Dark Moon: The Blood Altar [Season 1 Episode 1]

Dark Moon: The Blood Altar Episode 1 Review: A Vampire-Werewolf Rivalry with a Human Twist

Let’s cut to the chase—Dark Moon: The Blood Altar Episode 1 is exactly what you’d expect from a K-pop-inspired vampire anime: lots of pretty boys, a mysterious new girl, and enough supernatural tension to keep you scrolling. Based on HYBE’s 2022 manhwa (which itself ties to K-pop group ENHYPEN), this anime drops us into Riverfield, a town split by two rival schools: one for vampires, the other for werewolves. Enter Sooha, the human transfer student with strength so wild everyone mistakes her for a vampire. And yeah, every guy in sight is immediately drawn to her—classic reverse harem energy, even if the show plays it cool for now.

First off, the animation? Let’s be real, it’s average. The character designs are sharp (shoutout to those vampire smirks), but the backgrounds feel flat, like they’re straight out of a 2010s webtoon. But here’s the thing—this isn’t Demon Slayer; it’s a vibe show. The color palette leans into moody purples and blues, which fits the whole “secret supernatural high school” vibe. And the music? ENHYPEN’s Japanese tracks from their 2024 EP Memorabilia are sprinkled in, and while they’re not chart-toppers, they add that K-pop flair fans will eat up.

Now, the plot. Sooha arrives at Riverfield, and bam—vampire boys are staring, werewolf boys are growling, and everyone’s like, “Who is this girl?” Her strength is the hook: she can lift a desk with one hand, which immediately makes the vampires side-eye her (they’re used to being the strongest). The rivalry between the two schools is front and center—think Twilight’s Cullens vs. Quileutes, but with more homework. The episode ends with a hint of past secrets unraveling, which is smart—we need a reason to come back for Episode 2.

What are fans saying? On MyAnimeList, one user summed it up: “Seven guys, one girl. Reverse harem vibes, but right now it’s just the guys being interested.” Fair. The show doesn’t hide its target audience—if you love K-pop and supernatural romance, this is your jam. Another fan pointed out the HYBE connection: “It’s like Disney’s Twisted Wonderland, but Korean.” That’s spot-on—HYBE is building a universe here, and Dark Moon is just the start.

Is it perfect? No. The pacing is slow, and some scenes feel like they’re just there to show off the boys’ looks. But let’s be honest—20-year-olds don’t watch this for Oscar-worthy writing. We watch for the drama, the eye candy, and the “will they, won’t they” tension. Sooha’s strength is a fun twist—she’s not a damsel; she’s a human who can throw a punch. That’s refreshing in a genre full of helpless heroines.

The best part? The potential. With vampires, werewolves, and a human with super strength, there’s room for epic fights, messy love triangles, and deep dives into each character’s backstory. The manhwa has a loyal fanbase, so the anime has a blueprint to follow. And let’s not forget—ENHYPEN’s involvement means the soundtrack will only get better.

In short, Dark Moon: The Blood Altar Episode 1 is a solid start. It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s entertaining. If you’re into K-pop, vampires, or just need a new show to binge with your friends, give it a shot. Just don’t go in expecting Attack on Titan—this is a romance-first, supernatural-second kind of ride. And honestly? Sometimes that’s exactly what we need.

Final Verdict: 7/10. It’s fun, it’s flashy, and it leaves you wanting more. Bring on the vampire drama.