Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
Vampires are a timeless storytelling element, and anime has reimagined them in countless creative ways. From the bloodthirsty chaos of Alucard inHellsing Ultimateto the playful drama ofChibi Vampire,The Case Study of Vanitashas emerged as one of the most memorable vampire series in recent years.
Released in 2021 with currently 2 seasons,The Case Study of Vanitasis set in a 19th-century steampunk-like Paris, following the titular character Vanitas and his companion, Noé Archiviste.
With animation by Bones, music by Yuki Kajiura, and a richly detailed world filled with lovable characters,The Case Study of Vanitasmade a captivating debut.
It stood out from other prominent vampire series with stunning visuals and a captivating cast, leaving a lasting impact. However, with all eyes on a potential Season 3, the anime must overcome the manga’s biggest flaws and controversies to maintain its strong fanbase and momentum.
WhyThe Case Study of Vanitasfaces backlash from modern viewers
The Case Study of Vanitasis set in a steampunk vision of late 19th-century Europe, where vampires exist somewhere between the realm of fairy tales and the reason you don’t go out alone at night.
The story centers around a handsome vampire and an equally charming human boy, who is shown fascinated by vampire medicine.
Vanitas certainly steals the spotlight with his flair and theatrics, all while being part of a wild, compelling (and occasionally spicy) story brought to life by Studio Bones’ stunning animation.
The Case Study of Vanitashas a retro charm with its old-school humor and over-the-top reactions, but when it clashes with modern sensibilities, particularly around themes like consent, it becomes a focal point of controversy.
Missing Vanitas hours 😭 (via The Case Study of Vanitas)pic.twitter.com/NjuvBDbFaE
While depicting non-consensual relationships isn’t inherently negative in storytelling,The Case Study of Vanitassometimes takes it too far, making it feel slightly disturbing.
Vanitas’ interactions with Jeanne are controversial, with their first encounter igniting debates on harassment and consent among viewers.
“We wanted to be careful that he wasn’t completely stealing the show”: Alucard’s Presence Became Too Risky for ‘Castlevania: Nocturne’
When Vanitas kidnaps Luca to gain leverage over Jeanne, she desperately pleads with him to spare Luca, offering to do whatever he asks. Vanitas, intrigued, first “kabedons” Jeanne, which is already a questionable move, then proceeds to kiss her without her consent.
Upon closer inspection,The Case Study of Vanitasfeatures several instances where consent is ignored, although not always in sexual contexts. The disregard for consent isn’t limited to women; when Noé’s friend Dominique arrives, she collars him and drags him to Altus without asking or explaining.
The Case Study of Vanitashas reignited interest in vampire stories afterCastlevania.Castlevaniaoffers adeeper look at vampire lore, especially in its exploration of Dracula’s character, making it stand out in the genre.
Warren Ellis’s narrative of Dracula’s path to vengeance inCastlevania
In the beginning, Dracula isn’t showcased as an evil character but as a family head who isolated himself from human society. The King of Vampires was able to stick close to his humanity thanks to his lovely companion and human wife, Lisa Tepes.
However, Dracula’s happiness doesn’t last for long, as the humans driven by greed plot Lisa’smurder by associating with the church.
This inhuman act by the church becomes the turning point in the series and shapes Dracula’s character to the path of vengeance.
“Can we just line up with the games a little bit more?”: ‘Castlevania: Nocturne’ Directors Saved the Series From Making the Worst Decision Ever
Writer Warren Ellis believed in not designing any character entirely negatively and gave the unremorseful king of vampires character a more captivating and sympathetic story.
The Case Study of Vanitasis available to stream on Crunchyroll whereasCastlevaniacan be watched on Netflix.
Mehul Rolta
Articles Published :510
Mehul Rolta is a seasoned journalist with over 3 years in esports and soccer journalism. Transitioning to anime writing at Fandom Wire, Mehul shares his lifelong passion for anime about integrates professionalism. Dedicated to connecting the world of anime globally, Mehul shares thoughts and insights, communicating personal passion with professional insight.
