How Many Episodes Of Hellsing Are There
So, you're diving into the darkly delicious world of Hellsing, huh? Prepare for vampires, violence, and maybe a few laughs along the way! One of the first questions most newcomers ask (besides "what's with that guy's hat?") is, "How many episodes are there, anyway?"
Hellsing: A Tale of Two... Series?
Well, that's where things get a little...bloody complicated. You see, there isn't just one Hellsing anime. There are actually two different versions!
The first one, simply called Hellsing, came out in 2001. It's like that first bite of vampire lore - a little rough around the edges, maybe, but still got that addictive quality.
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The Original Hellsing: A Shorter Bite
This version clocks in at just 13 episodes. Thirteen episodes of Alucard being ridiculously overpowered, Integra Hellsing being fiercely in charge, and Seras Victoria figuring out this whole "vampire thing."
Think of it as a sampler platter. It introduces you to the characters and the overall story, but then it veers off and does its own thing. So, if you're a purist, you might find it a bit...different from the source material, especially later on.
Hellsing Ultimate: A Feast for the Eyes (and Teeth)
Then there's Hellsing Ultimate. This is the real meat (or blood, if you prefer) of the Hellsing story! It's a remake, a reimagining, a full-on commitment to sticking as close as possible to Kouta Hirano's original manga.
Hellsing Ultimate ran from 2006 to 2012. It took its time, and the result is a visually stunning, incredibly faithful adaptation. Prepare to see some seriously intense battles and some truly bonkers character moments.
This version is spread out over 10 OVAs. Each OVA is longer than your average anime episode, often clocking in at 40-50 minutes! So, while there are fewer "episodes," you actually get a lot more Hellsing goodness overall.
So, Which One Should You Watch?
That's the million-dollar question! If you're looking for a quick introduction and don't mind deviations from the manga, the original 13-episode Hellsing is a decent starting point.
However, if you want the full, unadulterated Hellsing experience, Hellsing Ultimate is the way to go. The animation is incredible, the story is more complete, and the characters are even more over-the-top. Just be prepared for some serious gore!
"There are many monsters that frighten me, but none more than you humans." - Alucard, Hellsing Ultimate
Ultimately, it's a matter of personal preference. Why not watch both? You can compare and contrast, appreciate the different interpretations, and decide for yourself which version reigns supreme.
Either way, you're in for a wild ride filled with vampires, Nazis, and enough bullets to make John Wick blush. So grab your stakes (or your anti-tank rifle), settle in, and enjoy the bloody spectacle!
Just remember to count the episodes carefully, because in the world of Hellsing, even the numbers can be a little...twisted.
