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Castlevania: The Art of the Animated Series
Fans of Castlevania will covet this opportunity to learn all there is to know about the development of the animated series with this beautiful, expertly designed, full color, hardcover art book featuring concept art and commentary from all four seasons of the hit animated series.
Gothic adventure and horror abound in Netflix's Castlevania. Now explore the work behind the scenes of the popular show that was originally inspired by the classic video games!
Hundreds of pieces of ultra-detailed artwork are contained in these pages, including stunning, never-before-seen illustrations of monsters, characters, and environments. Experience the labor of love expressed while adapting the design for Dracula's castle, and get a closer look at the intricacies of each prop's fastidiously created components!
Gothic adventure and horror abound in Netflix's Castlevania. Now explore the work behind the scenes of the popular show that was originally inspired by the classic video games!
Hundreds of pieces of ultra-detailed artwork are contained in these pages, including stunning, never-before-seen illustrations of monsters, characters, and environments. Experience the labor of love expressed while adapting the design for Dracula's castle, and get a closer look at the intricacies of each prop's fastidiously created components!
192 pages, Hardcover
First published June 22, 2021
14 people are currently reading
245 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 9, 2021
5 Stars
Review:
I received an advance digital copy of this book for review, and as a fan of the series, I absolutely loved it! I meant to only read a set number of pages each day because I get headaches from too much computer screen time, but it was so interesting and beautiful that I ended up reading the whole thing in a few days.
I loved all the little tidbits about the show and characters and how their art and designs came to be. Everything from faces to hair to costumes to scars to body shapes is meticulously chosen. Shapes and colors and what they evoke, designs from the games, real life cultures and time periods, practicality of clothing for fighting, and more is all taken into consideration. It was also fun seeing different ideas for designs that the artists tried out before the final ones were chosen. I enjoyed the little quotes from the artists sprinkled throughout too. (Some were quite funny!)
The backgrounds were impressive, detailed, and beautiful. There is really, truly some gorgeous scenery in here. I didn’t fully appreciate the backgrounds while watching because I was focused on the characters, so if you’re like me, this book is a great chance to really soak them in.
There are character model sheets, facial expressions, costume designs, early ideas, concept art, line art, 3D models, storyboards, and moody portraits. There are designs and notes on main characters, small characters, characters who didn’t even have lines, night creatures, demons, castles, scenery, lighting, whole towns, individual rooms, and specific items. There are explanations for how some of the art and animation was done. I learned so much! It really makes you appreciate how much work went into this series.
I imagine this whole book would be even more fun for anyone who’s played the games, since the creators point out a lot of references that were included throughout the series.
Overall, a wonderful book full of fascinating info and gorgeous art that made me appreciate the series even more! Any fan of the Castlevania Netflix series will love this!
Recommended For:
Anyone who's a fan of the Castlevania Netflix series, whether you just want to enjoy the art, or whether you want to learn more about the character designs, environments, and how it was all made.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
Review:
I received an advance digital copy of this book for review, and as a fan of the series, I absolutely loved it! I meant to only read a set number of pages each day because I get headaches from too much computer screen time, but it was so interesting and beautiful that I ended up reading the whole thing in a few days.
I loved all the little tidbits about the show and characters and how their art and designs came to be. Everything from faces to hair to costumes to scars to body shapes is meticulously chosen. Shapes and colors and what they evoke, designs from the games, real life cultures and time periods, practicality of clothing for fighting, and more is all taken into consideration. It was also fun seeing different ideas for designs that the artists tried out before the final ones were chosen. I enjoyed the little quotes from the artists sprinkled throughout too. (Some were quite funny!)
The backgrounds were impressive, detailed, and beautiful. There is really, truly some gorgeous scenery in here. I didn’t fully appreciate the backgrounds while watching because I was focused on the characters, so if you’re like me, this book is a great chance to really soak them in.
There are character model sheets, facial expressions, costume designs, early ideas, concept art, line art, 3D models, storyboards, and moody portraits. There are designs and notes on main characters, small characters, characters who didn’t even have lines, night creatures, demons, castles, scenery, lighting, whole towns, individual rooms, and specific items. There are explanations for how some of the art and animation was done. I learned so much! It really makes you appreciate how much work went into this series.
I imagine this whole book would be even more fun for anyone who’s played the games, since the creators point out a lot of references that were included throughout the series.
Overall, a wonderful book full of fascinating info and gorgeous art that made me appreciate the series even more! Any fan of the Castlevania Netflix series will love this!
Recommended For:
Anyone who's a fan of the Castlevania Netflix series, whether you just want to enjoy the art, or whether you want to learn more about the character designs, environments, and how it was all made.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
May 22, 2025
Castlevania has my heart! The blend of action, adventure, and gothic horror is just mesmerizing.
August 4, 2023
This is one of the best if not the best animes out there. The storyline has colossal stakes - my kind of stress, there is loss and rampant lawlessness and it's all very grimdark if you ask me. Gothic Grimdark. Throughout the story you're not sure who you're rooting for more: Alucard-Belmont-Sypha / Dracula-Lisa-Isaac / The Sister Vampires / Hector poor poor naïve Hector or the Night Creatures. The tv series led me to the game which led me back to the tv series and round we go.
When I received this book, I was in vampire heaven or sweet-hell (take your pick) and decided to do a re-watch of the series and of course I ended up binge-watching each season twice this week. The artwork and seeing how the game was brought to life for a different screen and wider audience has been a treat.
Let's talk turkey shall we
1. The Whispering Death and The Vampire Killer - bringing Trevor to life was just amazing from the hair right down to his boots. My favorite Trevor Belmont is Season 3 finale Trevor when he whips out both of these two after going toe to toe with a sentient and sapient night creature. That scene alone eclipsed all Trevor scenes.
2. Well, Hot damn Alucard - Yeah I can die peacefully having sampled all the Alucard artwork. The man is art. And talk about gothic etherealism. Season 4 Alucard is a shot to the heart.
3. Big Daddy Bad Vlad Dracula. This Dracula is by far the most alluring, magnetic and downright frightening.
4. The Forgemasters: Necromancy has never looked this sleek.
If you have a shred of love for the gothic world of Castlevania - this book is the holy grail.
When I received this book, I was in vampire heaven or sweet-hell (take your pick) and decided to do a re-watch of the series and of course I ended up binge-watching each season twice this week. The artwork and seeing how the game was brought to life for a different screen and wider audience has been a treat.
Let's talk turkey shall we
1. The Whispering Death and The Vampire Killer - bringing Trevor to life was just amazing from the hair right down to his boots. My favorite Trevor Belmont is Season 3 finale Trevor when he whips out both of these two after going toe to toe with a sentient and sapient night creature. That scene alone eclipsed all Trevor scenes.
2. Well, Hot damn Alucard - Yeah I can die peacefully having sampled all the Alucard artwork. The man is art. And talk about gothic etherealism. Season 4 Alucard is a shot to the heart.
3. Big Daddy Bad Vlad Dracula. This Dracula is by far the most alluring, magnetic and downright frightening.
4. The Forgemasters: Necromancy has never looked this sleek.
If you have a shred of love for the gothic world of Castlevania - this book is the holy grail.
October 15, 2024
Obsessed.
Every gothic anime I've watched so far has been an absolute banger.
But Alucard? The creators must have put some sort of crack into that man. His concept art, his animation, his powers, but most importantly his story?? Absolute favourite, would protect with my life, would cherish with all my heart.
I'd love some extra stories about Hector (poor naive Hector) and Carmilla.
Yes, I'm a Carmilla fan. Sue me.
Every gothic anime I've watched so far has been an absolute banger.
But Alucard? The creators must have put some sort of crack into that man. His concept art, his animation, his powers, but most importantly his story?? Absolute favourite, would protect with my life, would cherish with all my heart.
I'd love some extra stories about Hector (poor naive Hector) and Carmilla.
Yes, I'm a Carmilla fan. Sue me.
October 29, 2021
i LOVE this series and it was amazing seeing the history of the epic character designs and the architecture and world building… also, the concept art is so beautiful!!
June 11, 2022
An impulse buy but totally worth it. Lovely art and details, fun commentaries, and great to use as references.
April 22, 2023
I am obsessed with Castlevania and the artbook is simply stunning. I thought there was more background informations and explantation. Besides that it's absolutely stunning.
February 25, 2025
Gorgeous & genius! I love this show so much and the locations and architecture, especially with Dracula’s castle is some of the most detailed I’ve ever seen. The characters designs are so beautiful (especially Alucard, but anyway) and I can tell the artists had so much fun with this. Such a beautiful peek into the concepts and details of the characters, locations, and creatures! 🥀🖤🩸
February 23, 2024
I love castlevania
August 20, 2021
I received a copy of this book for a fair and honest review. I have been a fan of the Castlevania games for years, but when the series hint Netflix I had to watch. It was all my gamer heart could delight in. When I saw the games come to life it was a dream come true. Seeing the art from the show in this book was amazing. It gave me a closer look into the details that I was not really paying attention to when the action was happening. It makes me appreciate the work that goes into creating this world. It was wonderful.
September 17, 2023
Absolutely incredible! This is a must have for all the fans of the show and for artists who want to have a look at the creative process of character and landscape design.
The drawings, sketches, illustrations, 3D models and paintings are absolute eye-candy. The way that the evolution of the designs and the choices artists and writers made jointly is really informative and lovely to read.
The way in which this book perfectly exposes the artistic process is an amazing 'backstage' pass which truly makes you appreciate lots of details of the show even more.
The drawings, sketches, illustrations, 3D models and paintings are absolute eye-candy. The way that the evolution of the designs and the choices artists and writers made jointly is really informative and lovely to read.
The way in which this book perfectly exposes the artistic process is an amazing 'backstage' pass which truly makes you appreciate lots of details of the show even more.
April 19, 2025
The art is very stunning. The animators’ explanations were very short and simple, which I liked. I was very surprised that they used some of their own ideas to create monsters (ex. Africa’s mythological creatures for Isaac’s horde) and other things instead of just solely relying on the games. I was very surprised how many types of vampiric night creatures they can come up with! If you liked the show, I highly recommend it!
June 24, 2021
Absolutely fantastic! Studying it like it holds the secrets to the universe! Great for fans of the show as well as an incredibly inspiring resource for aspiring character designers and animation artists!
Thank you to Dark Horse and Edelweiss for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Thank you to Dark Horse and Edelweiss for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
November 12, 2022
I absolutely fucking love Castlevania (TV show).
Loved the artwork and little pieces of information and backstory to go along with them. The art style in general and being super gothic is exactly what I love.
So cool that Trevor looks a bit like Richard Armitage even though he wasn't the original choice for his voice.
Highlight of this book is the description of Dragan, a vampire general, in his design being the vampire general equivalent of an expensive gaming chair. Plus comments that he looked like a proper nun-eating bastard.
Art wise, my favourites were my favourite characters, including the oil portraits of Dracula and family. Lenore and Carmilla are also great for all the beautiful outfits, shoes and accessories.
We can only dream of being as beautiful as Alucard.
Loved the artwork and little pieces of information and backstory to go along with them. The art style in general and being super gothic is exactly what I love.
So cool that Trevor looks a bit like Richard Armitage even though he wasn't the original choice for his voice.
Highlight of this book is the description of Dragan, a vampire general, in his design being the vampire general equivalent of an expensive gaming chair. Plus comments that he looked like a proper nun-eating bastard.
Art wise, my favourites were my favourite characters, including the oil portraits of Dracula and family. Lenore and Carmilla are also great for all the beautiful outfits, shoes and accessories.
We can only dream of being as beautiful as Alucard.
September 11, 2021
As someone who isn’t familiar with the Castlevania video games, this art book for the animated series makes me want to look into playing the games. Everything in the art book looked beautiful and was so detailed. My favorite part of the book was showing the landscapes and locations.
February 4, 2022
Meraviglioso.
Fine, non c'è altro da dire.
Fine, non c'è altro da dire.
August 14, 2022
All I wanted in an Art book for the series.
March 1, 2023
this animation is one of the best all time it's so sooooo ssooooo ❤️ being able to read and see concept art of characters and world building makes this feel really special
August 1, 2023
I love you sm castlevania here's hoping nocturne is even better ☝🏻😁
December 7, 2023
Super cool look into the design process for the show. You can really tell how much the artists and animators loved the original games!
March 1, 2024
10/10
This was so interesting and the art was absolutely incredible!! I love this series so much I think I need to rewatch!!
This was so interesting and the art was absolutely incredible!! I love this series so much I think I need to rewatch!!
February 4, 2025
Absolutely love the fucking series. Trevor and Olrox jfc omg SMASH
Omg Alucard son of Dracula killed that pink haired BITCH
Omg Alucard son of Dracula killed that pink haired BITCH
June 10, 2025
La serie y el juego son unas joyas.
July 5, 2025
A look inside the making of my favorite series ever. Introduced me to Ayami Kojima's breathtaking art even though it was not shown in the book. The scenery and architecture , well painted
January 2, 2026
Very interesting! Gives insight into the art direction and lore. Very cool!
February 15, 2022
A decent compilation of concept art for the Netflix TV series of Castlevania, a long-running Japanese franchise featuring vampire hunters and Dracula and his army. I have not heard of it before but I understand that it is phenomenally popular.
The artwork is of a high standard and is of the anime style. The characters featured are of heroic proportions, mainly 8-9 heads tall. Creatures, minor characters are also included, mostly coloured line art, digital pencil art and a few skilfully rendered digital oil pieces.
A section featuring the environments are also included and some of the work is excellent.
The artwork is of a high standard and is of the anime style. The characters featured are of heroic proportions, mainly 8-9 heads tall. Creatures, minor characters are also included, mostly coloured line art, digital pencil art and a few skilfully rendered digital oil pieces.
A section featuring the environments are also included and some of the work is excellent.
January 1, 2025
a beautiful art book for an equally beautiful show. it's mainly character/creature [concept] design sketches and they're soooo cool. absolutely love to look at some of the monster designs in here that you can only see in the show for a few seconds. there's a section with fully illustrated/colored backgrounds, but my only complaint is that I wish those were a bit bigger.
peppered throughout are some GORGEOUS illustrations, some of which are oil-paint [styled?] that are featured as paintings in the show.
anyways, a 10/10 art book for anyone who loves the series, am looking forward to the Nocturne one when it eventually (hopefully) comes out next decade
peppered throughout are some GORGEOUS illustrations, some of which are oil-paint [styled?] that are featured as paintings in the show.
anyways, a 10/10 art book for anyone who loves the series, am looking forward to the Nocturne one when it eventually (hopefully) comes out next decade
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews