REVIEW: ‘The Vermilion Mask’ Episode 1 – “Peru The Mask Maker”

The Vermilion Mask Episode 1, “Peru The Mask Maker,” produced by 100studio, introduces Peru d’Arrest (Taihi Kimura, To Be Hero X). He makes masks that can possess powers, great and small. From the ability to put a smile on someone’s face to allowing them to take on the traits of mighty animals, real and mythological, Peru’s masks are pure magic. Now, he has come to the country of Lisblanc to reclaim the works of his deceased master. 

For a fantasy story with characters, motivations, and grand threats to set up, this series pulls together an incredible pilot. It also ends on a cliffhanger that will make any viewer with even the slightest interest in the story come back for the next episode, accomplishing everything you could ask of an opening chapter. 

At the center of The Vermilion Mask Episode 1‘s success is its cast. Each major character brings strong presence and motivation to this introductory entry. Peru himself is a multilayered lead who brings lots of avenues for character exploration. We get just enough glimpses of his past to understand the broad strokes of his motivations, leaving plenty of room for growth. The wide range of masks he possesses promises a versatile presence in combat as well, likely keeping the action fresh when he’s around.

The Vermilion Mask Episode 1 nails everything an opening episode should.

Sonarue (Yuki Yamamoto) has almost as much presence as Peru. The street urchin first encountered when she tries to steal one of Peru’s masks brings a lot of personality and story potential, even as she fits into some obvious fantasy archetypes. The duo play off each other well and create a solid pairing to build the rest of the experience around. 

The final major player that leaves a lasting impression is the main antagonist, Gouon (Takanori Hoshino, Ghost in the Shell SAC_2045). The villain cuts an imposing figure in every scene he appears in, dwarfing his opponents with sheer presence and menace. His skills seem to match his attitude, firmly cementing that he isn’t simply a big guy waiting to get knocked down a peg by the hero.

Sonarue plays well off of Peru, establishing a fun duo from the jump.

Around the main personalities, The Vermilion Mask Episode 1 crafts a dark fantasy world primed to horrify when things get bad. While the presence of cold, emotionless villains who don’t hesitate to endanger life creates threats, the simmering undercurrent of madness makes the setting feel likely to leave lasting scars on its audience. The magic of this world is powerful, and it looks like it can do twisted things to a person’s mind.

The visual presentation leans into the moments of madness within The Vermilion Mask Episode 1 incredibly well. Tears flow from eyes as an unsettling, overstretched smile on someone’s face screams that their wits have lost to the darkest of human descent. The virulent energy projected in the central moment promises that more is to come, leaving another uncomfortable yet compelling reason to return to the series. 

The dark fantasy elements dive into a well of madness and chaos from the start.

Beyond how the visuals handle the warping side effects of some of the episode’s magic, the presentation does a respectable job of delivering on both the emotion and action of The Vermilion Mask Episode 1. The visual presentation of Peru’s mask-born abilities does a good job establishing the inspiration for each set of powers, helping keep the numerous abilities shown here clear for the viewer. 

The Vermilion Mask Episode 1 does everything you can ask of a pilot. It introduces its elements clearly while firmly establishing motivations and the powerful nature of this world’s magic. With a sprinkle of dark madness in its most critical moments, the opening chapter also promises real stakes for those who fall victim to the world’s darkest promises. 

The Vermilion Mask Episode 1 airs on October 10, 2026, on Crunchyroll.