Vampire Hunter D: Message from Mars is off to a tremendous start.  Any fan of the anime film will love this book.  While it gets extra points for nostalgia, it stands on its own with a solid story and gorgeous artwork.  This is based on a previously untranslated and unpublished short story from creator Hideyuki Kikuchi, and I hope to see may more adaptations of D's adventures make their way to the comic book medium. Read Full Review

I knew roughly what I was getting into when I purchased Message From Mars #1. I've read the first three Vampire Hunter D novels, the manga, and I've seen both movies. For what it's worth--and from my understanding of Kikuchi's work as a whole--it feels like an accurate representation of the series. For better or worse. Which is to say, I found the art direction, action, and environments stunning and well-suited to the Sci-Fi/Western tone of the series -- even despite my usual middling opinion of more realistic comic book art styles.

However, past the opening fight with an opposing Vampire (which was awesome), I was immediately disappointed, albeit unsurprised, by the paper-thin writing of Cecile, the female narrator. Her initial narrative role is to describe her relationship with the engineer Franz Weaver as well as to recount how Vampires came to settle on Mars--primarily through the use of narrated flashbacks. While the latter bit was interesting--Mr. Kikuchi's greatest strength is his world-building, after all--the former was where I paused, sighed, and felt that familiar twinge of resignation I feel whenever I pick up one of his works.

Although I realise for the purpose of action/sci-fi themed media that romantic relationships are often a tertiary part of the overall narrative, I couldn't help myself. Lacking any proper buildup (past the flimsy excuse of her ability to see into the future), her interest in and subsequent adulterous relationship with Franz had little depth. I couldn't sympathize or invest any emotion into a relationship that boiled down to "I had a vision that we fucked once, so I guess I love you." Which, yes, the sex is something they took the time to illustrate rather than attempt more believable chemistry. The only positive I can give this decision, both of the adaption and I assume the original author, is that at least it was consensual sex this time.

Beyond that, D's cool, stoic character is as wonderful as ever, particularly when paired with the snappier dialogue of the carbuncle inhabiting his Left Hand. They're always a joy to read, and the adaption did well to illustrate their often comically contrasting personalities as well as their keen fighting skills. The action was, as I said, stunning and I wholly look forward to seeing more of the same... whenever the next issue is released. Til then, I suppose I'll leave with this review. more