kill the count before she turns into a vampire or is forced to marry him.
The plot is straightforward, which allows the world and atmosphere to shine. D is mysterious and doesn’t talk much, but he’s strong and cool enough to carry the movie. His calm personality contrasts with the weird and scary creatures he faces, making him an interesting hero to watch.
Visuals
The animation has a dark, gothic style, combining futuristic sci-fi with old vampire lore. The backgrounds often show eerie, moonlit landscapes, adding to the creepy feeling of the movie. The character designs by Yoshitaka Amano are memorable—D’s long cloak and wide-brimmed hat give him a unique look. The vampire characters, like Count Lee and his daughter Lamika, have a noble and otherworldly appearance.
While the animation can feel stiff and outdated at times, it has a certain charm. The action scenes are rough but intense, which fits the grim tone of the world. There’s also a fair amount of blood and violence, which was shocking for audiences back in the 80s.
Sound and Music
The music, composed by Tetsuya Komuro, adds to the spooky, tense atmosphere. It mixes eerie electronic sounds with classical music, fitting the gothic and sci-fi elements of the story. While the soundtrack isn’t the most memorable part of the movie, it does its job well in creating a sense of danger and fear.
The voice acting in the original Japanese version is good. D is voiced by Kaneto Shiozawa, whose quiet and calm voice perfectly matches the character. Count Lee’s deep, menacing voice, provided by Seizō Katō, makes him a strong villain.
