Hellsing, a manga and anime by Kouta Hirano, is popular for its dark story, exciting action, and memorable characters. It explores diverse character traits and human conditions.
The Western influence on Hellsing is clear with references to Hollywood movies. For instance, Zorin Blitz is inspired by the James Bond film A View to a Kill, and The Major’s character is based on Philip Seymour Hoffman’s mannerisms and appearance.
Not only this, but a peculiar twist in Hellsing Ultimate is that the characters’ weapons are alive, similar to the Zanpakuto in Bleach. The references to the souls of their guns in Hellsing Ultimate are also inspired by Hollywood movies. And fans might not be aware that Alucard’s hand cannon, The Jackal, is personified to resemble Bruce Willis.
Alucard’s Hand Cannon, The Jackal, Modeled After Bruce Willis
In Hellsing Ultimate, there’s a peculiar aspect where the characters’ weapons are alive, similar to the Zanpakuto in Bleach. Alucard’s hand cannon, Jackal, has a spirit that takes on the form of Bruce Willis.
Coincidentally, this version, named Jackal Willis, combines Bruce’s roles, wearing attire from The Fifth Element, having a bald look, and being named after The Day of the Jackal movie.
While on the HMS Eagle, Alucard has a hallucination of Jackal Willis, who advises him to stop worrying about London and relax in The Willis Space. Jackal Willis even suggests recreating scenes from Die Hard, Pulp Fiction, Armageddon, The Sixth Sense, and The Fifth Element.
However, Alucard’s response is unexpected—he shoots Jackal Willis in the face. While the series was influenced by Hollywood. But it also inspired other series, like how Alucard from Hellsing inspired Solomon in Sym-Bionic Titan.
Alucard’s Inspiration Seen in Solomon’s Character from Sym-Bionic Titan
The main character of Hellsing, Alucard, known for his first appearance and especially in Hellsing Ultimate, has become a prominent vampire in fiction. Despite the common theme of leather-clad vampires or vampire slayers, Alucard stands out and has become the face of this trope.
His popularity extends beyond Hellsing, reaching unrelated works like the American mecha cartoon Sym-Bionic Titan. In this show, Solomon, the leader of the Galactic Guardian Group, pays homage to Alucard.
Although named after the classic monster slayer Solomon Kane, Solomon’s character design is a nod to Alucard, with the only major differences being in hair color and a lack of bloodlust. Interestingly, Solomon’s color scheme is a reversal of Alucard’s.
