It's Halloween, time for celebrating all things spooky. If you're looking for some dark manga reads, these are some of my favorites.

Hellsing (Kohta Hirano)

The vampire Alucard is loyal only to Integra Hellsing, head of the Royal Order of Protestant Knights, and his protegee Seras Victoria, whom he turned early on. His enemies often make the mistake of underestimating him with bloody and violent consequences. Even innocent bystanders caught up in his battles risk severe injury or death.  In this 10-volume manga, an old enemy emerges from the shadows, intent on turning the world into a never-ending battle ground. As the saying goes, heads will roll. 

Vampire Princess Miyu (Narumi Kakinouci)

Time to switch the proverbial gears from the violent Alucard to the beautiful and ethereal young vampire, Miyu. She's the guardian of beings known as Shinma (god-demons). When they escape into the human realm, Miyu hunts them down and returns them to the darkness. As a vampire, she's drawn to those humans who are grieving and will often offer eternal happiness in exchange for their blood. But with this happiness comes a detachment from reality.  

 Mermaid Saga (Rumiko Takahashi)

The mermaids in Rumiko Takahashi's manga are renown for their supposed ability to impart eternal life on whomever eats their flesh. But only a few lucky people survive the transformation. Yuta, a 500-year old fisherman is one, along with his companion, Mana. Most people die a horrible death or turn into monsters, known as lost souls. The Mermaid Saga spins cautionary tales of immortality and the horrifying results that can occur when people attempt to achieve eternal life.