Hello,
Let's start reviewing another manga/anime series I watched a long time ago that I quite liked at the time (even thought maybe I'll have to rewatch it as slowly my memories are fading) named Tsukuyomi - Moon Phase based on an original work by Keitarou Arima.
Let's start with a synopsis :
Photographer Kohei Morioka, while on assignment for a magazine devoted to the occult, enters a dark castle in Germany where he encounters a young vampire girl named Hazuki who tries to turn him into her servant. While Kohei doesn't succumb to Hazuki's will, he does set her free from the barrier keeping her in the castle. He is surprised to find her living with him in Japan.
This is one of those story that start with a big climatic battle and then go into a big arc of calm before returning to the chaos and battle scenes toward the end to reach the conclusive ending.
Let's start by saying that even if the OP is quite stupid the series is deep and filled with darkness here and there. Not something you would like to show to a children at least with blood and people dying like flies.
The whole concept behind the Vampire's lover position and role was quite new and refreshing and I did like all the growth that both Hazuki and Kouhei Morioka has gone through the series to help each other.
The series is divided into two areas divided by a time skip in which the main character grow in both power and maturity to better protect Hazuki from the armies of her family trying to kidnap her again and make use of her blood. (that would allow vampire to walk into daylight)
Both part were quite good, even thought pretty different. The first part was quite light and comedy based except for some episodes, the second one was mostly dark and sometimes depressing.
The characters are many and to be honest after all these years, I don't really remember all of them with detail except for the main ones. There is growth and maturity in the characters during the series.
My favourite character is by far the negletted Artemis that really got few screentime and artwork from the community even thought she's as cute as hell. (even a little evil to be honest before being converted into the good guys)
Loved also the Ryuuhei Mido (the grandfather) spirit and funny antics, was one of the main reason of laugh in this series! (even thought he's quite serious and powerful when it comes down to fight enemies.)
The graphical quality is pretty high for the time even thought I didn't liked the Hazuki design to be honest. The animation was very good and consistent in the dvd version.
The sound quality is also good even thought there aren't many big names working on this anime except Chiwa Saito in Hazuki's role.
Concluding, this is a good series with plenty of supernatural elements and battles, but without forgetting about romance and comedy.
If you happen to like just like me these genres go and give it a look!
See you soon,
feal87