Hellsing, as a manga, is pretty exciting. The original anime adaptation has a lot to be desired, but the overall quality of the acting is pretty good and the animation is decent for the time. Hellsing Ultimate seems to be the proper adaptation of the series, as it shows how Seras Victoria came into the organization up through the end of the big war that was hinted at at the end of the original Hellsing series (so, in a way, it's what Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood is to the original FMA). Now, I think I've mentioned before that this is a "horror" series, and you'll see quite a few people say the same thing. However, I just don't think that's the case.
First and foremost, Hellsing is a very mature series, intended for mature viewers. Not just for the insane amounts of gore and blood, but because it deals with mature themes like sexual assault, sexuality in general, war, loss, and things of that nature. It's by no means a series that you watch to find a feel-good moment. It's quite dreary at times, but at most times it's just insane heart-pumping ACTION!
So, why is it considered a horror series by many? Probably because of what is involved with the story. Various types of classic horror story monsters are involved in the story and there are some Satanic and cult-like elements to the series, especially when it comes to the system of magic that is set in place. Our main character, Alucard, is the world's strongest vampire and a loyal servant to the Hellsing organization. The first time we're introduced to him is in a Gothic setting, as we're underneath a Victorian-style mansion and he's locked up in a cellar bound by a pentagram. Pretty neat stuff.
There are also some "spooky" images, but I prefer to see them more as "intense" images. Something you'd see in a horror movie, sure, but something you may also see in, say, an action movie. Someone getting their head blown off by a gun isn't exclusive to the horror genre--in fact we see that in many of our action films of late. Alucard's spells, where he can morph and summon magic, can be horror-filled, but that's the extent of it.
Hellsing's horror elements start and stop with the characters. They are all monsters in some way but aren't in and of themselves meant to be scary. In fact, by the end, it kind of just comes down to what sort of monster they are, be it a vampire or a werewolf or what have you (even robots!).
How to best categorize Hellsing, then, is probably as Dark Fantasy mixed with action. For much of the series, they are at war with a mysterious organization (well, it becomes obvious what the organization is but I'm not gonna spoil it for you) and it's just...insane. Cities are leveled, guns are blaring, people are fighting, it's just madness in the streets! The Vatican suits up, there's vampires, French mercenaries...
It's a downright ballroom blitz.
The fantasy elements are introduced also through the characters but also through the world that's established, primarily through the backstory. We get some slight glimpses into Alucard's past, both as a warrior and as a young person, and it's in a historical setting, but with outlandish fantasy elements to them. Again, it's through the action. And it's hard to not categorize something as "fantasy" when magic is involved, as it is throughout the series by both Alucard, Seras, and various enemies that they encounter. There's almost an entire episode dedicated to someone casting a spell on their enemies, played pretty well (this is also the episode that probably deals with the darkest overall themes and has the most graphic imagery).
But barring the pieces of war, the series is still mostly considered with its action. Every episode ends with a big action set-piece in various locations and unique enemies for Alucard to square off with. These aren't all necessarily fantasy and it becomes a bloody anime mess throughout the ride, with over-the-top fights and music. Nothing too scary about it, really.
Not even the story has much to do with horror and follows none of the horror tropes, mostly because, again, it's considered primarily with the fantastic and action elements that it dives headfirst into. Just because there is Gothic imagery invoked through the story--the castles, the landscapes, some of the underground settings--does not mean that it is horror. Much of Frankenstein is a science experiment and a conversation. Is it a horror story? More than this, definitely, but it's also a revenge story.
But if it has little to do with horror, why do so many people think of it--and why does it often come up--around Halloween? More than anything it's because of the monsters that are involved. Again, it's vampires and werewolves, but seen more as combatants than spooky ghouls in the night. They have a dreadful presence, but not a fearful one. Fear for your life in the heat of combat? Certainly, but you're never quite afraid.
After all, it's pretty hard to feel terrified for any of the characters when Alucard is on your side. So, while it isn't a horror series like some other anime (see the upcoming Shiki review), Hellsing/ Hellsing Ultimate is still a heck of a fun time. Worth checking out? You bet, especially if you're in a mood for some solid, visceral action.
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