Jiang Shi's Portrait

Part of the "Portraits of Castlevania" series of drawings.

Jiang Shi is, for all intents and purposes, a Chinese version of a Vampire/Zombie.

Taoist Priests would transport the dead from one city to another by using magic to 'teach' the corpse how to hop on one leg and move about. Others say that was just what the corpses looked like because they were hoisted on bamboo rods which, when bouncing against the floor, would make it look as if the corpse was hopping along.

Others say that was just a story to cover up a smuggling conspiracy.

Be that as it may, a Jiang Shi (or "Hopping Vampire" or "Chinese Zombie") has never been part of the Castlevania mithos... UNTIL NOW! Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia had a special Jiang Shi boss at the bottom of the Large Cavern.

Other appearances by Hopping Vampires include our lovely lady of Darkstalkers, Hsien-ko, as well as making some appearances in Shaman King.

Oh and we can't forget the Chinese "Mr.Vampire" movies.

Cool stuff, eh?