Title: Dance in the Vampire Bund Vol 4
Author: Nozomu Tamaki
Publisher: Seven Seas
ISBN: 9781934876534
May Contain Spoilers
I am always a little conflicted about this title. One the one hand, it’s a solid action title with delightfully creepy horror elements. On the other, it’s got a little too much “ick” factor for my delicate reading sensibilities. Having a heroine who looks like she is about 10 running around naked most of the time is just disturbing. In this volume, she is even forced to endure the humiliation of a “chastity” test. I could do without scenes such as that, or the one where Akira is once again confronting an opponent who is completely naked. Why do the vampires and their ilk feel the need to strip down during the middle of a fight and battle to the death with their bits bouncing about? If I was in the same position, I would adamantly insist that I retain my clothing, and perhaps a couple of protective layers of chainmail.
This time around, Mina is on the hot seat. The only other remaining true blooded vampires all drop in for a visit, and they aren’t the nicest guys around. We learn that though they are bitter enemies, they have a pact established amongst them. One of the three will eventually wed Mina, and she will bear a true blood vampire. Only the desire to preserve the vampire blood lines keeps them all from slaughtering each other, but I would certainly forgive Mina for not keeping her oath on this one. These guys are creepy! The fact that they are waiting impatiently for her to mature makes them even worse. Good thing she’s keeping the little secret of her true form under wraps.
They quickly go from being a minor annoyance to Mina to becoming one of her worst nightmares. They have decided to place a bet between the three of them, and the winner gets possession of Mina. Akira is going to determine who wins, or rather, whichever one of their assassins kills him, designates the winner. Mina is obviously alarmed, because not only will she lose her beloved Akira, but she’s going to be stuck with one of these repulsive creatures until she has a baby. Ugh.
The subplot is ridiculous, but it sets up some wonderful action scenes for the hapless Akira. There’s a lot of tension as he is chased, not only by three deadly assassins, but also by vampires looking to gain some power of their own. Everyone is against him, and he has no idea why! Talk about getting up on the wrong side of the bed. Too bad he can’t push the “do over” button and start the day all over again.
Dance in the Vampire Bund covers ground that I’d prefer not to tread, but I keep reading despite my reservations. The tense atmosphere and thrilling action keeps me coming back for more. While several characters are awkwardly proportioned, the art is detailed and attractive, and it keeps the action flowing with a convincing sense of motion and energy. This series really walks a fine line for me, and I wonder if it will cross it soon, rendering it unreadable for me?
Grade: B
