Record of a Fallen Vampire 5

Story by Kyo Shirodaira, Art by Yuri Kimura – Viz – 2009 – 9 volumes

This series is so very good! It was hard to believe an essay at the back of the volume where Kyo Shirodaira mentions that several elements have evolved beyond what he (or she) had imagined and the story had to be adapted accordingly since one of his biggest pet peeves is when important story elements hinted at early on are not utilized later. It’s difficult for me to imagine that the story was not developed and fully formed before the first chapter came out. It’s a story of perspectives, and it seems like it would be difficult to change anything about it.

I’m having a hard time explaining this. Because the story seems largely about Strauss, how all the characters perceive him, and how their different positions and goals make him a completely different person to each and every one of them, it’s strange that parts of it have changed from what was originally imagined since… well, part of the fun seems to come with contradicting the earlier perceptions entirely, so it’s hard for me to believe that those earlier parts were not written with that in mind. Probably they were. Who am I to say?

This volume focused on the past, as told by Bridget. It was incredible, since Strauss is yet again a completely different person, and the events went down much differently than history recorded them. The most fun was seeing Strauss in love and completely devoted to Stella. Stella’s portrayal was also quite excellent, since in a world full of powerful creatures and people of status, she was… just herself, and that was enough for Strauss.

But even in this story, there is room for error on Bridget’s part. The confrontation between Strauss and Adelheid was not something she witnessed, so we don’t know what went on there. Similarly, she didn’t see Stella’s death, so it’s possible that impression will be completely subverted in the future, perhaps when Adelheid comes around.

Shirodaira mentions specifically that Stella was not a character he had thought of when the story first started, which is pretty incredible since a lot of the possible misinterpretations and changes in viewpoint happen as a result of her. About the only other thing I can see that might have changed since the first volume is Bridget, whose attitude here doesn’t quite match her earlier persona. But perhaps there will be an explanation for that as well. I’m sure it will be awesome.

Again, this series is pretty incredible and nearly peerless when it comes to the intricate storytelling techniques. Even with everyone talking about Strauss and who he is, the Strauss of the present is himself completely faceless and very much an enigma when it comes to what it is that he wants. I am very much looking forward to when his mask comes off and all of that is revealed. Also, with all this talk of the ancient vampire kingdom, I’m also looking forward to how exactly the alien invasion will fit into the story. I am very sure there is a point to that and that I will be blown away when it is revealed.