When you’re looking for a captivating shonen anime, The Case Study of Vanitas is a must-watch. This series quickly captured the hearts of viewers during its first cour in the summer of 2021, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the second half. Now, let’s find out if Part 2 lives up to the hype!

What Is The Case Study of Vanitas All About?

The Case Study of Vanitas is based on Jun Mochizuki’s manga of the same name, who is also known for creating Pandora Hearts. With Studio Bones, the home of Fullmetal Alchemist and Wolf’s Rain, at the helm, you can expect a visually stunning and aesthetically pleasing anime. The story follows Noé, an idealistic vampire, and Vanitas, an obnoxious human who becomes his ally and travel companion.

Armed with the cursed grimoire known as the Book of Vanitas, created by an ancient vampire, the duo embarks on a journey to save corrupted vampires who suffer from unnatural bloodlust. The anime’s vibrant colors, captivating visuals, and occasional emotional moments truly make it a treat to watch. However, there’s an underlying shadow as Noé, the narrator, reveals at the beginning that the journey ends with him killing Vanitas.

Is The Case Study of Vanitas Any Good?

Even before watching The Case Study of Vanitas, you can already see its impressive credentials. Jun Mochizuki’s reputation for creating captivating and unique settings precedes her, and Studio Bones has consistently delivered exceptional anime over the years.

But does the anime live up to the expectations? Well, that largely depends on what you’re looking for. Undoubtedly, the art is the show’s strongest aspect. The Case Study of Vanitas stands out as one of the most visually appealing shows of the season. Whether you’re witnessing epic battles between the main characters and Charlatan or simply enjoying the beauty of alternative Paris, the animation never fails to impress.

However, stunning art alone cannot carry a shonen series. Engaging characters and an intriguing plot are essential for its success. In this regard, The Case Study of Vanitas is entertaining, with a decent plot, world-building, and characters. Yet, it doesn’t break new ground. We’ve seen pairings between naive, enthusiastic characters and brooding, mysterious ones numerous times. Similarly, the concept of peaceful vampires corrupted by external forces is not entirely novel. The plot primarily revolves around battles, which is commonplace in most shonen works.

But does it mean that The Case Study of Vanitas is not worth watching? Absolutely not! There’s nothing wrong with utilizing successful formulas. They’re popular for a reason, and there are plenty of subtle ways to freshen them up.

The Case Study of Vanitas excels in this aspect. It offers a simple yet enjoyable plot where Vanitas, Noé, and their friends travel the world, solving mysteries and saving vampires. Despite the high stakes, you can almost imagine their journey going on forever. However, the knowledge that Noé eventually kills Vanitas adds complexity to the experience. You can’t help but wonder when and how everything will change so drastically. Is Noé a reliable narrator? These questions keep you engaged, even if the plot falls slightly short of expectations.

The characters may fit into archetypes, but many of them stand out. Noé, in particular, is a naive and idealistic character with endearing qualities: his enthusiasm for experiencing new things, love for cats, and ability to form unlikely friendships. These nuances, combined with their heart-wrenching backstories, make you genuinely care about them. The interactions between characters are enjoyable to watch, encompassing rivalries, friendships, romances, and surrogate family bonds.

Are There Any Negatives?

Naturally, whether something is considered negative depends on personal preferences. It’s important to note that Vanitas can be a problematic character. He often lacks empathy and fails to understand his own and others’ emotions, which can make him unlikeable, especially in the early stages of the show. This dynamic, unfortunately, aligns with typical male-female anime dynamics, where Vanitas flirts with Jeanne, disregarding her disinterest.

Thankfully, the second cour and later manga chapters subvert this problematic aspect. The reasons behind Jeanne’s passive behavior and Vanitas’ emotional immaturity, linked to intense self-loathing, are explored. The show also challenges gender expectations, like the presence of same-sex dancing partners during a ball in the first cour. Additionally, Vanitas’ problematic behavior is acknowledged within the story, as Noé himself finds him intolerable at times. Nonetheless, it’s crucial to be aware of this before diving into the series.

Is The Case Study of Vanitas Worth Watching?

Overall, there’s plenty to love about The Case Study of Vanitas. With its breathtaking animation, engaging character interactions, and a plot that may follow familiar shonen tropes but adds a daring storytelling twist, this anime is a treat for fans. However, if knowing from the outset that a tragic event looms is a dealbreaker for you, then perhaps this series isn’t your cup of tea. But if you’re intrigued by this aspect and appreciate fantasy elements mixed with shonen formulas, The Case Study of Vanitas might just be the Winter 2022 season’s standout show!

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