REVIEW: ‘The Case Study of Vanitas,’ Episode 3 – “Fangs That Lay Bare Blood”

The main cast is assembled in The Case Study of Vanitas Episode 3 and it is another great outing…well except for one cringeworthy scene because nothing can be perfect I GUESS. The anime from Studio Bones is an adaptation of Jun Mochizuki’s manga series of the same name, which is available in English from Yen Press. Set in steampunk Paris, the story follows vampire Noé and human Vanitas as they develop an unconventional partnership. Vanitas has taken up the role of “vampire doctor,” wielding the grimoire of the supposedly cursed Vampire of the Blue Moon.

After avoiding spoiling Jeanne’s magnificent entrance last week, now at last the joy can be expressed fully. She is glorious. The Case Study of Vanitas Episode 3 finishes up the confrontation between Jeanne and our dynamic duo. Dynamic is a generous descriptor. Vanitas tricks everyone, including Noé, into getting Jeanne to surrender. The animation in this scene really focuses on the facial expressions, which is good and sends the scene home but definitely ups the creepiness factor. It may definitely be a turn-off for some otherwise enamored with the shows.

If it is any consolation, The Case Study of Vanitas Episode 3 makes a point of emphasizing that Vanitas is NOT a great person. Every character is in agreement that he is a jerk, a creep, and a manipulative ass. Vanitas lies, forces kisses on people and essentially disregards most people’s well-being if it benefits him more. So why so much praise? The Case Study of Vanitas Episode 3 hammers home that while Vanitas may not be a conventionally “likable” character, he is a FASCINATING one. His charisma that brings all the characters into his orbit even when they know he is a jerk is what also brings in the audience. Why is he a doctor of vampires? And when is bluff Jeanne about his past, just how much was a bluff? Ideally, it could have been done without a forced kiss, because that whole sequence is squeamish to watch (and if that is the show’s intent good job, but it is difficult to tell if it is meant to be comic). The scene also undermines Jeanne’s marvelous entrance, so hopefully, we get to see more of her in the future.

The second half of The Case Study of Vanitas Episode 3 introduces another wonderful lady in Dominique de Sade, a childhood friend of Noé, and his self-proclaimed fiancé. Basically, if one can be blunt, this show’s cast is a bisexual dream, and Dominique will likely steal EVERYONE’s heart. Through both her, and a revelation about Noé’s clan, layers are being added. The animation choices when Noé sucks blood are spot on, wading through literal blood (with added sound effects for atmosphere) to discover lost memories. It is exciting because every character is hiding something, but the information is being given to viewers at a steady pace so it feels intentional, rather than coming out of nowhere or overly vague.

The Case Study of Vanitas Episode 3 is another beautiful installment…with ONE exception. The series well-known cringeworthy scene is just as painful to watch animated as it is in manga form. Granted, Bones nailed it? At any consolation, all the characters are well aware that Vanitas is an absolute jerk, so it will make discovering his motivations a fascinating ride.

The Case Study of Vanitas is streaming now on Funimation, with new episodes premiering Fridays.