Vampiyan Kids [Season 1 Episodes 1-26]

Vampiyan Kids: A Hidden Gem of Early 2000s Kids’ Anime

Let’s be real—when you hear “vegetarian vampires,” you either think it’s a weird joke or a genius twist. For me, it was the latter when I stumbled on Vampiyan Kids (2001–2002), a 26-episode series by Production I.G. and director Masatsugu Arakawa that’s equal parts silly and surprisingly heartfelt. If you’re into underrated kids’ shows with quirky humor and a dash of fantasy, this one’s worth digging up.

First off, the premise is pure chaos in the best way. The Vampiyan family—Papa, Mama, and their two kids, Piko and Momo—are banished from Monster Land because they can’t scare humans. Like, at all. Papa’s idea of a “scary” face is more like a confused goldfish, and Momo once tried to “haunt” a human kid by sharing her favorite strawberry cookies. To get back home, they need to scare 1,000 humans… but their attempts usually end with them making friends instead. It’s the kind of reverse monster story that feels fresh even now, especially since most vampire media is all brooding and sparkles (looking at you, Twilight).

The animation, while dated by today’s standards, has that early 2000s charm. Production I.G.—the studio behind Ghost in the Shell—kept things bright and cartoony, with vibrant colors that pop and character designs that are goofy but memorable. Piko’s tiny fangs and Momo’s oversized bow are instant mood lifters, and the human world they explore (think suburban parks and candy stores) feels cozy and relatable. Even the “scary” monsters from Monster Land are more funny than frightening—like the werewolf neighbor who can’t stop howling at ice cream trucks.

What really makes Vampiyan Kids stand out, though, is its heart. Each episode has a small lesson about kindness or acceptance, but it never feels preachy. In one episode, the family tries to scare an elderly human woman who’s lonely, only to end up helping her plant a garden. In another, Piko befriends a human boy who’s bullied for liking “weird” things, and together they prove that being different is cool. It’s the kind of show that teaches kids empathy without hitting them over the head with it—something a lot of modern kids’ TV could learn from.

Now, let’s talk about the humor. It’s slapstick, silly, and perfect for its target audience (and nostalgic adults). Papa’s failed scare attempts are comedy gold—like when he tries to turn into a bat but accidentally becomes a rubber chicken, or when he wears a “spooky” sheet ghost costume that keeps falling off. The running gags (Momo’s obsession with cookies, the family’s fear of garlic bread) never get old, and the voice acting (at least in the original Japanese) is over-the-top in the best way. Even the human characters are funny—like the bumbling monster hunter who keeps mistaking the Vampiyans for harmless pets.

Of course, it’s not without its flaws. The pacing can be slow at times, and some episodes feel repetitive (how many times can Papa fail to scare someone before it gets old?). The 26-episode run also ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, which is frustrating since there’s no second season. But honestly, those are small nitpicks. For what it is—a short, sweet kids’ show—Vampiyan Kids delivers exactly what it promises: fun, laughter, and a few warm fuzzies.

If you’re a fan of underrated anime or just want something lighthearted to watch after a long day, give Vampiyan Kids a shot. It’s not a masterpiece, but it’s a charming little show that deserves more love. Plus, where else are you going to find vegetarian vampires who bond with humans over cookies and gardening? Trust me—you won’t regret it.

Final Verdict: 7/10. A hidden gem for kids and nostalgic adults alike. Just don’t go in expecting Attack on Titan—this is all about the giggles and the feels.

P.S. If you can find the English dub, let me know—I’ve only seen bits of it, but from what I hear, the voice actors lean into the silliness hard. Either way, the original Japanese with subtitles works great too!