Castlevania The Animated Series review

Created by: Adi Shankar (Bootleg Universe, Shankar Animation)
Sam Deats, Adam Deats (Powerhouse Animation)
Also support by Frederator
Written by Warren Ellis (former writer) 
Music by Trevor Morris 
Licensed by VIZ Media 
Released by Netflix
Based on the series by Konami


 Many years ago, a series began based on classic monster films. Leaps of faith, peril, platforming, and adventure. It laid the ground work for games that would players to their limits. From 2D sprites, to an evolving world, with more colors, to a soundtrack that could deliver a more immersive experience beyond limitations of the system. From then to now, to the 2.5D and 3D realm, adventures kept us thriving to take back the night from a never ending curse. 


The animated series takes place within Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse (released on the Famicom, and NES). With the lead being Trevor, finding allies in unexpected places. But this time it was no longer a solo adventure, but banding together with other characters that had the same focus as he did. Crossing numerous places, terrain turned into a nightmarish hellscape, and unfathomable horrors that awaited them.


But back then, were limitations of what a game could perceive as a story. It was from a to b, while exploring within a 2D plane. Beyond what is possible today.. the Animated series however takes it to another level.


Castlevania Season I Trailer

Season I "Beginnings" / "Vampire Killer"
From the introduction of Dracula, and Lisa, to the atmosphere of a vast city known as Targoviste. They form a bond, a love, a union. With Lisa's journey to learn medicine, being mentored by an unexpected being, that helps guide her to learn a useful skill. Yet the outside world sees her differently. Then the worst thing happens... and it brings out Dracula's dark side. Giving them an amount of time to unveil their leader.. but no on speaks.. so it is done


Summoning a horde of monsters, they lay waste to any who were eyes of this misdeed. They tear apart any and all onlookers, limb from limb. (Also to note, this series is not for the faint of heart, or squeamish, it gets gory, and bloody, but within reason) 


With the town in silence, those that survive, which is very few. As the monsters seek the one who gave the order to take a life.. in return.. loses theirs. 


We meet Trevor Belmont, an unlucky gentleman. Just getting thru another journey, seeking a place to drink, rest, and try to get into trouble. But that follows him.. leading to an unexpected destiny. Finding a group called the Seekers, a group of mages that study ancient magics of elemental power. However it is never written, but a skill handed down from one generation to the next. In the catacombs, Trevor comes upon a place filled with statues, until running into a Cyclops (this creature has the ability to turn living things into stone, similar to Medusa. Once you gaze into its eyes, its too late). Upon dueling with this nasty beast, the one he is sent to recover.. awakens from her stone prison. Sypha Belanades. She is the Speaker, that her teacher sent Trevor to rescue. 


But they are not alone, as a tomb close by holds something inside.. the son of Dracula. A duel takes place, where they are tested, mind, body, and soul. Finding out they are fighting the same destiny.. they band together. And this is where our journey truly begins.


How to summarize.. four episodes. Fantastic voice cast, amazing music, visuals, special effects, and the art style just grabs your attention. Even though presented as a short mini-series. It would later gain additional episodes in future seasons.


There is no way to note a few words about the voice talent. It is on another level. Each character comes to life with personality, wit, demeanor, strength, energy, pain, sorrow.. all of the feels. The heroic trio: 
Trevor (Richard Armitage), Sypha (Alejandra Reynoso), and Alucard (James Callis). These three deliver a phenomenal performance, from season one to beyond. Plus the supporting voice cast is also extraordinary.  Dracula (Graham McTavish), The Bishop (Matt Frewer), The Elder (Tony Amendola) and many more.


Character highlights:
Trevor (played by Richard Armitage)
A reluctant hero, loves to drink, fight, but also has a heritage, plus a name that is not highly regarded. From tackling monsters, to saving the day, you can count on him. But when it comes to evil, he will be there in a heartbeat. No matter the foe, will fight to the bitter end. 


Sypha (Alejandra Reynoso)
A mage, of the Speaker clan. They travel abound the lands, seeking to teach those that have an open heart. But only those chosen can use their gifts for the greater good. Her family is well known in secret, as their knowledge of the use of magics is kept hidden, not printed, but only spoken within small circles. When she is saved by Trevor, and joins in his journey, she will never be the same.


Alucard (James Callis) "flying vampire Jesus" 
The son of the Vlad Tepes, and Lisa. Made of love, yet a creature of the night. Awakened by Trevor, and Sypha as they come upon his coffin. This savior is more than he seems. A formidable fighter, swordwielder, master of transformation, also has a heart. Banding together with Trevor, and Sypha, becomes the ultimate adventure. As they begin crafting a legend, that will be known for many ages to come.


Dracula (Graham McTavish)
Vlad Tepes, the dark lord, the Bat. A man known in many circles, but few know him for truly what he is. Not just a monster, a being with a heart, fell in love with a human, only to lose her because of what humans fearing they do not understand. To become a monster, seeking revenge, while being a part of the giant chess board that tests everything in his will to conquer humanity. 

Lisa (Emily Swallow)
A compassionate heart and soul, seeks to aid those in need. Yearns to learn medicine to help the sick, and dying. Finding out that there is more beyond her reach, lands upon the Castle to meet Vlad. And once time passes, they become good friends, eventually more. But her end.. is also where this story begins, in a twisted turn of fate. Becoming the reason why Vlad's campaign of tyranny takes hold, because of his lost and true beloved. 


Season II Trailer

Season II "Bloody Tears" 

The tides of change ripple through monster, and human alike. Where the bonds between the heroes, and villains is challenged. As the hierarchy emerges, showing its cards, playing it directly about face. Examining more of the Vampire world, an atmosphere different from our own. The key players Isaac and Hector come into place. 

But while things are in motion, the trio finally face Dracula who's mind and emotions no longer hold as they once did before. Becoming a monster of his former self, fighting his intent and compassion. Only to be taken down by his son.. changing the world forever 

Key Character highlights:
Carmilla (voiced by Jaime Murray)
One of the legendary sisters. Powerful, calculating, and manipulative. She seeks to destroy anything with a foundation created by the old men. A lust for control, blood, and the ability of her kind to take over the world. 

Godbrand (voiced by Peter Stomare) 
One of the old ones, brunt, brutish, nasty attitude unless he gets what he wants. One of the many leaders within the High Court. Seeks to conquer humanity, and take over as leader of the entire clan. While Carmilla keeps him at arms length, just like Vlad. No one really likes this man, because of his attitude. But he gets the job done. A swordwielder, and a bit of a talker. 

Hector (voiced by Theo James)
One of two forgemasters, these humans can  bring monsters to life, thru alchemy. From the body of a corpse, reanimating with the energy from the other side. Manifesting beings of hell. Serving the Vampires, as a way of creating their vast army. Answering to those with power, his will it not his own, until things change later on.

However in this season, he is more set aside as a pet, taken from a conquest during the Vampire's campaign taking over the lands. Serving under them, breaking him, but he is not one to take things easily.

Isaac (voiced by Adetokumboh M'Cormack) 
The second foragemaster, like Hector, but reluctant to serve someone. Takes back his power, skills, and knowledge to find his own identity, reason for existence, while learning more about himself. Including the monsters he has created, as it turns out they have a will of their own. But will protect him at any cost. Also turns out he has a heart.. comes into play much later.


Season III Trailer

Season III "Rise of the Sisterhood"

As the journey keeps the heroic trio separate, Trevor and Sypha get closer, while Alucard slips away unsure if he is losing his mind. Until a pair of twins comes upon Alucard, seeking a teacher, to learn from someone of the Vampire kind, their strength's weaknesses, and connect on another level.

Also Saint Germain makes his move, upon meeting Trevor and Sypha. A man from another place, and time. With a quick wit, and dry sense of humor, adding more mystery wherever he goes. Much later, becoming someone they trust, yet he has his own agenda. 

While the three are on their own paths, the Sisterhood comes into play, taking over the High Court, with news of Dracula's death spread like wildfire. Pieces of the board go into motion, as other vampires seek refuge, or a bond to those from other lands. 

The campaign leads to unexpected places.. Lenore, the younger sister takes in Hector as her own. They form a twisted bond, yet there is something held deep. While Isaac seeks retribution for what he's done under the Dark Lord, finding his own path, which leads to a battle of a manifestation beyond words. The world is a different place, yet holds many secrets. 

Key Character highlights:
Lenore "the peacemaker" (voiced by Jessica Brown Findlay) 
One of the four sisters. Throughout the known lands across the vampire court. She is someone who communicates with the other tribes. But her other intentions with Hector, from treating his as a pet, to something more, grows with every moment they lock eyes with each other. 

Striga "the fighter" (voiced by Ivana Millcevic) 
The brutish, yet beautiful, and powerful fighter. She is the backup, but also could be the leader. Armed, deadly, yet strong. She looks out for her kind, or those she loves. In a heartbeat, can cut her foes down asunder. 

Morana "the tactician" (voiced by Yasmine al Massri) 
A being who studies the environment, maps, nature, atmosphere. Planning every move. But also is a critical thinker of every situation. Happens to be in love with Striga for many years. 

Saint Germain (voiced by Bill Nighy) 
A being from another time and space. Speaks in riddles, yet seeks knowledge of the occult, and supernatural. With a bizarre demeanor, do not judge him, for he is a smart thinking, quick witted individual. 

The Judge (voiced by Jason Isaacs)
A man, who has overseen a sleepy town for many generations. A judge, jury, and the latter. While the people that live in his town are those that seek refuge, to kids getting into trouble. Numerous people have gone missing, some are questioning what is happening. And he might have something sinister hiding under that friendly exterior.

Sala (voiced by Navid Negahban)
A leader of a band of travelling priests. However these people are not the friendly kind. Their literature filled with various languages, dialects, and beliefs all connect to the supernatural. Not your ordinary bunch, they are more of a cult like sect. Their mission? to resurrect a certain being to return to this plane of existence

Sumi (voiced by Rila Fukushima) 
Taka (voiced by Toru Uchikado) 
A sister, and brother, a pair of monster hunters from the Far East. Travelling many miles, happen to arrive at the old haunt of Dracula's castle, where Alucard resides. Seeking to learn from the best, they seem trustworthy, eager to learn skills, knowledge of the past.. and something more which tears into Alucard's heart.

Although Season III was a bit controversial to the fandom, it was a noteworthy departure. From start to finish, it was a different series, giving the spotlight to other characters aside from the trio we came to love. But within reason, growing the mythos, there is a vast world to explore. From a man lost, to a band of sisters reclaiming their hierarchy, to hunters from a far off land. This season as some would describe was more "horny' than any other, yes there is lots of sensual moments, but it also gives the characters a dynamic presence. The intention was to deliver more energy, heat, and passion. It may be a mature themed series, but it was unafraid to take a deep dive into what drives us human or vampire, to feed that fire inside of us all.


Season IV Trailer

Season IV "Evergreen" 

"Back to where it all began" Sypha says as they arrive at Targoviste.
The final season takes every character arc, and wraps it in a dynamic way. Some gain redemption, others find power in themselves, and find their paths change throughout the story. No two characters are similar, human or vampire alike. From relationships growing, to some falling apart, and some building a new foundation. This season is all about bonds, those gained, and broken, or choices made that impact those around them. 


From character dynamics, to shifts in tone, the battle of light vs dark constantly changing. From season one to four, the connections made all tie together here. Introducing new characters, yet establishing their personality, energy, and connections to the main cast. And also saying goodbye to characters we've come to love or dislike. This is where the journey ends.. 


Key character highlights:
Varney (voiced by legendary actor Malcolm McDowell) A member of the high court, during Vlad's reign. From London, his journey has crossed all over the world. A mysterious energy, unlike other members, which have gone into seclusion due to Trevor and Sypha's takedown of their kind since the death of Dracul. But who he truly is... that is another story


Ratko (voiced by Titus Welliver) Another member of the high court of Vlad, a watchdog that keeps an eye out for trouble. Also known as one of the toughest hunters, but also a formidable fighter. 


Greta (voiced by Marsha Thomason) A leader of a village, caught in the middle of the conquest from the monsters sent in by orders of Carmilla. Forms a bond with Alucard, after he answers a letter asking for aid. Building something together, there is something special here between them. 


How it all comes together, and creates a satisfying conclusion. That is part of the journey worth taking. From the animation, to the light and dark themes, plus exploration of the vast world, and beyond what is seen, but felt. To the writing which gives the characters depth, growth, acceptance, trust, and the unexpected. And the music which mixes new music, plus brings back familiar favorites.


This final season is a marvel from episode one, to ten. The balance of story, character arcs, to brutal battles, and the shifts within the growing narrative as everything changes or impacts one another. There are moments of clarity, compassion, understanding, and a reason for what drives each character to meet their end goal. Whether hero/heroine, or villain/villainess they each have a role to play, or for some to find a reason for being, or to cause chaos. 


The finale delivers all of the feels, emotions, hype, wonder, and the unexpected. Like a game, where the heroes finally make it to their destination, take on the last area, and finally the end boss. The one who orchestrated this entire scenario. The journey ends here.. and where it could go next, there are so many possibilities. 


As a fan of this long running series, I am honored to write this article. To the entire Castlevania Netflix fam, thank you for taking us on this journey with you. Everyone that made it come to life, from art, to cg, music, writing, directing, and choreography. You are all incredible, especially in times like these. We do not deserve this amazing work of art, you all brought to life. 

But also the joy within the finale.. I cannot describe every bit of feels. I am surprised I did not enter any spoilers for this summary article. Because it is worth watching for anyone that enjoys a tale of light, dark, and the unknown journey ahead. Until that moment, something special that is so remarkable, those darn onions. 

To all the lives you've touched with this astonishing series. The joy, pain, sadness, all of the feels. Every one of us fans, and including the CV fam themselves. We are all connected to this adventure. There is nothing else like it, nor will ever be. Season IV, a conclusion, not a goodbye, but we will meet again.


Again, thank you for this marvelous work of art, storytelling, and something that changes the way we see video games forever. And I truly mean that from my heart.