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July 27, 2026Sources cited
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Hellsing

Hellsing is a Japanese manga series by Kouta Hirano that was serialized from 1997 to 2008.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Hellsing is a Japanese manga series by Kouta Hirano that was serialized from 1997 to 2008. It follows the Hellsing Organization, a secret British group that fights vampires, ghouls, and other supernatural threats. The franchise was adapted into a 13-episode television anime by Gonzo in 2001–2002, with additional anime adaptations later.

Plot

Hellsing follows the Hellsing Organization as it fights undead and supernatural enemies threatening Britain. The series combines horror, action, and supernatural themes, with Alucard and Seras Victoria as central figures.

Publication history

The manga was written and illustrated by Kouta Hirano and ran in Shōnen Gahōsha’s Young King OURs from April 1997 to September 2008. Its chapters were collected into ten volumes.

Anime adaptation

A 13-episode television anime adaptation by Gonzo aired in Japan from October 2001 to January 2002. It was directed by Umanosuke Iida, with screenplay by Chiaki J. Konaka.

Franchise and reception

Hellsing later expanded into additional anime versions and remains known as a major vampire-themed manga and anime franchise. It is frequently discussed for its violent tone, gothic style, and alternate-history British setting.

Key facts

  • The story centres on the Hellsing Organization, a secret anti-paranormal group in the United Kingdom.
  • The main vampire character is Alucard, who serves the Hellsing family.
  • Seras Victoria is a former police officer turned vampire and a major character.
  • The manga was serialized in Young King OURs and collected into ten tankōbon volumes.
  • The 2001 anime adaptation follows the manga’s characters and setting but takes a different story path from the later chapters.
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Canadian context

Hellsing has been available to Canadian audiences through international manga and anime distribution, and it is part of the broader Japanese media catalogue followed by Canadian anime fans.

Frequently asked questions

What is Hellsing?
Hellsing is a Japanese manga series about a secret British organization that combats vampires and other supernatural threats.
Who created Hellsing?
Hellsing was written and illustrated by Kouta Hirano.
How many volumes does the manga have?
The manga was collected into 10 tankōbon volumes.
When did the anime air?
The 13-episode anime aired in Japan from October 2001 to January 2002.
Who is Alucard?
Alucard is a powerful vampire who serves the Hellsing Organization and is one of the series’ main characters.
Is the anime the same as the manga?
The 2001 anime uses the manga’s characters and setting, but it follows a different story path from the later manga chapters.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellsing
    Supports: Manga authorship, publication run, volume count, plot overview, anime adaptation details
  2. Anime News Network — https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=387
    Supports: Anime genre, basic plot, production details
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Hellsing_episodes
    Supports: Episode count, broadcast dates, production credits, adaptation differences
  4. The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction — https://sf-encyclopedia.com/entry/hellsing
    Supports: Anime series identity, episode count, director, writer, production studio