Based on a dark fantasy manga series of the same name, “Seraph of the End: Vampire Reign,” is a Japanese anime series that focuses on teenager Yuichiro Hyakuya, an orphan who survived a pandemic at the hands of vampires.

In 2012, a virus wreaks havoc on Earth and reduces the global population by 90 percent, but leaving children younger than 13 unaffected.  Eight-year-old Yuichiro and his best friend Mikaela struggle to keep their younger siblings calm in their home, Hyakuya Orphanage, as destruction ensues outside.  Suddenly, two cloaked figures capture the children, who are promptly trucked to an underground city where they are to be raised by vampires.

For the next four years, Yuichiro finds himself hating his family’s supernatural caretakers, who harvest their blood in return for food and shelter. Mikaela, who has gained the favor of a high-ranking vampire named Ferid Bathory, proposes that they escape using a map that Mikaela stole. Eager to leave, Yuichiro and Mikaela, accompanied by their family, sneak past guards and reach a passageway that leads to the outside world. But as they are about to pass through, they are ambushed by Ferid. The attack leaves everyone but Yuichiro dead.

Another four years pass after Yuichiro’s escape. Now 16 years old, he has become a member of the Moon Demon Company, a sect of the Japanese Imperial Demon Army that deals with supernatural tasks. With his hatred stronger than ever, Yuichiro vows to avenge his family. However, when he becomes involved in combat, Yuichiro begins to question who the real enemy is: the vampires or the humans.

“Seraph of the End: Vampire Reign” has the perfect combination of action and drama, along with fighting sequences that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats. The story contains many twists and turns that fuel amazing character development. Along with this, it has a wonderful soundtrack. The series is recommended for teens ages 14 and up due to graphic images, intense battle scenes and violence, especially in the first episode.

The show is currently airing, with season two scheduled to begin in October. Season 1 can be found on various web sites including Hulu and Funimation.com.