Trinity Blood (Cartoon Network)

In the decidedly adult-oriented anime series TRINITY BLOOD, vampires have descended upon civilization and threaten the world's peace. Five hundred years after Armageddon, peace reigns. New cities have been built in the gothic style, and high-tech airships patrol from above. But a group of evil vampires, thought extinct by many, prowl the night turning order into chaos. Dispatched by the Vatican to help keep people safe from the vampires, priest Abel Nightroad (voiced by Troy Baker) is part of the protective force called the Defenders. Nightroad has a unique perspective on the situation, since he's a vampire himself. He has a complicated relationship with young Ester (Colleen Clinkenbeard), whose importance eventually becomes clear.

Based on the Japanese manga by Yoshida Sunao and Kiyo Kyuujou, Trinity Blood is entertaining and fast-paced, with remarkably lifelike characters and sharp, often-funny dialogue. But each episode also has plenty of tense, scary scenes, which might turn off sensitive viewers. The vampires employ sabers tucked beneath their cloaks to stab and fend off their enemies, resulting in very gory scenes featuring blood, guts, and even disembowelment.

The show's complex relationship with and treatment of religion also marks it as a show for mature audiences. Parents should definitely pre-screen before letting anyone besides older teens tune in -- this show is part of the late-night Adult Swim line-up for a reason.