Manga Review: Vassalord's Sexy Shonen-Ai Vampires

Summer '08 has brought us several new vampire-themed manga series – some that are funny (Rosario + Vampire), some that are romantic (The Reformed), some that are for kids (COWA!), and some that are just confusing (The Record of A Fallen Vampire).

Now, the latest in this summer crop of bloodsucking tales gives us a gothic suspense with a sci-fi and shonen-ai twist. Vassalord by Nanae Chrono from TokyoPop is the latest offering from the creator of Peace Maker, and it's got a lot of what makes vampire manga irresistible: doomed love, irresistible passions, bloody battles, fearsome creatures and evil conspiracies. But what it's also got is lots of pretty boy eye candy that's extra tantalizing because the two male leads have this hot love-hate relationship that's alternates between being sensual and silly.

Johnny Rayflo is a dashing vampire playboy with bedroom eyes and tousled just-got-out-of-bed hair. Charley Chrishund is a cybernetic vampire hunter employed by the Vatican who's also a vampire himself. Put these two in a room together and they'll either fight to the death or they'll start making out. I know, it doesn't make much sense, but boy, it sure looks good. And thankfully, it doesn’t take itself too seriously – there are some genuinely funny moments when Johnny and Charley bicker and battle like vampire versions of Itchy and Scratchy.

Check out my review of Vassalord Volume 1 and see if this sci-fi / suspense / vampire / shonen-ai / comedy / action series can seduce readers into checking out this new arrival, or if it's dead on arrival. You can also get a taste of the first chapter of Vassalord at the free online preview posted on MySpace.

Image credit: © Nanae Chrono / MAG Garden Corporation