A review by mishasbooknook
Vampire Hunter D by Hideyuki Kikuchi

4.0

Vampire Hunter D is the very first light novel I ever picked up. I was unfamiliar with the genre before that day. As a work of translation, I think it's largely fine, though it probably could do with a little bit of polish. The story is still understandable and the characterizations are present. D as a character is deeply interesting and I was very invested in him. The setting is imaginative: thousands of years in the future where humans are almost wiped out, with artificial - and real - vampires and monsters plaguing humanity. D acts as a hunter of these creatures, though there is clearly more to his tale than he wants anyone to know. As a work of science fiction, I think this is right at my "sweet spot" of enjoyment. It's not too jargon-heavy but has clear elements of the genre that can be followed. I love how it intersects with fantasy creatures such as vampires. That works for me very well.

Slightly related, but not - I think my very favorite thing about every Vampire Hunter D book that I have read is the obligatory passage describing D as the most beautiful creature to walk the planet, with everyone regardless of gender or age desiring him carnally upon sight. There's something deeply funny about that, but also it really is an iconic way of describing a character's physical appearance.