Hipira #[nn]

A pint-sized vampire with pointed ears, a dramatic wide-brimmed hat, and a wonderfully grumpy blue face stares out from this charming 2007 Casterman album, a misty gothic castle looming in the pale background behind him. The collaboration between Katsuhiro Otomo and Shinji Kimura brings a surprisingly warm, storybook quality to the world of little Hipira — equal parts spooky and endearing. It's the kind of all-ages fantasy that draws you in with its moody atmosphere and then wins you over completely with its irresistible lead character.