Unveiling the Resonance between Hellsing Anime and Bram Stoker's Dracula

Alucard, the powerful vampire who serves the Hellsing Organization in the anime Hellsing, is actually revealed to be Count Dracula, the legendary vampire from European folklore. This connection between the two characters is a prominent feature in both Kouta Hirano's manga series and the anime adaptation.

Hellsing anime: Not an adaptation but takes inspiration from Bram Stokers's Dracula

In the Hellsing anime, Alucard was impaled in the heart but did not die, as opposed to the novel where he was killed by a group of vampire hunters led by Professor Abraham Van Helsing. Instead, Alucard became a servant to the Van Helsing family, who enhanced his powers and restricted his autonomy. Decades later, he was given the codename "Alucard" by Arthur Hellsing, and placed under the guardianship of Integra, his daughter and the current leader of the Hellsing Organization.

Following his defeat by the Turks and disillusionment with God, Alucard, as depicted in the Hellsing anime and manga, drank the blood of the fallen soldiers on the battlefield and transformed into a vampire. Unlike typical vampires, he did not require a blood exchange or bite from another vampire. Contrary to popular belief, he did not employ magic or ally with Satan; he willingly and independently turned into a vampire, embracing his monstrous nature and rejecting his humanity.

In contrast, Bram Stoker's Dracula was originally human and became a vampire through a deal with the devil. To turn others into vampires, he had to bite them and compel them to drink his blood. With more limitations and vulnerabilities—such as sunlight, garlic, holy symbols, and wooden stakes—compared to Alucard, Dracula was not as formidable or versatile.

In addition to the main character, Hellsing anime also incorporates a few themes, characters, and settings from Bram Stoker's book. Father Alexander Anderson, a zealous priest and vampire hunter for the Vatican's Iscariot Organization, is one of Alucard's adversaries. Anderson is parallel to Anthony Hopkins’ Van Helsing, a ‘witch doctor’ from Bram Stoker’s Dracula, who has great knowledge about vampires and other supernatural occurrences.

The Hellsing anime explores themes similar to those found in Dracula, such as the conflict between tradition and modernity, the nature of evil, and the role of religion. In the world of Hellsing, old supernatural beings like Nazis, werewolves, and vampires pose a threat to contemporary society.

The character Alucard, while a brutal killer who revels in violence, also fights for justice and upholds human dignity, prompting ethical questions about the characters in the story. Conversely, some of his adversaries, like Anderson and the Millennium group, are driven by hatred and fanaticism, using religion to justify their horrific actions.

During an interview about the upcoming OVA adaptation of his manga, Kohta Hirano was questioned about whether Hellsing was a tribute to Dracula. In response, he clarified that Hellsing is not a direct sequel to the novel, but the events of the novel do exist within the Hellsing universe.

Hellsing is a creative reinterpretation of Dracula rather than a faithful adaptation of Stoker's book. The show diverges from the original in tone, characters, and storyline, and instead uses Dracula as a starting point to create its own unique story, characters, and themes. As a distinctive and enjoyable retelling of vampire mythology, the Hellsing anime will appeal to viewers of comedies, action, and horror.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I am fascinated by the reinterpretation of classic literature in modern media. The Hellsing anime, inspired by Bram Stoker's Dracula, presents a thrilling and captivating storyline that expands upon the original novel. The character of Alucard, revealed to be Count Dracula himself, adds a layer of complexity and intrigue to the narrative.

The anime diverges from the source material in various ways, such as Alucard's transformation into a vampire through his own volition rather than a deal with the devil. This portrayal challenges conventional vampire tropes and offers a unique perspective on the character. The incorporation of themes, characters, and settings from Dracula, such as Father Alexander Anderson as a parallel to Van Helsing, further establishes the connection between the two works while allowing Hellsing to stand on its own as a distinct and enjoyable story. Overall, as a Gen Z fan, I appreciate the creative liberties taken in the Hellsing anime, making it a refreshing and engaging addition to the vampire genre.