So just as a heads up, I should clarify that I don’t watch much anime. I’ve recently had a falling out with shows in general, as there really hasn’t been much I genuinely want to watch as of late. I feel much more compelled to play a video game, rather than watch a show that I’ll most likely not be interested in, or just not pay attention to. However, with the much-needed motivation to widen my pallet for different forms of art and media, I’ve decided to ease my way into shows. This is where Castlevania falls into place.
Ever since its release in 2017, I’ve kept my eyes on Netflix’s original take on the show for years at this point. At the time however, and with each premiere of the show, I still did not feel compelled to sit down and watch it. Thankfully, this motivation put me in my place, and I finally got around to watching it, and I’m so glad I did.
One more heads up before I pop off about Castlevania, I’m trying something new here, and writing about a show rather than a video game. I’d like to think I have some knowledge on shows to the point where I can see them critically, but it’s nowhere near as close to my knowledge on video games, so if I say something that is completely wrong, then I’m sorry in advance LOL.
Anyways, Castlevania is AMAZING. Following the protagonists of Castlevania 3, Trevor Belmont, Sypha Belnades, and Dracula’s son Alucard, the three are set off on a mission to stop Dracula from killing all humans in a fit of rage, after the race murders his wife, Lisa Tepes. Along the way, the viewers find more behind the curtains as to who is helping them, why they do what they do, and what drives them to accomplish what they set their minds to. One thing that I adored about the show is how easy it was to watch. The name Castlevania may be intimidating to some, as it’s a long running series of games that’s been around for decades. Many may think if they’ll be lost if they watched the show, if they know nothing about the games. Luckily, Castlevania is super accommodating to all types of people. New fans can appreciate what is here at face value, and longtime fans can recognize multiple references, enemies, characters, music, and all that makes Castlevania what it is today.
Now here’s where I’ll show my limited knowledge on animated shows of any kind, as now imma talk about the animation and characters. First off, the animation is absolutely great. It’s beautiful and refined in its long shots, and its hype and detailed in the close-up shots. During battles, the animations are sharp, and you can really see everything that went into animating different frames, even if you see them for a split second. It’s impressive, and I was never disappointed by the looks of the show. It has its own flair and look to it, and I absolutely cannot wait to see more of it in the upcoming spin off series featuring Richter Belmont.
Second off, the characters. OHHH the close-up characters. When it comes to different forms of media, it’s tricky to get someone to appreciate and like every character introduced, even for video games. Castlevania somehow makes every character funny, charming, charismatic, etc., all at once. There was not a single character I disliked. Even for the villains, who are mainly rooted from multiple Castlevania games. Each one is portrayed as they would be, and make for intriguing and deep characters. Now the protagonists on the other hand, they take the cake for best characters. Trevor, Sypha, and Alucard make for such a great cast. Their interactions are hilarious, and you cannot get enough of them. Speaking of the main three, I did find it strange how there was no Grant in the show. You have all the other playable characters from Castlevania 3, but not the fourth and final one? Odd, but thankfully, the three were well crafted characters on their own, that it never became an issue within the story.
And what a story it was. My god, the twists, turns, surprises, themes, motivations. Everything about the story of Castlevania was intriguing, and kept you on your toes. You see everything that unfolds in the different paths, but where it truly works, is that you don’t know what will happen next. Whether it’s within the same path, or the inevitability of two paths crossing. You keep wanting to see more, and at the end of it all, you don’t get disappointed or left hanging. The story is wrapped up so nicely, and you leave with a satisfying feeling within you.
The moral of this pop off is that no matter who you are, this is a must watch from me. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Castlevania, someone who knows nothing of Castlevania, or even a fan of anime in general, this is your show. Castlevania can be loved and appreciated by any one person, and that has to be praised and applauded.