▪	RELEASED BY:		VIZ MEDIA
		▪	AUTHOR / ART:		MATSURI HINO
		▪	FORMAT:		JAPANESE / BW
		▪	PAGES:		200
		▪	RATING:		T+
		▪	RELEASE DATE:		05/21/2007
		▪	REVIEW DATE:		08/02/2007
		▪	REVIEWED BY:		HOLLY ELLINGWOOD

After her discoveries about Zero and the strange pact made between them, Yuki now finds herself in a precarious position. Wondering around the school grounds at night thinking about it all, she is attacked by a rogue vampire. The actions of the Night Class, the vampires attending the school, surprise her. Later, when she and Zero are invited to the vampires’ dorm, there are many questions answered in regards to the nature of True Blood vampires, and the horrifying fate of any human turned into one. Humans like Zero. Since he attacked her, his blood tablets don’t seem to be working to well. When she corners him to demand answers, she might just be attacked again. And that’s when Zero’s former master turns up, gun in hand and pointed at Zero! The night just became more dangerous and blood will spill before the moon hides itself again.

Vampire Knight is one of the best vampire manga series I’ve had the pleasure of reading. It does a fine blend of the romantic perceptions of the creatures of the night, juxtaposed with horrifying elements and dangers. The art work offers a rich Gothic look, filled with dark intensity. In the latest chapters, Zero is succumbing to his terrible fate. It garners the attention of the enigmatic True Blood Kaname. His intentions towards Yuki remain shrouded in mystery. Meanwhile, Zero and Yuki are brought closer by these recent events such as the attack, the arrival of the Vampire Hunter who taught Zero, and the new pact between them. As Zero’s lust for blood begins to overtake him, Yuki makes a choice that neither will be able to walk away from. They engage in the most taboo act of all, one that will mean their deaths if they are discovered…

The powerful magnetism of this supernatural series is decadent to behold. Excellent writing, layered characters, and captivating art make this manga a must have. Although the initial chapters of the first volume teased readers into thinking this might be a lighter vampire series with a romantic triangle in the works, it quickly lures the readers deeper into the darkness of the stories true appeal: that of a young woman with a mysterious past and the attention of enigmatic and dangerous vampires around her. Little is still known about Yuki, but her bravery and resolution to help Zero impresses upon the reader a character of integrity despite fear and a traumatizing past. Yuki is loyal, determined, and courageous. The beautifully handsome and tragic character of Zero has growing appeal from his initial introduction as the typical angry young man. And the prince Kaname may be the savior Yuki will need…or her worst nightmare come to life. Only time will tell in this compelling new series.

Manga extras this volume includes a character relationship chart, a bonus story, comic panels, and character notes.

IN SUMMARY:
Riveting, intensely beautiful, this dark Gothic series is rich with mesmerizing characters and a captivating story.