Castlevania

Even though I couldn't imagine that a series based on a similarly titled video game could turn out to be any good, it must be said that the series is impressively gritty and the fact that it’s animated isn’t a bad thing. Actually, maybe it's a good thing. On the other hand, I didn't get the main character and found her quite clichéd. However, the fights are well-executed, as is the overall color spectrum. (25.07.2017)

An incredibly stylized series that caught my attention with its execution right from the first episode. The uncompromising brutality at every turn gave the show a unique edge, which I fully appreciate (so parents, think carefully about watching this with your children—there’s no sparing the gory details and such). I haven’t played the games, so the story was a complete unknown to me, but on the other hand, I was spared any closer comparisons. The story revolving around Trevor Belmont, the last monster hunter, grabbed me from the start. Add to that a charismatic Dracula (the English dubbing was top-notch), and you have a recipe for success. What brings the series down a bit is definitely the stretching (especially the middle parts of the second and third seasons). If the creators had trimmed the runtime by half, it might have flowed better. Nevertheless, I’m looking forward to the fourth season; I noticed a certain spark in it. For now, it’s a solid 7/10. EDIT: The fourth season raised my rating to four stars because I didn’t expect such an action-packed viewing experience. Belmont is back with his quips, others support him well, and the fight with Death is unforgettable. Overall, it was wrapped up in a way that left me satisfied. For me, Castlevania gets 7.5/10. (23.07.2021)

Season 1 – 60% – An appealing prologue that is unnecessarily harmed by being split into episodes. If it had taken the form of a pilot film, I would have been more forgiving, but this way the three episodes wistfully reminisce and wait around for the pivotal showdown. It ended on a high note and gives a taste of what's to come next, but the feeling of being shortchanged by labeling these incomplete two hours as a standalone season and promising a continuation over a year later only slowly subsided. Season 2 – 85% – Impressive blending of genres and the number of important characters. Perfection is still one step away, still frugal with crucial moments, but when the battles become intense and the most suspenseful moments leave the audience in anticipation of what may happen, I have to praise Sam Deats. There is still a decent amount of potential, as well as storylines for the main heroes to explore. Season 3 – 75% – The plot remains stagnant, the characters go in circles, and they are more focused on exploring locations rather than progressing. Intrigues and plans take up so much space that they become excessive, and I found myself sitting, counting the individual episodes, waiting for a twist, and enjoying the excellent animation as always. Then came the last two episodes, which are undoubtedly the best in the entire series and possibly one of the best in the action genre. After such a dose of pure enthusiasm, I was left in awe, and I am still somewhat undecided regarding the final rating. The wait was truly worth it, so I am rating it more than forgivingly, but next time, I would prefer more meaningful use of time. After three seasons, the continuous waiting was more than enough. Season 4 – 75% – I could copy and paste almost the same thing I wrote about the third season a few lines below it. The plot remains stagnant, less important characters are given space for contemplative monologues, and the viewer hesitates and wonders how this slow-paced journey will turn into an action-packed inferno. However, even small confrontations during the journey indicate the enduring potential of the brand, and in the penultimate episode, The Endings, it finally arrives. The best action, the most imaginative choreography, the most emotional motivation, and chaos in which I would gladly get lost a hundred times. I have probably never seen anything more explosive in the animated genre. Thanks to that, the aftermath of the battles between demons, vampires, Belmont, and Sypha will remain somewhat positive, overshadowing the fact that there could have been even more possibilities. (24.04.2020)

I've tried two seasons. Not bad, but unfortunately nothing for me. Dracula, demons, undead and the horror atmosphere are pretty good, and when it comes to action, blood is not spared, but unfortunately there is not much of it. Rather, the series focuses on the story and characters and I don't care that much about them. If it was in CGI animation, I would probably be more satisfied. More die-hard anime fans will be excited, though. 6/10. (16.05.2021)

It doesn't work by itself (yet), but purely as a garrulous follow-up prologue before the first regular chapter, it is pretty good. It does not embarrass the brand, the visual stylization fits like a glove (it's a pity that it didn't take the musical themes from the games) and lays the foundations well enough to build big things on them in the future. I hope it works out and I trust Warren Ellis. | S1: 3/5 | (10.07.2017)