If you thought last week hurt, The Case Study of Vanitas Episode 6 focuses entirely on Noé’s relationship with Vanitas, and how he’s let his trauma affect that. The steampunk fantasy is animated by Studio Bones (My Hero Academia) and is based off of the manga series by Jun Mochizuki (Pandora Hearts), which is available in English from Yen Press. In a steampunk Paris, vampires try to live alongside humans. However, an organization is trying to steal their true names, cursing them. A human named Vanitas claims to be a doctor specializing in vampires, and with a supposedly cursed grimoire he will heal them…whether they like it or not.
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The Case Study of Vanitas Episode 6 picks up immediately where last week left off: with Vanitas saving Noé from Charlatan just as he is about to give up his true name. Truly, the action sequences in this episode are a sight to behold, paired with the show’s score. Veronica’s ice and Ruthven’s fire open another branch of higher powered vampires. I’d be lying if I wasn’t a huge fan of Domi tastefully slicing her ballgown with her rapier to allow her to fight better. All in all, the banter between characters, the music, and fluid animation just make The Case Study of Vanitas ooze style with each passing minute. The steampunk element truly makes this vampire tale unique, blending fantasy and science through the concept of formulas that look like beautiful constellations. The idea that everything in this world has a formula that can be rewritten (vampire being the result of rewriting humans) is intriguing, and it will be cool to see how far the show will take this concept.
It isn’t all fun and games, however. Curse bearers are running amok, and some of them have been corrupted past the point of no return. It is especially painful for Noé, as some of the vampires are children, and continue to evoke memories of losing Louis. It is difficult to discuss any more of this episode without spoiling, and it is best to experience it for oneself. However, after everything witnessed last week, it is fantastic to see Noé already acknowledging that his trauma has led him to force expectations on others. It isn’t a magical turnaround, but it is the beginning of tearing down the walls he has put up. Additionally, this truly feels like the real beginning of his relationship with Vanitas.
Vanitas, for that matter, is fascinating to watch this week. When he boldly declared in Episode 1 and Episode 4 that he doesn’t care what the vampires want, it initially seemed comically eccentric. Slowly the darker undertones of revenge have been revealed. Although Vanitas is a doctor, his definition of “saving” someone isn’t what others may initially expect. It is a fantastic writing decision, because just like the other characters, viewers may have ignored the writing on the wall whenever Vanitas directly stated his intentions.
The Case Study of Vanitas Episode 6 is another fantastic installment. What more is there to say? If you’ve been watching you will understand how good it is on a production level alone. Add the fantastic writing and character development from the last two weeks and I can’t wait to see where it goes from here.
The Case Study of Vanitas is streaming now on Funimation, with new episodes premiering Fridays.
The Case Study of Vanitas Episode 6 - "Questions"
TL;DR
The Case Study of Vanitas Episode 6 is another fantastic installment. What more is there to say? If you’ve been watching you will understand how good it is on a production level alone. Add the fantastic writing and character development from the last two weeks and I can’t wait to see where it goes from here.
