It occurs to me that part of Romania's new cultural myth might be something along the lines of King Arthur, that when Romania needs Vlad Drakul most he shall return, which makes me wonder how that idea will permeate Vampire fiction going forward...mostly in how it gets interpreted. Will he return as himself, as Dracula, through his bloodline, or in the spirit of the people?
[EDIT: Started thinking about some of the arguments that would no doubt start between the Brits and Romanians over who was the superior ruler if they returned [along with the fans of either] and this eventually spiraling outside of their influence as a Japanese euroboo(?) in the early 2000s, with zero skin in the game, making a manga of a Versus between the two...in that vein, I present:
Excalibur's Bloodlust: Clash of the Kings: [ Manga | Fantasy Adventure ]
In a world where legends have returned to life, a protracted war engulfs the land, pitting two legendary figures against each other. King Arthur, the charismatic idealist, and Vlad Drakul, the cunning pragmatist, clash in a battle that will determine the fate of the realm.
As the war escalates, Arthur rallies his knights, wielding the legendary sword Excalibur, with his unwavering belief in justice and the pursuit of a utopian society. He fights for a world where everyone is equal, and peace can be achieved through noble ideals and chivalry. Arthur's charisma and unwavering faith in the goodness of humanity inspire his knights and the people, creating a legion of loyal followers.
On the other side, Vlad Drakul, a master tactician and ruler of the undead, embraces the harsh realities of the world. He believes that only through power and pragmatism can stability be achieved. He commands an army of fearsome monsters and dark sorcery, using any means necessary to secure victory. Drakul's ruthlessness and strategic brilliance are matched only by his deep understanding of human nature.
The conflict between Arthur and Drakul is not just a clash of swords, but a battle of ideologies. Their opposing views on leadership, governance, and the nature of humanity drive the narrative forward. As the war rages on, both leaders face personal struggles and inner demons, questioning their own beliefs and the sacrifices they are willing to make for victory.
Amidst the chaos, a young woman named Tanaka Akane emerges as a key figure. Initially torn between loyalty to Arthur and her growing admiration for Drakul's pragmatism, she becomes a symbol of the divided world. Guinevere's journey reflects the moral complexity of the war and explores the blurred lines between idealism and pragmatism.
"Excalibur's Bloodlust: Clash of the Kings" combines epic battles, political intrigue, and deep philosophical themes. The series delves into the consequences of war, the fragility of ideals, and the human capacity to change. With stunning animation, memorable characters, and a gripping narrative, this anime explores the eternal struggle between two iconic figures and the choices that shape the destiny of nations.]