by Emil Favila, Reporter

Vampire, werewolves, and monsters!  What’s not to love?!  Blood Lad: The Complete Series is a manga by Yuuki Kodama about a vampire named Staz Charlie Blood.  Staz lives in the Demon World, which is just one out of many realms that resides in Blood Lad universe.  One day, his life is turned upside down when he encounters Fuyumi Yanagi from the Human World, who accidentally falls into a portal leading to Staz’s world.  Soon after, Fuyumi is killed by an carnivorous eating plant and turned into a ghost.  It becomes his mission to bring her back to her world and restore her humanity in the process.  Blood Lad is a fun take on the vampire and werewolf lore.

Blood Lad comes as a box in a single BD case that holds 2 DVDs and 2 Blu-ray discs.  Art is on both sides of the box, which is a nice touch.  Even though I never use DVD, its nice to have for those who still don’t have a DVD player or want to watch on your laptop.  Blood Lad features all 10 episodes and OVA.  Everything is nicely put together in this small but complete package.  This is the definitive edition for sure.

Blood Lad: The Complete Series would not be “complete” without it’s limited edition booklet.  Episode synopsis, character profiles, background art, sketches, and the original comic manga comprise the limited edition booklet.  I think everyone can appreciate an episode synopsis that doesn’t involve signing on to IMDB.  Character profiles are a big plus, as they give background to each character and how they play into the story.  Interviews with the cast are also included.

I personally enjoyed reading what Blood Lad meant to each of the actors. Background art and sketches are also a must with any limited edition as you see how the manga came together.  Everything is just very colorful and attractive.  A note to the new reader is included instructing you to start at the back of the booklet as that’s how manga is read in Japan!  Reading the manga allows the audience to truly appreciate the anime as you see how Blood Lad began.  Because it’s in black and white, I found myself coming to appreciate Blood Lad brought to full color for the Blu-ray set.

Unlike most vampires who want to drink the blood of humans and kill them, Staz is a complete fanboy of the Human World.  He loves their anime, technology and video games.  One particular episode I enjoyed was “Episode 4: The Demon World Acropolis“.  Staz is transported to the room of one of his companions Beru.  Staz and Beru get into an argument and in the middle of it, Staz is quickly fascinated by her smart phone.  He’s never seen a device that can go on the internet, make calls, and especially video games.

Blood Lad is different than other anime and manga in that it’s not afraid to break the fourth wall.  In “Episode 3: You Had It All Along“, Wolf’s henchmen mention how “you can’t find that cheesy reaction even in a Shonen manga these days!”  This is in response to Fuyumi’s reaction to the boxing match that was set up between Staz and his main best friend and enemy Wolf.

Also, in the limited edition booklet, there is a whole story about the cast of Blood Lad excited about an anime being made about them.  Fuyumi is afraid of all the goofy reactions that are going to be heightened when the story is brought to Blu-ray and DVD.  I can always appreciate a good fourth wall break.   Breaking the fourth wall is a great way to let the viewer know that the story doesn’t take itself too seriously.

Blood Lad is a story told on a very human level.  Even though Staz is supposed to be this all powerful leader of the Demon World, he behaves just like an ordinary guy.  He loves to play video games, watch anime, and do every day mundane things that humans like to do such as drinking and hanging out.  He’s fascinated with Fuyumi, just like any ordinary human and will do anything to protect and bring her back to life.  He’s more emotional then most vampires depicted who are calm and collected.  He’s intimidated by his older brother and has a best friend who he fights with from time to time just like anyone else.  I think everyone can relate to Staz and the cast of Blood Lad to a degree.

If you enjoy vampires, werewolves, and monsters in a fun anime setting then I would recommend owning Blood Lad: The Complete Series.  The series is only 10 sweet episodes, which means if you have only so much time, you can easily binge the series from beginning to end.  It comes in a wonderful package with both DVDs and Blu-rays, not to mention the booklet which is worth the entire set alone.

Blood Lad is a labor of love, which is obvious when you see the work that’s been put in the packaging and the series itself.  Unfortunately there aren’t more episodes.  Short and sweet and is the best way to describe this series.   Be sure to pick up your copy of Blood Lad: The Complete Series from Amazon today!

Rating:

ComicsOnline gives Blood Lad: The Complete Series  4.5 out of 5 fang marks.

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