Yami no teiô kyuketsuki dorakyura

I recall stumbling across this to rent on the shelves of a Video Towne store in the mid-1980s, and the cover caught my eye. I took it home, popped it into the machine, and immediately experienced Deja Vu. This cartoon was based on Marvel Comic's monthly color series, "Tomb Of Dracula," from the early 1970s. (Which is when and where the character of Blade made his debut appearance.) I even still have the issue(s) used as the springboard for the story. My memories are a bit dim, but it seems as if the box for this was sketchy on details, and I don't recall any mention of Marvel being made on the packaging. Too bad this is out of print, as it would be neat to see it again and see how it holds up. Maybe it could be reissued under the Marvel banner and given better promotion, as the film seems to have slipped by unnoticed. It's so obscure, even die-hard fans of Marvel and/or Japanimation/anime' often have never heard of it.

Count Dracula, fed up with being constantly pursued by European vampire hunters, moves to USA. But when he finds a Satan-worshipping cult, he loses his power he finds himself against past undead acquaintances, also vampire hunters Hans Harker and Rachel Van Helsing along with Satan himself.

Tomb of Dracula, aka Dracula and Dracula: Sovereign Of The Damned might be better than anything Marvel has to offer these days. Produced by Toei Animation, the film was part of a deal between Marvel and Toei in the 1970s. Dracula: Sovereign of The Damned, adapted The Tomb of Dracula comic series published from 1972 to 1979, and attempts to cram the plot elements of the comic series into 94 minutes. First broadcast on TV Asahi in 1980, it appeared on cable networks, VHS and Betamax in the early 80s.

A few lapses in logic aside, the plot has plenty to offer, with lots vampire lore, action and abilities on display throughout. It's a little hammy at times, mainly due to the voice dubbing and some narration. Nevertheless, the traditional art & animation and Hammer Horror-like score delivers nostalgic joy, there's classic horror themes, sound stings, also disco music in the night club scenes. Directors Akinori Nagaoka and Minoru Okazaki offer great visuals, violence, ample blood, sexually charged scenes and even some nudity. There's many story elements, sacrifices to Satan, love, fatherhood, even being devampirised and reduced to eating hamburgers. The character design is holds up. Memorably there's a creepy graveyard scene where the dead come to life and a fang-full of notable vampire attacks that capture the feel of the comics.

Overall, great horror fun, especially for an over 40 years old made-for-television release. Highly recommended.

Before Marvel studios took on Frankenstein we got this Dracula piece that left me pining for Dr Strange (2016) which I thought was the absolute pits.

Alike The Monster Of Frankenstein (1981) this was made by Marvels Japanese animation studio however strangely looks very western.

It tells the story of Dracula, the woman he loves, their children, Satan (Yes Satan) and the group determined to see him dead.

I'm struggling to find the words to explain just how bad this is. It's tacky, full of laughable dialogue, pitiful characters and an awful storyline.

Unlike Frankenstein this is a very PG affair. Sadly it's not exactly family friendly, won't appeal to the kids and I'd imagine most adults will find it juvenile.

The movie was so bad it made my nuts rattle, both of them!

The Good:

Animation is decent enough

The Bad:

Dracula looks ridiculous

A lot of cheese

No idea who the demographic is

Things I Learnt From This Movie:

Marvels cinematic road to where they are now was one fraught with embarrassment

This is a great movie. 5.4 is underrating it. More people need to see this movie. It is a sequel to Dracula. It is very scary. Do not think that because something is Dracula that you would not bother with it. This movie has a great story line. It also has great acting. It also has great animation. I give it 8 out of 10. Do not think because something has vampires that it is not worth bothering with you are cheating you self out of seeing great film if you do not see this movie. Real talented people work hard on this movie. This a very scary movie. This is a great great film. This one of the best horror movie of all time.

Such a great classic Dracula animation! Loved the plot!