I’ve been really excited about the new Sonic x Shadow Generations game that just came out. But also, because it’s Halloween, I’ve upheld my annual tradition of rewatching Hellsing Ultimate. After a drink or two, a few friends and I were cracking jokes and someone mentioned that Alucard is just Shadow the Hedgehog as a vampire. Sure enough, I dived down a rabbit to see how true that statement is! So here we go!
Respect the Drip: Design and Aesthetics
As anyone can tell, Shadow the Hedgehog and Alucard share red and black color schemes. These colors traditionally symbolize power and danger. A suitable choice for two characters who are caught between being anti-heroes and monsters.
Furthermore, both characters have an accessory of power restriction. Shadow has inhibitor rings (shown briefly in Sonic the Hedgehog (2006)) and Alucard has his gloves. Both characters enter their most dangerous state when these items are removed, accompanied by design evolutions to properly show their raw strength and true nature.
Ghouls and Glocks: Fighting Styles
Starting right out the gate, note that Shadow the Hedgehog and Alucard famously use guns. The funny thing is, both hardly need them. Still, that doesn’t stop them. In combat, both have similar approaches, regardless of circumstances and are likely to hold back significantly in the beginning. For example, Alucard could have killed the pastor vampire in episode one immediately but instead chose to play target practice with the ghouls until Seras was held hostage. Given what we learn later in the series, it goes without question that he could have even killed the pastor without shooting through Seras Victoria. Shadow the Hedgehog similarly starts combat off slowly before resorting to chaos energy or chaos control.
They both enjoy displaying their power during combat, often flaunting it in their opponent’s faces when they win. Though Alucard is certainly more maniacal.
Finally, let’s talk about their ultimate forms. For Shadow the Hedgehog, we have Super Shadow or Chaos Shadow. In Alucard’s case, he has his Level Zero form of Dracula. Both involve tapping into their supernatural abilities. However, in Super Shadow’s case, his abilities are amplified by the chaos emeralds. Alucard reverts his vampiric state back to the time before death. In both states, they unleash horrific strength rooted in their origins; Alucard as a vampire and Shadow as a genetically engineered offspring of the alien Black Arms.
Past, Present, and Future: History
Finally, we come to the real meat of Shadow the Hedgehog and Alucard: their characterization and roles in their respective media.
Both are plagued by their pasts. Shadow witnessed Maria’s murder and that event became the cornerstone of his character. Alucard was once a vampire king dethroned and defeated by Arthur Van Hellsing and forced into eternal servitude to the Hellsing family. Both experience looming trauma over these past events and their purpose in life is defined by it. It is worth noting that Shadow experiences this more than Alucard.
Still, both learn to accept their roles in life and move beyond their past by the end of their stories. Shadow remembers what Maria wanted for mankind and vows to fulfill her death wish. Alucard is undeniably loyal to Integra Hellsing but works his own agenda through her. It’s common for Alucard to encourage and manipulate Integra’s ego to be granted permission for his monstrous desires. One such incident is when he provokes Integra to order him to slaughter Brazil’s military defense force. Unlike Shadow, Alucard will do anything to satisfy his thirst for destruction, within the restrictions of his vows.
Neither fully fits in with the human world, yet both are tools meant to protect humanity. Shadow the Hedgehog defends Earth from Black Doom and the Black Arms. Alucard fights to defend England from the Natzis (and the Vatican). There’s another common factor — they both fight against oppressive demonic military forces. Their stories aren’t about becoming more humane, but instead about being true to who they are while keeping their promise to someone important.
And They Lived Unhappily Edgy After
When all is said and done, neither Shadow the Hedgehog nor Alucard has a traditional redemption arc. They never become the hero of their stories or of their world. Both remain anti-heroes at best. They are dark, complex characters who remain so to the bitter end. And it’s that very factor that makes their characters timelessly memorable.
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I’m pretty sure if these two characters met, Alucard would invite Shadow the Hedgehog into his crypt to see his 70-inch plasma screen TV. And Shadow would show Alucard his gamer pad and invite him for Fortnite and snacks. JBOX has a special off for Halloween Mystery bags full of yummy Japanese sweets and okashi. Currently, they’re on sale! Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk. I’m off to play the new Sonic game, now!
