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Venus versus Virus - Episode 1
By Ace | January 19, 2007
Initially, I was attracted to this series by two things, the title, and the art. Though neither were anything spectacular, it was enough to interest me when the previews for the winter season were first released. I have to say that a lot of doubts about the series were squelched upon seeing the first episode, and I’d say there’s about an 8 out of 10 chance that I’ll continue to blog this.
The series starts out on a somewhat confusing note. In a scene that seems to be a flashback (or maybe a flashforward?) to a faraway time, you see the two main characters fighting with knives. As soon as the blades clash, the OP starts.
The OP has a very distinct western flavor to it while still retaining its roots in anime style. There is some very interesting art, that reveals a good many possible foreshadowings. (Also, I’m a sucker for girls with two different colored eyes in anime). Lyrics follow:
Japanese (Romaji):
Ya mi kara, tasukete,
kanjita no kanashimi voiceI’m in the hell,
I’m in debate,
Kaki a eba koitsukuI’m break out. (x4)
Shinjinai, dare omou,
domo tasukete agotai no waTsumi no iro,
Minakoda madoreru koto shiteru dake.Mouake tobira wa mune wa sasoi
Ima no watashi wo dare te yuku unmei.Kokoro ni, tobikomu,
Kimi no jounatsu wa kagi.
Yami kara, tasukete, watashi no sakebi ga ataChigau jinsei sae eraberu yau na,
Sakkaku na rakkaKirasareru yume nandoka.
Yureru breath in my heart.I’m break out. (x4)
English:
I felt a sad voice say
“save me from the darkness”I’m in the hell,
I’m in debate,
if I were to meet you with firearms.I’m break out. (x4)
No one believes it,
but they can be saved.I’ve seen the colors of sin,
and they only showed me who to get away.The door to ferocity tempts the heart.
Whose fate am I following now?Dive into your heart,
Your passion is the key.
I’m screaming “save me from the darkness.”Fallen into a hallucination,
As if you’ve chosen a new life.I’m running out of dreams.
A swaying breath in my heart.I’m break out. (x4)
Just felt like I needed to post that, I love those lyrics for some reason. Please note, I can’t take credit for the translations, they’re stolen from the “Gnu-Fansubs” Karaoke.
Once the OP is over, we see Sumire-chan (whom can be assumed to be one of the main characters) in a school (as a friend of mine pointed out, arm warmers as part of a school uniform = kawaii). The mystery continues with this girl rushing off to some unknown place, ignoring invitations from people all around her to go to different places and have fun.
Fast-forward just a touch, and Sumire-chan arrives (late might I add) at the Venus Vangard and is informed that there is a client waiting downstairs. After some dialog, we can begin to assume that Sumire and Ruchia (the other main character) are part of an organization meant to hunt viruses.
Viruses are described as “a human-like existence whose soul has snatched away.” This points to an interesting plot as things go along, because you begin to realize how these girls do what they do. It is pointed out that only certain people can see viruses, and viruses are naturally attracted to these people. This is proven by Sumire being attacked at the end of this scene. Wait, why did the other girl pass out?
About halfway through this episode, we get to see what’s behind Ruchia’s eye-patch. Her left eye glows the color of a cat eye and can be inferred to give her the ability to detect hidden viruses. This however comes at the cost of a lot of energy, because she passes out soon after. Then, we get a peak at a bad dream that Ruchia has as she’s passed out. I have a feeling that her left eye can do a lot more than just what is shown, but that’s neither here nor there.
Since Ruchia is passed out, Sumire is left to guard the client in the event that the virus returns. Of course, Sumire being the person she is, eventually falls asleep, and it leads you to believe that she is nothing more than bait for when they’re hunting when Ruchia comes to save her as she’s being attacked. It is explained that this particular virus imposed itself into the girl’s subconscious (that’s why she passed out earlier, huh?) and naturally, a fight ensues.
This is where the anime almost started to bore me, it was a pretty run-of-the-mill fight where nothing of great interest happens. Until the twist that’s going to keep me coming back came into play.
After Sumire is “held hostage” by the virus, and a dramatic aiming takes place, Ruchia fires a shot which you assume hits the virus. In reality, Ruchia shoots Sumire… on purpose. It goes on to explain that when Sumire reacts to the virus antibodies in those bullets, she essentially becomes a living anti-virus. The only problem is, she has no control over herself while she is in this trance, and no one can stop her.
My thoughts
This series intrigues me greatly. At first glance it looks like a run of the mill action/mystery series, but then has an interesting twist thrown in just to make it that much more fun. I’m not usually a fan of this particular genre, but as I said, I will probably continue to watch and blog this series. I wish I could’ve done more than just put a synopsis of this anime, but it is still too early to say too much about it.
Also, note to myself, start using a media player where I can take screenshots as I watch the series.� I’ll add some caps to this tomorow.
Popularity: 9% [?]
Topics: Anime, Venus Versus Virus |
January 20th, 2007 at 7:09 pm
The first episode did start rather slow, and I almost didn’t get into it enough to get to the good parts… luckily I was just in the mood to sit through the whole thing. It definitely picks up near the end, and I love the character designs!
January 20th, 2007 at 8:44 pm
Yay, comments are working now ^^
Well the first ep of VVV didn’t thrill me much story-wise, and the characters were too generic for my tastes. I would need to watch ep 2 to decide if it’s worth watching or not ^^;;
If you need a recommendation on media players, you should give BSplayer a try - doesn’t eat many resources and can easily make screenshots. (Google it up or so. I’m too lazy to post links right now)
Anyway, good luck with your blog, and keep genki!
~neko
February 16th, 2007 at 2:10 pm
Also, I’m a sucker for girls with two different colored eyes in anime
DESU!
Umn, anyway. The way you said the fight scene started it out kind of reminds me of Black Cat.
And the way Ruchia-chan’s eye is, well, that too. XD
But then again, these are fairly common things, heck, even Kakashi had a weird eye thing that he had to cover up.
I might have to check this one out.
July 3rd, 2007 at 11:28 pm
What are some other anime with girls with different colored eyes