Blood Lad is a quirky supernatural anime that follows Staz Charlie Blood, a powerful vampire otaku who subverts the typical dark, gothic expectations of his kind. The series thrives on unique power systems, underdog-driven arcs, and comedic twists that defy standard shōnen storytelling.
For fans craving similar themes—whether it’s unusual worlds, anti-hero protagonists, or stories where rules of power are cleverly bent—there are plenty of underrated gems worth watching. Below are 15 series that share these traits but haven’t received the spotlight they deserve.
1. Kekkai Sensen (Blood Blockade Battlefront) (2015)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Hulu
- Episodes: 12 + OVA | MAL Rating: 7.6
- Studio: Bones | Director: Rie Matsumoto
- Plot: In a city where the human world collides with the supernatural, Leonardo Watch joins Libra to protect the balance while wielding mysterious “All-Seeing Eyes of the Gods.”
- Similarities: Like Blood Lad, this anime blends chaotic supernatural settings with humor, stylish action, and eccentric characters who aren’t typical shōnen leads.
2. Kyoukai no Rinne (Rin-ne) (2015)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 25 (Season 1 of 3) | MAL Rating: 7.0
- Studio: Brain’s Base | Creator: Rumiko Takahashi (Inuyasha)
- Plot: High schooler Sakura Mamiya gains the ability to see spirits and teams up with half-shinigami Rinne Rokudo to help wandering souls move on.
- Similarities: Combines supernatural themes, comedic undertones, and a protagonist who juggles responsibility with a laid-back, underdog charm, much like Staz.
3. Servamp (2016)
- Streaming: HIDIVE, Funimation
- Episodes: 12 | MAL Rating: 6.9
- Studio: Brain’s Base
- Plot: Mahiru unwittingly contracts with a lazy vampire named Kuro, pulling him into a hidden war among vampire “servamps.”
- Similarities: Features unconventional vampires with quirky personalities, modern humor, and strong underdog energy—reminiscent of Staz’s ironic take on vampirism.
4. D.Gray-man (2006)
- Streaming: Hulu, Funimation
- Episodes: 103 + 13 (Hallow) | MAL Rating: 8.0
- Studio: TMS Entertainment
- Plot: Exorcist Allen Walker battles cursed Akuma with the help of Innocence, a divine weapon against darkness.
- Similarities: Explores unique power systems and gothic supernatural themes while focusing on an underdog protagonist growing into his strength.
5. Karakai Jouzu no Takagi-san (2018)
- Streaming: Netflix
- Episodes: 12 (S1 of 3) | MAL Rating: 7.7
- Studio: Shin-Ei Animation
- Plot: A lighthearted series about clever teasing between classmates Takagi and Nishikata.
- Similarities: Though not supernatural, it shares Blood Lad’s playful tone and witty subversion of expected character roles.
6. Ga-Rei: Zero (2008)
- Streaming: HIDIVE
- Episodes: 12 | MAL Rating: 7.6
- Studio: AIC Spirits
- Plot: A prequel to Ga-Rei, it follows Yomi and Kagura, exorcists caught in a tragic spiral of betrayal and supernatural warfare.
- Similarities: Like Blood Lad, it surprises viewers with tonal shifts, blending humor and tragedy while reimagining typical supernatural battles.
7. Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan (2010)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 24 + 24 (Sennen Makyou) | MAL Rating: 7.6
- Studio: Studio Deen
- Plot: Rikuo, a quarter-yokai, resists becoming the heir to the yokai clan while learning to embrace his hidden power.
- Similarities: Themes of reluctant leadership, yokai culture, and a protagonist balancing two worlds mirror Staz’s journey.
8. Blood-C (2011)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Episodes: 12 | MAL Rating: 6.5
- Studio: Production I.G | CLAMP collaboration
- Plot: Saya appears as a normal schoolgirl but secretly battles horrifying monsters under the moonlight.
- Similarities: Shares Blood Lad’s mix of cute aesthetics and brutal violence, twisting expectations of vampire/supernatural anime.
9. Kiba (2006)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 51 | MAL Rating: 7.0
- Studio: Studio Madhouse
- Plot: Zed, a troubled youth, is transported to a world where warriors fight with magical spirits known as Shards.
- Similarities: Emphasizes creative power systems and underdog narratives, echoing Staz’s struggles in a supernatural hierarchy.
10. Black Blood Brothers (2006)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12 | MAL Rating: 7.1
- Studio: Studio Live
- Plot: Veteran vampire Jiro protects his brother during conflicts in a futuristic city where vampires coexist with humans.
- Similarities: Another fresh spin on vampire lore with a blend of action and family-driven motivations akin to Blood Lad’s humor-meets-heart approach.
11. Mokke (2007)
- Streaming: Unavailable officially
- Episodes: 24 | MAL Rating: 7.0
- Studio: Madhouse
- Plot: Sisters Mizuki and Shizuru deal with everyday life while interacting with friendly and troublesome spirits.
- Similarities: Lighthearted supernatural slice-of-life elements pair well with Blood Lad’s quirky approach to the otherworldly.
12. Majin Tantei Nougami Neuro (2007)
- Streaming: Unavailable officially
- Episodes: 25 | MAL Rating: 7.6
- Studio: Madhouse
- Plot: Neuro, a demon detective, partners with high schooler Yako to solve mysteries while feeding on human malice.
- Similarities: Subversive anti-hero lead with supernatural abilities mirrors Staz’s quirky, darkly comedic energy.
13. Hakushaku to Yousei (Earl and Fairy) (2008)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12 | MAL Rating: 7.3
- Studio: Artland
- Plot: Lydia, a fairy doctor, gets involved with the mysterious Edgar as they explore magical conspiracies in Victorian England.
- Similarities: Shares a balance of supernatural mystery and humor while reimagining Western folklore in a fresh way, like Blood Lad.
14. Tokyo Majin (2007)
- Streaming: Funimation
- Episodes: 14 + 12 (Gekitou-hen) | MAL Rating: 7.1
- Studio: Studio ACGT
- Plot: High schoolers awaken supernatural powers to battle monsters in modern-day Tokyo.
- Similarities: High-energy battles, unique powers, and a gritty supernatural setting parallel Blood Lad’s vibe.
15. Zettai Karen Children: The Unlimited – Hyoubu Kyousuke (2013)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE
- Episodes: 12 | MAL Rating: 7.4
- Studio: Manglobe
- Plot: Anti-hero Kyousuke Hyoubu leads a rebellion of espers while showing hidden kindness beneath his villainous persona.
- Similarities: Like Staz, Hyoubu is both charismatic and morally complex, subverting expectations of typical “villainous” leads.
Why These Anime Work for Blood Lad Fans
These anime shine because they blend supernatural worlds, subversive storytelling, and eccentric underdog heroes, just as Blood Lad does. They may not have achieved mainstream popularity, but their unique twists on vampire lore, spirit battles, and unconventional protagonists make them hidden treasures. For fans who loved Staz’s sarcastic wit, creative power dynamics, and mix of comedy with darkness, these series deliver that same balance of fresh energy and genre-bending fun.
