So Trevor and Sypha did their jobs. Three hundred years later, a new generation must take up the fight against vampires. Welcome to the world of Castlevania: Nocturne, sequel to the first Castlevania.

Richter Belmont has taken up with the family business of hunting vampires. He teams up with a witch, who had raised him after his mother was killed battling bloodsuckers, her daughter, and a former slave who also works magic. Richter must find his power and courage as he goes up against the Vampire Messiah – and she is one strong vampire.

There are only eight episodes in season 1, ending with the arrival of an old friend from the original series, but season 2 is coming.

As with the original, Castlevania: Nocturne is heavily influenced by Japanese anime, though it seems no one from Japan worked on the series. It is an American production, with animation completed in South Korea. All this means is that the animation is quite good and worth watching. The action sequences are particularly well done – and bloody.

If there is one weak point of the series, it is the script dialog. Every character seems to use profanity at any opportunity, even if it does not fit the situation or the character. Overdone, it is as if the writers were simply trying to let us know this is not a kids’ show by pouring in every four-letter-word they can think of.

But a good story with good characterizations saves it. Each character has their own strengths and weaknesses, from the vampire hunting warriors to the delusional priest. Historically, this series is set in 18th century France, just about the time of the revolution. And the French Revolution is somewhere in the background as a bloody frame of reference.

I eagerly wait for season 2 of Castlevania: Nocturne. I would like to see how our heroes fare. Check it out.