It is set in 19th-century Paris, France, where humans and vampires live side by side. A young vampire, Noe Archiviste, travels in search of a grimoire said to scatter curses over vampires — the "Book of Vanitas."
When Noe is caught up in an incident aboard an airship, he meets Vanitas, a mysterious human who calls himself a vampire doctor. Using the power of the "Book of Vanitas," Vanitas treats vampires whose true names have been corrupted, sending them into a frenzy.
Airing from July 2021, produced by Bones with music by Yuki Kajiura. A talked-about work praised for its gorgeous steampunk art and weighty storytelling. 🩸
📝 Highlights & Appeal Light spoilers
01① A Gorgeous Steampunk Paris
The streets of 19th-century Paris, with airships crossing the sky, are breathtaking. Bones' beautiful art and color pull you into the world in an instant.
02② A Bickering Odd-Couple Duo
The shady, unfathomable Vanitas and the honest, good-natured Noe. The witty exchanges between these opposites are hugely entertaining.
03③ Episodic Cases Layered Over a Bigger Mystery
You follow episodic cases of healing cursed vampires while the larger mystery of Vanitas' identity advances too. It grips you without a dull moment.
04④ Vanitas, a Protagonist Full of Mystery
Cheerful yet impossible to read, Vanitas keeps you guessing. You can't look away as his past and goals are revealed little by little.
05⑤ Yuki Kajiura's Majestic Score
Music by Yuki Kajiura (Garden of Sinners) elevates the whole world. The grand, melancholic melodies stay with you.
06⑥ Jun Mochizuki's Signature Foreshadowing
True to the creator of PandoraHearts, intricate foreshadowing and weighty human drama are the draw. A treat for theory-lovers.
07⑦ A Colorful Cast of Vampires
Noble Jeanne, adorable Luca, the eccentric Crimson Moon clan and more — a lineup of charming characters. You're sure to find a favorite.
08⑧ Theme Songs by Star Artists
The OP "Sora to Utsuro," the ED "0 (zero)" and more vividly color each cour's world. A lineup of standout songs that stick with you.
💡 Key Points & Predictions Some spoilers
Ahead, Vanitas and Noe chase cases involving vampires whose names have been corrupted, drawing ever closer to the mystery of Vanitas' identity and the secrets of the "Book of Vanitas." The pasts and feelings of those around them — Jeanne, Dominique, the Crimson Moon clan — intertwine, and the story steadily grows heavier. The shadow that occasionally crosses the cheerful Vanitas, and what Noe, as "the narrator," will witness — you won't want to look away as Mochizuki's carefully laid foreshadowing pays off. Watch where this tale of splendor and sorrow leads. 🩸
🧾 Story So Far Contains spoilers
In 19th-century Paris, where humans and vampires coexist, the young vampire Noe is caught up in an incident aboard an airship while searching for the grimoire that scatters curses — the "Book of Vanitas." Amid the chaos, a mysterious human appears before him: Vanitas, who calls himself a vampire doctor. Using the "Book of Vanitas" — said to be left behind by the legendary vampire "Vanitas of the Blue Moon" — he heals vampires whose true names have been corrupted, sending them into a frenzy. Though jerked around by the shady Vanitas, Noe joins him and throws himself into a series of cases to save the cursed.
✅ Recommended Viewing Points
Highly recommended for anyone who loves dark fantasy that pairs a gorgeous world with weighty storytelling. You can enjoy the witty banter of the odd-couple duo, while the intricate foreshadowing and mysteries are meaty enough for those who love to theorize. Fans of Mochizuki's own PandoraHearts, the gothic mood of Black Butler, or vampire tales like Seraph of the End will be especially hooked. Immerse yourself in the aesthetic, bittersweet world created by Bones' beautiful animation and Yuki Kajiura's music. 🩸
👀 Trivia & Fun Facts
💫 Unresolved Foreshadowing Contains spoilers
- The true identity of Vanitas, who claims to be a vampire doctor, and why he is human.
- The legendary vampire "Vanitas of the Blue Moon" and the truth hidden in the "Book of Vanitas."
- The nature of the "curse" that corrupts vampires' names and drives them into a frenzy.
- What Noe, the narrator, will ultimately witness at the end of this tale.
💌 Predicted Viral Quotes for Next Season
— The shady yet elusive protagonist Vanitas' self-introduction.
"I'll give you back your 'name.'"
— A line symbolizing the story, as Vanitas heals a vampire whose name has been corrupted.
"I will witness everything with my own eyes."
— A line that shows the resolve of Noe, the narrator, to stay close to the tale.