"The Case Study of Vanitas" is a story about vampires and humans set in 19th century France. The strange interactions and relationship between the two main characters, as well as the fantastical world view, are key points of interest. The first season of the anime has ended, but the second season is scheduled to begin in January 2022, attracting attention. Before the second season begins, we'd like to introduce the plot, including spoilers!
Introduction: What kind of story is it?
The story is set in a world where vampires and humans coexist. Noé, one of the main characters, travels to Paris in search of the grimoire "The Book of Vanitas." He then becomes embroiled in a turmoil that is resolved by Vanitas, the other main character, who claims to be a doctor specializing in vampires. Vanitas possesses the "Book of Vanitas" that Noé is searching for. What is Vanitas's purpose, and what is the Book of Vanitas? A strange story revolving around vampires and humans begins.
How many volumes of the original manga have been released?
The original manga has been released up to volume 9, but it is not yet complete. Since the original manga has not yet reached its final chapter, it is unlikely that the story will conclude with a second season. While there are cases where anime broadcasts original final chapters, many fans have a strong attachment to the original work, and this often sparks controversy.
What is "The Book of Vanitas"?
Originally, the Book of Vanitas was the name of a book that appeared in the fairy tale "The Blue Moon Vampire" and was considered a purely fictional entity. However, it turns out to actually exist in 19th-century France. Noé, traveling to Paris in search of the Book of Vanitas at the request of his teacher, known as "Sensei," encounters a woman named Amelia during his journey. Amelia is actually a vampire, cursed. Ignoring the vampire rule of not attacking humans, Amelia becomes uncontrollable. Meanwhile, Vanitas, the owner of the Book of Vanitas, saves Amelia from a difficult situation. In fact, Paris has been experiencing a number of incidents involving cursed vampires, and Noé and Vanitas decide to work together to investigate. It turns out that the vampire incidents and the Book of Vanitas are closely related.
The Masquerade Ball and Vanitas's Intentions
Charlatans are turning vampires into cursed people. In search of clues about the Charlatans, Noé, his childhood friend Dominique, and Vanitas head to the masked ball. Dominique suspects that Vanitas, based on his name, knows something about the Blue Moon Vampires and questions him. Vanitas then reveals that he is seeking revenge against the Blue Moon Vampires. Jeanne and Luca are also at the masquerade ball, and upon seeing the cursed vampire, Jeanne is overcome with the urge to drink blood. Vanitas then uses his wits to get Jeanne to drink his blood. Noé, Dominique, Jeanne, and Luca fight back, and the situation is resolved.
Meeting Lord Ruthven
Lord Ruthven (the person in the image) appears before Vanitas, who is mistaken for the cause of the disturbance at the masquerade ball. Though initially suspicious of Vanitas, he accepts Noé's persuasion and focuses on resolving the incident. Later, Vanitas and Noé are invited to Lord Ruthven's home, where they are reunited with Jeanne and Luca. When Luca becomes angry at Vanitas's behavior toward Jeanne, Vanitas shows him the ownership mark he left behind after letting her drink his blood, and asserts that he and Jeanne are in love with each other. Vanitas then deliberately says something to anger Lord Ruthven, resulting in his expulsion from the castle. Vanitas's deliberate swearing was part of his plan to obtain certain information.
Battle with Dr. Moreau
After being expelled from Lord Ruthven's castle, Vanitas and Noé hear reports of a vampire abduction. While investigating, they come face-to-face with the mastermind behind the abduction, Dr. Moreau. Dr. Moreau has been researching vampires and engaging in horrific experiments. She's happy to be reunited with her old acquaintance, Vanitas, but she treats him like an object, calling him by his number, "No. 69." A battle ensues, and a mob of vampires joins the fray.
"The Case Study of Vanitas" Plot Summary with Spoilers
This is a summary, including spoilers. Many mysteries remain in the first season, and it's exciting to see how the story develops in the second season. There's even a possibility of a third season, which fans will be thrilled about! That's all for now. Thank you for reading.
