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Vampire Hunter D: Message from Mars #1

Vampire Hunter D: Message from Mars #1

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Drawn to Mars by an ancient message from Cecile, a girl who could see the future, D arrives to find a colony that is little more than a blood farm. With Left Hand by his side, D sets out to cleanse Mars of the vampire scourge. Based on an unpublished short story written by Hideyuki Kikuchi, the writer and create of the seminal Vampire Hunter D series, Message from Mars is the first ever Western style comic adaptation of Vampire Hunter D.

31 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 21, 2017

2 people are currently reading
71 people want to read

About the author

Brandon Easton

148 books37 followers
Brandon Easton is a writer for the new Warner Bros. Animation series THUNDERCATS and a writer for the TRANSFORMERS: RESCUE BOTS for The Hub Network.

In January 2012, Brandon's first graphic novel SHADOWLAW was released to a nationwide sell-out and widespread acclaim with positive reviews from USA Today, Forbes, Wired, Ain't It Cool News and other major publications. Brandon continues to produce his "Writing for Rookies" advice podcast for aspiring comic book and sci-fi writers.

Brandon recently signed a 6-book deal with LION FORGE ENTERTAINMENT, a new transmedia company based out of St. Louis, MO. He splits his time between Los Angeles, New York City and Baltimore, Md.

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5 stars
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15 (20%)
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
Profile Image for Lynn.
1,673 reviews45 followers
July 21, 2017
I get nothing for my review and I backed the kickstarter for the comic series.

Today's post is on Vampire Hunter D; Message from Mars volume 1 by Brandon Easton (Goodreads Author), Hideyuki Kikuchi (Author), Michael Broussard (Illustrator), Sheldon Mitchell (Illustrator). It is 25 pages long and is published by Stranger Comics. The cover is dark with D in the center. The intended reader is someone who is familiar with the Vampire Hunter D series. There is mild foul language, sex, and violence in this volume. The story follows two voices at the same time, Cecile, who is speaking to D and the reader; and D as he moves through the colony. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From Goodreads- Drawn to Mars by an ancient message from Cecile, a girl who could see the future, D arrives to find a colony that is little more than a blood farm. With Left Hand by his side, D sets out to cleanse Mars of the vampire scourge. 

Review- This volume sets up an interesting story with a mystery at the heart. Cecile summoned D to Mars to kill the Nobles that are living there and from what she says to kill her. She starts by telling him that she has always been able to see the future but even she could not have foreseen the Nobles or what would birth them. D and Left Hand are fighting their way to her as we read the message that she send D. We get to see some of the Nobles and their creatures. But this is just setting up the world for us. I look forward to the next volume to see what happens next. The art is amazing for this volume. It is so beautiful and the story is very fast paced. If you are not familiar with D and his world this is not the best place to start but if you are a fan then you need to pick this up.

I give this volume a five out of Five stars.
16 reviews
May 13, 2019
The hunter's hex

Vampire hunters are not as famed in the light of modern pop culture, however there are examples that break the traditional art form, offering unique perspective. This is a underground hit, a feature where a master looked at the future of the world, as greater than the sum of where we have been. It became a world of demons and supernatural mutation, where the highest forms of nano technology seamlessly blend into science fiction fantasy. That is the look into the world of Vampire Hunter D.
Inspired, and haunting, the world of the vampire hunter, makes an attempt to break the vampiric curse over the future. Where survival has become about using nobility, to preserve the bloodline of humanity on mars, the endless challenges call for magic to emerge as a new science.
Profile Image for Sparrow.
2,287 reviews40 followers
October 5, 2017
Vampire Hunter D 1985 - Eh
Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust - 5 stars
Vampire Hunter D novels - Rubbish
Vampire Hunter D manga - Rubbish
Vampire Hunter D: Message from Mars - BRILLIANT

I have been waiting and hoping that this series might be properly resurrected. I was giving up hope after giving up on the manga series. I'm not sure how much of it is D's flawlessness and how much is simply poor translation, but I was ready to call it quits. I opened this comic grudgingly, wanting to get it over with quickly so I could mourn what I used to love. And I was, instead, blown away.

Incredible modern story telling. Gorgeous art. Intriguing plot. Realistic and FLAWED characters. I cannot WAIT for the new volume.
Profile Image for Mandy.
443 reviews
May 20, 2022
I supported the kickstarter and read the draft copy of the full story.

The story is about D going to Mars because of a message.

It jumps back and forth between the past and the present in such a way that it draws you in to see what will happen in both time lines.

The are is gorgeous and the coloring is phenomenal.

There were one or two places that i had to reread because i skipped panels the first time.

I'm super happy with this draft copy and i can't wait until i get the physicals.
Profile Image for Michael.
Author 1 book24 followers
October 4, 2025
I was just skimming towards the end. Reminded me that I'm not a Vampire Hunter D fan, which I now remember that I discovered after watching the first movie years and years ago. He looks cool as All Get Out, but the wise-cracking demon living in his hand is annoying, not funny. And his supposedly mysterious backstory is just contradictory and convoluted.

Those are complaints about the character and concept in general. A great story could overcome some of it, but Message from Mars does not.
4 reviews
February 11, 2017
Always loved the Vampire Hunter D saga

Artwork...breathtakingly beautiful
Writing...true to VHD
Love that they made D look like Bloodlust Movie D. Amano's D is beautiful but too effeminate for my taste.
Profile Image for Deborah Kimball.
9 reviews1 follower
February 7, 2017
very promising start to a long overlooked vampire fandom. Been following D for ten years and have hope for this comic.
Profile Image for Jane.
344 reviews1 follower
May 19, 2022
VHD is always too short.
Profile Image for Anthony.
52 reviews
Read
July 4, 2022
Read the rough draft for the full volume. It’s okay.
Profile Image for Joshua.
265 reviews21 followers
February 8, 2017
I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE TRADE!!! THIS STORY IS GOING TO GET REALLY GOOD AS IT GOES ON I BET!
Profile Image for Bill Blume.
Author 22 books67 followers
February 7, 2017
Been anticipating this comic book for a while. Still fondly remember the original "Vampire Hunter D" anime, and this comic book series, subtitled "Message From Mars," is off to a strong start. And speaking as a vampire hunter author, also gotta buy this partly out of maintaining my street cred.
10 reviews
June 15, 2018
Artwork is beautiful

Any "D" fan will like this one. It's a good representation of how "D"s universe is. It's a scifi/gothic/post-apocalyptic/action piece!
5 reviews
November 30, 2019
Great in every sense

I've been a huge fan of VHD, I'm so glad to see the books/comics being continued. The plot is riveting and the artwork astounds.
Profile Image for Kimmi.
54 reviews5 followers
April 19, 2017
Love the full color artwork but the story and characters didn't grab me. I hope that it improves in later volumes.

I was also in disagreement with an afterward at the end which referred to D as having no sense of humor. I've cracked up so many times while reading the novels just because D says something weird. His humor is just really dry.

Also no one mentioned his beauty. :P
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews

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