Hopping Vampires and Mr Vampire Series: Hong Kong and (Compassionate) Vampire Capitalism

Abstract

Hopping vampires are ancient creatures associated with the premodern Qing Dynasty. As Hong Kong evolves from a humble fishing village into an international metropolis, it continually faces threats from both within and outside. In The Mr. Vampire Series, the return of hopping vampires is often linked to a traditional or advanced form of vampire capitalism. In the traditional form, a small group of individuals engages with hopping vampires to profit while providing them with repose. In the advanced form, humans exploit hopping vampires for their own self-interest, resulting in a fragmented society and social chaos. In this context, vampire hunters in Hong Kong navigate a delicate balance between defending religious compassion and capitalistic profit, persecution and harmonious coexistence. Their ethics of care compel them to befriend human-friendly ghosts and hopping vampires, emphasizing both prosperity and vigilance.