Much to Maddy’s chagrin, I have never really liked manga or anime. I could dig down a bit to figure out what it is that I don’t like, but there’s really no reason. In the end, knowing why I don’t like it, won’t make me like it.

However, there are two series that I not only like, but love: Fruits Basket and Hellsing. I know, I’m not sure I could land on any series that are more opposite than these two. One is a sweet story about love, friendship, family and people who turn into adorable animals and the other is about a vampiric homicidal maniac who is under the control of a secret organization trying to destroy supernatural Nazis. No idea why, but those are the two that I like.

Hellsing was the first series I sought out on my own. I’ve always been a fan of the supernatural (X-Files, Buffy, Angel, the Sookie Stackhouse Novels … Supernatural) and the weird relationship between Alucard and Integra is infinitely interesting to me. I loved it so much I bought the anime on dvd and tracked down as many of the manga books I could. Then I was so excited about it, I lent everything I had to a friend. They were never returned.

So, I was ecstatic to find out that the first two hardcover deluxe editions of the manga were released last year and the third is being released later this year. I got them all. You’re welcome. The first volume just came in and it’s a really nice collection, hard cover and most importantly in the original 7×10″ sized format. Really excited to re-read what I already owned, but more excited to read what I haven’t.

Also, in related news, Amazon will be developing live action version of Hellsing with a screenplay by Derek Kolstad who did John Wick, at some point in the new future. I’ll be honest, I’m not sure how they are going to pull it off, but I’m interested to see them try.