I have to say, I was more than a little apprehensive about reading a vampire manga with such drastically differing themes than previous ones I've enjoyed. Especially considering the horrible disappointment and, quite frankly, disgust I feel towards other, lesser vampire-claimed mangas (no offense).
But when I actually sat down and gave Guil-Na-Zan a read through (sadly, didn't finish it, not enough time at the store), I was thoroughly thrilled to find such an unsuaully enjoyable story! I've always enjoyed things that essentially 'poke fun' at a classis, well-known, or otherwise recognizable genre, party, movie, person, social group, etc.
So reading about a manga which jokes about the overly-gorgeous guys and girls of the bishi-sub-genre of manga, I couldn't help but laugh. And laugh, and laugh. It was a trip, for sure. I had fun reading it, and I enjoyed all the somewhat 'in-jokes' about the "Pretty-boy" and "Pretty-girl" stereotypes. Guilt-Na-Zan's a fantastic character, and Vincent, Kyoji, and Tomae, are a joy. And Kyoichi really IS the 'biggest idiot in the entire world."
I'd recommend this manga to anyone familiar or unfamiliar with the sub-genres, as well as vampire-manga fans, as long as they can be a little forgiving. This is no Hellsing, Vampire Hunter D or Trinity Blood, mind you. It's a comedy. Maybe fans of the less-gory-but-still-light-hearted-fun will enjoy this more. I'm not sure, finding myself leaning farther towards the traditional blood-n-guts vampire side of the trend than the cutesy characters with a vampire background slapped on (Again, no offense to any fans of Moon Phase, Chibi Vampire, or the like. I just personally don't like 'em).
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