The vampire genre, a valued subgenre in horror literature triggers people’s imagination all over the world. In the world of manga, the battle for a crown of best vampire manga is intense while each series tries to be different through corner tones and settings with a unique view on creatures. While some engage in bloody and action-packed stories, others present a novel perspective contesting traditional pictures of bloodsuckers.
This section focuses on the top vampire manga which have been developed, while providing many interesting stories for the readers.
Blood Lad
Vampire manga Blood Lad does not follow the established standards of norms in the Vampire Manga world. It puts the readers into Demon World that is inhabited by vampires, werewolves, ghosts and other undead beings. The main character and a vampire Staz is the territorial boss of Demon World’s Eastern District. Staz is interested in the human culture, especially otaku; thus he does not drink any blood from humans.
But the story changes when a living human, Fuyumi unwittingly becomes a ghost in Staz’s territory. Set on bringing Fuyumi back to life, Staz sets out to return her the human form. The world of Blood Lad is a very unique, full of characters that are really colorful and also comedic. The comedic aspect that Staz’s love for the human culture brings to it makes the book an entertaining read with fantastic characters and world building.
Mars Red
The Mars Red in Taishō Era Tokyo is a story of “Code Zero” vampires who are assigned to hunt the feral vampires for the Japanese Military. With the appearance of S-Class vampire Defrott, life for all the characters become forever radically changed.
Even though it is very short, the novel Mars Red offers a gripping story revealing the members of Code Zero. In the manga, these member are trying to figure out their new condition and coming into terms with being vampires. The series brings together the romance and action genres along with breathtaking art that takes in every detail. Mars Red is an alternative and a short historical novel with a brilliant pace.
The Witch and the Beast
Ashaf and Guideau are two members of The Order of Magical Resonance, a supernatural dark fantasy. One is quiet while the other is hot tempered. The pair explores the unusual supernatural events such as witches, necromancers and also vampires.
Although vampires appear only in one series arc, The Witch and the Beast deserve this position due to the nice world-building. Kousuke Satake creates a very detailed world with the clearly defined realms such as the classic Victorian vampire domain. The manga seamlessly incorporates different clans and also political nuances into the story, complemented by magnificent art , and bloodcurdling fights. It is a dark fantasy manga that provides with something completely other than the regular vampire genre cliches.
Hellsing
Hellsing by Kohta Hirano tells a bloody and exciting story of the vampire Alucard. The manga is about his clash with the organization named Hellsing. In Alucard’s battle against the monstrous creatures like vampires, the show presents some intriguing characters such as Integra Hellsinger, Seras Victoria and Walter C. Dornez.
In the Hellsing Organization, Alucard is a charismatic but also sadistic vampire who can be considered as their most deadly weapon. Helping to further contribute with its unique raw art style, Hellsing’s looks distinctively changes in a more detailed way in the later parts of the series. The demographic that would take interest in the manga include those who are looking for an anti-hero protagonist, action sequences and also mature themes within a horror filled seinen setting. Mature vampire manga fans continue to love the Hellsing.
Unholy Blood
The manhwa Unholy Blood deviates from the ordinary themes of vampires and introduces something different to the genre, making it an immersive read. The plot revolves around Hayan, who was infected with the vampire blood since her childhood. Hayan works so hard to have a normal life that her wish for vengeance pits with the yearning of blending in the human society.
The manhwa changes the way vampires are portrayed by not going with those typical weaknesses such as cross and garlic. Vampires in Unholy Blood share this world with the humans during the day, only to hide among them imperceptibly. The series delves into the themes of compassion, resentment as well as normalcy with action filled scenes led by an impressive art work. The Unholy Blood is a very special case considering that it has introduced the vampire world from its own perspective.
