Of Christmas decorations and Tu Tu's...

[Reeku]

Ah...the joys of being 12 and still young enough to get away with playtime.

O.k. I am going to have to totally ream myself on this one. I normally work with secondary education (I'm used to 14 year olds looking too mature), so last night when I went to an elementary school Xmas program and saw what some of thier 11 & 12 year olds looked like.... never mind on "being young enough to get away with playtime".


Half of them looked like adults. Some of the girls were more developed than I am. What happened to youth? Is it all the hormones in the meat or something? Those girls wouldn't pick up a doll to save thier lives and if they did, they would keep it "MIB" as a monetary investment.

Damn I'm feeling old fashioned all of a sudden.

Poor Integra...growing up way, way, way too soon. I secretly hope that somewhere, deep down in that mature, logical mind of hers, she keeps a little bit of her younger child self in there....and I hope someday that inner child struggles to the surface and breaks free before she crashes and burns.

I always think of her as a re-incarnation of the Virgin Queen-- struggling to keep England strong, pushing away every hope of a king/consort for herself. Must be lonely at the top.

Sorry for the musings. I'm avoiding work. I have a bad case of vacationitis.

Sky

I actually dislike the way a lot of 12-15 year olds are portrayed in some anime/manga. I'm one of those people that develope slower (or rather, at a "normal" speed), but a lot of my classmates look older, and that's what I've grown used to, and I hate to see a thirteen year old character that looks like a nine year old and acts like a nine year old.

[Americangothic]

but a lot of my classmates look older, and that's what I've grown used to, and I hate to see a thirteen year old character that looks like a nine year old and acts like a nine year old.

I remember 13-- if ANYONE treated me like I was nine, I would have kicked them in the jimmy.

So I have to agree with you on that one too. 13 should be 13. 9 should be 9. 18 should be 18 and 39 should really be 29.....

Sky

[Junior1210]

Ummm if I'm out of line forgive me, but after reading the manga up to book seven, I'm not seeing where Integral is all that stiff. Sure she comes off as grim and proud and proper, but remember she is the commander of a combat unit and her orders literaly carry the force of life and death for humans, vampires, freaks and kittens etc... What kind of monster would she be if she just went prancing around happy and carefree? I believe the Major has that covered already. Also I've always thought that Integral showed one great sense of humor in such grim and grizzly times. Heck I wish I had that kind of composure when things go slighty wrong. As far as growing up too fast, I would refer you to the veterans of WWII. I could be wrong and often am, but I think she was brought up in the same manner as those of royal blood in times past, where from the time she was old enough to speak she was in training for her post. A sad childhood to be sure but if not for that she would be ill prepared for the trials she must face.

[Arvanna]

I think your perfectly right about that and it's one of the reason why I much prefer the manga Integra over the anime version who came across most of the time to me as way too cold (and mannish, had to get that in ) What I'm looking foreward to is her reaction when she realizes who it is she has by the arm, cause I'm hoping she doesn't recognize Girlycard?

[Americangothic]

Ummm if I'm out of line forgive me, but after reading the manga up to book seven, I'm not seeing where Integral is all that stiff.

You're not out of line at all! Everyone is entitled to an opinion


I haven't read that far yet, but from what I've seen of the anime, she's balls to the wall almost 24-7.

I agree that a great deal of that is her job, but I feel too that a big part of that is who she has developed into. The role she has had to play has overtaken her...or more accurately, she has donned it of her own choosing.

And while she does have humor...it's not like she's ever going to dress up in pink flowers and write boys names on her papers in pink jell pens and let the inner squeely girl out. She's not a giggly Barbie doll type. I can't see her playing with Rainbow Bright, Strawberry Shortcake or My Little Pony...EVER....well...maybe the My Little Pony. If she did collect dolls, they'd probably be the Madame Alexander, Effenbe, high-end type that you don't make shag with Ken.

I suspect she her doll collection was a lot like mine. I got the brunette faux barbie and cut her hair short so she could go on missions with GI Joe.

And another thing.... I snorked my tea when I noticed the portrait of Elizabeth in the hall in the 2nd OVA after having these Virgin Queen conversations. Nice pincushion effect.

[Tweak]

I'm surprised she recognized Alucard. Then again, it's a dream. I'll bet Alucard will rofflesauce this overgrown mutant rat with ease, even if it is a dream.

Oh and, I think it makesperfect sense for Integra to be portrayed as a tough little cookie. And dolls? Pbsh. She smokes cigars fer cryin' aloud!

But yeah, I could see dolls, actually.

[Junior1210]

Thank you Americangothic, it is my opinion but I'm told I'm OPINIONATED too so I make an active effort not to offend. I don't see how Integral could possibly recognise Girlycard as she is still a "child" at this point and not yet aware (maybe?) of Alucard's somewhat bizarre abillities. On another front is it just me or does Girlycard's outfit remind anyone else of Yomiko Readman? I mean a large set of glasses frames and a cute but goofy smile and a book or 400 and they'd be sisters (sorta).


On a different track, if anyone want to read a very, very, very tame and kinda cute vampire story, there's a site called Lililicious.net go to "projects" then to "current projects (manga), scrool down to "Yuri Shimai 5 magazine" and download the file "Testify". It was a good short manga story, but don't expect "Hellsingish" vampirism, but more like Chibi Vampirism. Also fair warning, the site is dedicated to Yuri stories and bishoujo stories so if you have reservations, qualms, or intolerance for such things don't go. There are various other good manga and anime on the site but none about vampire genre and some stuff there is expicit so for the youngsters, all the mature stuff is clearly marked as such so as to keep you out of trouble.

[SailorPtah]

And while she does have humor...it's not like she's ever going to dress up in pink flowers and write boys names on her papers in pink jell pens and let the inner squeely girl out. She's not a giggly Barbie doll type. I can't see her playing with Rainbow Bright, Strawberry Shortcake or My Little Pony...EVER....well...maybe the My Little Pony. If she did collect dolls, they'd probably be the Madame Alexander, Effenbe, high-end type that you don't make shag with Ken.

Actually, I don't see her getting Madame Alexander dolls either, unless they were needed for decoration somewhere. Too fancy and not very useful. Most of her decor tends towards the austere and classy.

I never had enough Ken dolls, so some of my Barbies were stuck shagging each other. (The horror, the horror.)

I don't see how Integral could possibly recognise Girlycard as she is still a "child" at this point and not yet aware (maybe?) of Alucard's somewhat bizarre abillities.

She doesn't recognize Girlycard; she just figures he's another character in her dream. (She still treats Alucard in a very guarded way.)

On a different track, if anyone want to read a very, very, very tame and kinda cute vampire story, there's a site called Lililicious.net go to "projects" then to "current projects (manga), scrool down to "Yuri Shimai 5 magazine" and download the file "Testify". It was a good short manga story, but don't expect "Hellsingish" vampirism, but more like Chibi Vampirism.

That was amazingly sweet. Thanks for finding it!

[Americangothic]

I never had enough Ken dolls, so some of my Barbies were stuck shagging each other. (The horror, the horror.)

Sadly, my home was so Catholic that my Barbies didn't even know shagging another barbie was even possible for the longest time.

[Junior1210]

"Always at your service" as Walter would say. I stumbled on that site and for my good luck found a ton of great stuff. I gotta say though the anime in the current projects section Maria-sama is truly exellent if you're into shoujo, like I am. I gotta say though that there really isn't all that many good vampire manga/anime out there though. Chibi Vampire is good for a laugh and there are alot like it but the Hellsing variety is pretty small except for the hentai and well...... lets leave that be for now. Sorry about not setting up a link but my "leet skillz" are small and feeble.

[Junior1210]

That reminds me; why is Integral refered to as "sir"? I realise she is a knight of the round table and all, but isn't a woman whoe been knighted refered to as "dame" or "lady" ? Not that it matters to me but it twigged my mind a tad.

[Americangothic]

That reminds me; why is Integral refered to as "sir"? I realise she is a knight of the round table and all, but isn't a woman whoe been knighted refered to as "dame" or "lady" ? Not that it matters to me but it twigged my mind a tad.

I have wondered that myself.

My only guess is "Sounds cooler""??? There is no precedence for it in Britian that I know of-- every female I know of is "Dame". (Lady is for wives of knights who have not been knighted themselves....so should Integra ever marry, her husband would be Lady Hellsing ...snicker snicker snicker....I know....that was bad...but I couldn't help it. )

at British functions: "Introducing Sir Integra Wingates Hellsing and Lady Vlad III Draculea Hellsing, Prince of Wallachia" SNORT! Oh wouldn't that be special. Now AXI amuses me... (I'm sure I got the orders of precedence wrong, but dang that's still funny to me).

The only other guess I have, and this is COMPLETELY far fetched-- she was born hermaphrodite and her birth certificate says Male. 'twod explain a lot. Maybe she's on hormone therapy?

<----being screwball tonight. It's Friday and I'm entitled to tie one on.

Sky

[Reeku]

That reminds me; why is Integral refered to as "sir"? I realise she is a knight of the round table and all, but isn't a woman whoe been knighted refered to as "dame" or "lady" ? Not that it matters to me but it twigged my mind a tad.

She's almost always referred to with male titles for whatever reason, so yeah, she goes by "Sir". (You should have seen the confusion among some of my classmates and my self induced embarassment, all caused by what she's called. Ehehehe...)

[Reeku]

That reminds me; why is Integral refered to as "sir"? I realise she is a knight of the round table and all, but isn't a woman whoe been knighted refered to as "dame" or "lady" ? Not that it matters to me but it twigged my mind a tad.

I have wondered that myself.

My only guess is "Sounds cooler""??? There is no precedence for it in Britian that I know of-- every female I know of is "Dame". (Lady is for wives of knights who have not been knighted themselves....so should Integra ever marry, her husband would be Lady Hellsing ...snicker snicker snicker....I know....that was bad...but I couldn't help it. )

at British functions: "Introducing Sir Integra Wingates Hellsing and Lady Vlad III Draculea Hellsing, Prince of Wallachia" SNORT! Oh wouldn't that be special. Now AXI amuses me... (I'm sure I got the orders of precedence wrong, but dang that's still funny to me).

The only other guess I have, and this is COMPLETELY far fetched-- she was born hermaphrodite and her birth certificate says Male. 'twod explain a lot. Maybe she's on hormone therapy?

<----being screwball tonight. It's Friday and I'm entitled to tie one on.

Sky

O Muse, you're hilarious. I thought it'd sound more along the lines of "Introducing Count Integra Wingates Hellsing and Count Vlad III Draculea Hellsing, Prince of Wallachia". This is because I'm not funny though.

[Americangothic]

O Muse, you're hilarious. I thought it'd sound more along the lines of "Introducing Count Integra Wingates Hellsing and Count Vlad III Draculea Hellsing, Prince of Wallachia". This is because I'm not funny though.

Now I'm not a court herald by any stretch of the means, so my info on Count/Countess is probably skewed extreemly...but...

"Count Dracula" would have been his title at the time of Bram because Wallachia was absorbed into Romania and under the Austrian Empire at the time-- so his prince title was defaulted by King Carl I (I think..?)

But since Carl is dead and can't say anything more about it, Alucard was born a prince and still is a prince. What ever suits his fancy I guess.

"Anouncing Her Highness, Princess Girlycard of Wallachia and Sir Integra Wingates Hellsing, consort". WHHHEEEEEE!

Truth be told though...since he IS in Britian, his titles are up to Her Majesty and Integra as his current station is "Slave". Her Majesty need not acknowledge his titles while he is on Her soil.

Running away probably looks pretty good sometimes...

"Announcing Sir Integra Wingates Hellsing and her pet dog Alucard."

Sky

[Junior1210]

My only real guess is that there might have been a glitch in the translations or perhapse a misunderstanding by the author? I'm no expert or even a novice with the peerage but I know japanese titles are knight and day....er that is night and day from european titles. Or maybe he meant for Integral to be a man, then changed her to woman and forgot to change the mode of address. Then again he might have done it on purpose just to twig people like me. I know I've done that myself when I was in school just to upset my english teachers.

[Reeku]

My only real guess is that there might have been a glitch in the translations or perhapse a misunderstanding by the author? I'm no expert or even a novice with the peerage but I know japanese titles are knight and day....er that is night and day from european titles. Or maybe he meant for Integral to be a man, then changed her to woman and forgot to change the mode of address. Then again he might have done it on purpose just to twig people like me. I know I've done that myself when I was in school just to upset my english teachers.

It's probably Kohta Hirano's own misunderstanding.. Other things, like his German have been pointed out, but I'm not gonna go there. I'm sure he meant for Integra to be a woman, but his art style was/is to blame for her blatant androgyny. He commented in the first volume at the end something like "It's hard to hear 'is that a man?'". Yanno, with those silly character descriptions.

[Chaos Priest]

It might simply be a matter of Integra preferring it that way. My father knew some female officers in the military who insisted on being called "sir" by their subordinates. It wasn't a matter of gender; it was a matter of rank and respect. If Integra's knighthood was merely a symbolic one I could see her being called Dame, but she is a military leader, a true knight of the round table. Her title should show that, and while this may just be an ignorant American's opinion in the matter it seems to me that Sir does that a lot more effectively than Dame.

Also, given the way she dresses and acts, I have a hard way of thinking of her as anything other than Sir Integra Hellsing. That's just who she is.

[Americangothic]

My father knew some female officers in the military who insisted on being called "sir" by their subordinates. It wasn't a matter of gender; it was a matter of rank and respect.

British or American military?

When I served, if I called a female officer Sir, I got push-ups. It was always "Mam", and a hearty one too. (dare not say it sweetly)

Chicks in army boots like that kinda thing....la la la la la la la la la

[Romanticide]

Ummm if I'm out of line forgive me, but after reading the manga up to book seven, I'm not seeing where Integral is all that stiff.

To me tv series Integral was kind of. umm what was the word... when you are kind of harsh because you are unhappy? Manga Integral doesn't have that problem, her authority is most of the time respected, she might ot had as much time for fooling around that many of us did. But I'm sure she got enough love and respect from walter her soldiers and Alucard to not feel unhappy. That´s what she cried when she saw *youknowwho* brethrayal (sorry not spoiling)
And she also released Alucard when she was 13... some of us already stoped playing with barbies and dolls at that time.

I suspect she her doll collection was a lot like mine. I got the brunette faux barbie and cut her hair short so she could go on missions with GI Joe.

You pwn3d the thread... damnit what I always wanted were the actions figures of the power rangers and of knights of the zodiac... I have always said that in fact that series is more eyecandy for straight girls and gay boys than a action series for boys )