REVIEW: ‘The Case Study of Vanitas,’ Episode 12 – ‘Point of Departure’

The Case Study of Vanitas Episode 12 provides a solid finale for the first cour and a near-seamless build-up to the second cour scheduled for Winter ’22. Studio Bones (My Hero Academia) is behind the steampunk vampire anime, which adapts the manga of the same name by Jun Mochizuki (Pandora Hearts). In Paris, vampire Noé partners with an eccentric human who claims to be a doctor of vampires. He has also taken on the name of the Cursed Vampire of the Blue Moon, Vanitas. With him is a cursed grimoire that can reveal world formulas and vampires’ true names, thus cursing or curing them.

Even though much of The Case Study of Vanitas Episode 12 is transitory, it is still compelling to sit through. The clear transition to set up the second cour’s main plot may seem a bit sudden after a serious conversation the night before, but the series makes it work. Vanitas quickly catches on that his date was meant to distract him (unintentional on Jeanne’s part) so Ruthven could get to Noé. However, Ruthven’s manipulations have been covered up by when Vanitas returns, so the duo is left none the wiser of the vampire Lord standing against them behind the scenes.

Let’s get into the meat of The Case Study of Vanitas Episode 12: which is Vanitas and Noé having absolutely hysterical mental crises over the fact that they might like each other. The two have bickered so much and convinced themselves that they could not stand to be in the others’ presence. While viewers have been clued in for a while that the two actually make quite the team, Noé and Vanitas have been in denial about even the concept of friendship. This is comically portrayed by Noé having a full-on existential monologue because he is very attracted to the scent of Vanitas’ blood. On the other side, Vanitas doesn’t want to admit that seeing Noé upset or possibly in danger bothers him (he would never admit to frantically running back to the hotel after his date with Jeanne).

Viewers must remember that Noé is an Archiviste. This means that when he drinks blood from someone, he can delve into their memories. Additionally, the very first time he drinks from a person, he cannot control what he sees and will dive in regardless if he wishes to or not. The thought of Noé seeing his past clearly bothers Vanitas. While he doesn’t have an issue with his blood being sucked, there is a clear boundary line drawn in their relationship. It is a great foundation that requires the two to communicate. Noé has to make clear that he has no intention of violating Vanitas’ consent, but also that he would like to be closer to Vanitas. Maybe this frank conversation between the two is what opens the door for Vanitas to talk about his trauma to SOMEONE? Either way, it opens up a shift in their relationship, which is great. While viewers love the banter, it is important to see the two’s interactions change over the course of the show so that nothing becomes stale.

The Case Study of Vanitas Episode 12 works because we know it is only the finale of the first cour, and there is a premiere date set for the second half. The transition build-up provides solid tension and character work but doesn’t feel rushed or like a cheap cliffhanger. It is a peaceful, fun wrap-up. Truly, The Case Study of Vanitas has been a joy to watch this summer, and with only a few tiny concerns, it is an absolute gem that should be on everyone’s watchlist if they haven’t checked it out already.

The Case Study of Vanitas is streaming now on Funimation.