Ah, Noblesse: The Beginning of Destruction. Just the title makes me want to grab a comfy blanket, a giant cup of tea, and prepare for... well, not destruction, exactly. More like a really drawn-out origin story. Mais oui, my friends, we're going back to where it all began for our favorite eternally-youthful vampire, Raizel. Get ready for some angst, some seriously questionable fashion choices (were those shoulder pads really necessary?), and a whole lotta brooding.
Now, if you're like me and have already binged the entire Noblesse saga, you're probably thinking, "Do I really need to see this again?" And honestly? Maybe not. But think of it as comfort food. You know exactly what you're getting, there are no surprises, and it's strangely satisfying. Plus, it gives you a chance to yell at the screen, "RAIZEL, JUST USE YOUR POWERS ALREADY!" It's cathartic, I promise.
A Prequel? More Like a Pre-Prequel
Let's be honest, The Beginning of Destruction is less of a prequel and more of a "pre-prequel." It delves into Raizel's backstory before he decided to take that epic 820-year nap. We see him in his prime, being all noble and responsible and generally making everyone else look like they're not pulling their weight. Honestly, Raizel, give us a break! Nobody can be that perfect. It's probably why he needed the nap.
We also get a peek into the inner workings of the Noblesse world, which, let's face it, is full of political intrigue and backstabbing. Imagine a really fancy episode of Housewives, but with more vampires and less wine-throwing. Though, I wouldn't object to seeing Raizel throw a glass of Merlot. Just saying.
The Angsty Teen Years (But With Fangs)
The OVA spends a good amount of time showcasing Raizel's internal struggles. Is he doing the right thing? Is he being a good leader? Is his hair perfectly coiffed? (Okay, maybe not that last one, but it's implied). It's all very dramatic, but it's also crucial for understanding why he's such a stoic, sleep-deprived grump in the main series. He's basically a teenager, but with the power to obliterate entire armies. Talk about pressure!
The Animation: A Mixed Bag of Bloody Good Fun
Now, let's talk about the animation. It's... adequate. It's not going to win any awards for groundbreaking visuals, but it's perfectly serviceable. The fight scenes are decent, and the character designs are faithful to the original manhwa. Plus, there's plenty of blood. Like, a lot of blood. If you're squeamish, maybe watch with a pillow to hide behind. Or, you know, embrace the carnage. It's all part of the fun!
So, Should You Watch It?
Well, if you're a die-hard Noblesse fan, then absolutely. It's a nice little appetizer before diving back into the main course. If you're new to the series, it might be a bit confusing. Maybe start with the proper anime adaptation first. But if you're just looking for some mindless vampire action with a healthy dose of angst, then The Beginning of Destruction might just be your cup of… well, you know. Not tea.
Ultimately, Noblesse: The Beginning of Destruction is like that slightly embarrassing photo album your parents drag out at family gatherings. You cringe a little, but you can't help but smile. It's a reminder of where we all came from, even if where we came from involves a lot of sharp teeth and questionable fashion choices. And let's be real, who hasn't had a bad hair day? Especially when you're immortal. In the end it is not really the start of the destruction, but more like the dawn of a very long and dramatic nap.
