7.6 / 10 (based on 2056 reviews)
A human wields a magic book that can cure vampires of their bloodlust, and sets out to find vampires to cure with the book.
Genre: Animation, Fantasy, Horror, Mystery, Sci-Fi
Main Cast: Natsuki Hanae, Kaito Ishikawa, Ai Kayano, Inori Minase
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 13 episodes, 23-minute runtime
Shows Most Like Vanitas no Carte (2021)
Genjitsu-shugi-yûsha no ôkoku-saiken-ki (2021)
7.2 / 10 (based on 1617 reviews)
O, Hero! When Kazuya Souma is unexpectedly transported to another world, he knows the people expect a hero. But Souma’s idea of heroism is more practical than most, he wants to rebuild the flagging economy of the new land he’s found himself in! Betrothed to the princess and abruptly planted on the throne, this realist hero must gather talented people to help him get the country back on its feet–not through war, or adventure, but with administrative reform.
Genre: Animation, Action, Comedy, Fantasy, Romance
Main Cast: Yûsuke Kobayashi, Inori Minase, Show Hayami, Ikumi Hasegawa
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 14 episodes, 24.0-minute runtime
Tsuki ga michibiku isekai-dôchû (2021)
7.6 / 10 (based on 1725 reviews)
The series tells the story of normal kid Makoto Misumi who, after being transported to a fantasy world to serve as its hero, is cut loose when the world’s unnamed goddess decides he doesn’t measure up to her standards of beauty.
Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy
Main Cast: Natsuki Hanae, Akari Kitô, Ayane Sakura, Shinpachi Tsuji
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 12 episodes, 23.0-minute runtime
Bokutachi no Remake (2021)
7 / 10 (based on 913 reviews)
Hashiba Kyouya is a 28 year old game developer. With his company going bankrupt, and him losing his job, he returns to his hometown. Looking at the success of creators of his age, he finds himself regretting his life decisions as he lay distressed on his bed. But when he opens his eyes, he finds that he has travelled 10 years back to the time before he entered college. Will he finally make things right? This is a story about a failed person who is given a second opportunity to follow his dreams.
Genre: Animation, Comedy, Drama, Sci-Fi
Main Cast: Masahiro Itô, Aimi, Aoi Koga, Hidenori Takahashi
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 12 episodes, 25.0-minute runtime
Shinigami Bocchan to Kuro Maid (2021)
7.2 / 10 (based on 611 reviews)
A cursed duke who kills everyone he touches lives in a mansion in the forest, with only a butler and a seductive maid for company. Will he free himself of his curse?
Genre: Animation, Comedy, Drama, Romance
Main Cast: Natsuki Hanae, Ayumi Mano, Wakana Kuramochi, Hôchû Ôtsuka
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 13 episodes, 24.0-minute runtime
Meikyuu Black Company (2021)
6.6 / 10 (based on 672 reviews)
Kinji, who lacks any kind of work ethic, is a layabout in his modern life. One day, he finds himself transported to another world, but not in a grand fantasy of a hero welcomed with open arms – he’s immediately shoved into a terrible job. Now enslaved by an evil mining company in a fantasy world, Kinji’s about to really learn the meaning of hard work.
Genre: Animation, Comedy, Fantasy
Main Cast: Misaki Kuno, Katsuyuki Konishi, Hiro Shimono, Satomi Sato
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 12 episodes, 23.0-minute runtime
Tantei wa Mou, Shindeiru. (2021)
5.9 / 10 (based on 995 reviews)
Kimizuka Kimihiko is a crisis-magnet. From getting caught up in a crime scene to accidentally witnessing a drug deal, trouble seems to find him around every corner. So it is no surprise when his rather mundane flight suddenly enters a state of emergency with a dire need of a detective onboard. Unfortunately, his attempt at avoiding trouble is foiled by a beautiful girl with silver hair who goes by the codename Siesta. Declaring herself a detective, she unceremoniously drags Kimizuka into the case as her assistant. That incident spelled the beginning of an adventure around the globe that went beyond his wildest imagination. Putting their lives on the line, the two took down criminal organizations, prevented disasters, and saved thousands. But the curtain closed to their epic journey with Siesta’s untimely death three years later. Resolving to live an ordinary high school life this time, Kimizuka spends a year maintaining a low profile. However, as fate would have it, a girl with an uncanny resemblance to Siesta comes crashing into his life, threatening to throw his peaceful days into disarray.
Genre: Animation, Comedy, Drama, Mystery, Romance
Main Cast: Nagai Arata, Maria Naganawa, Takehito Koyasu, Shirasu Saho
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 12 episodes, 24.0-minute runtime
Heion Sedai no Idaten-tachi (2021)
7.2 / 10 (based on 506 reviews)
Gods defeated demons centuries ago. The demons have returned, but can the new generation of gods stop them?
Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Main Cast:
Creators: Amahara
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 12 episodes, 22.0-minute runtime
Sonny Boy (2021)
7.6 / 10 (based on 1358 reviews)
A group of students on summer vacation find themselves transported to another dimension and granted superpowers to survive there.
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Main Cast: Siddhartha Minhas, Kristen McGuire, Frank Todaro, Saori Oonishi
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 12 episodes
Seirei Gensouki (2021)
7.2 / 10 (based on 1380 reviews)
Amakawa Haruto is a young man who died before reuniting with his childhood friend who disappeared five years ago. Rio is a boy living in the slums who wants revenge for his mother who was murdered in front of him when he was five years old. Earth and another world. Two people with completely different backgrounds and values. For some reason, the memories and personality of Haruto who should’ve died is resurrected in Rio’s body. As the two are confused over their memories and personalities fusing together, Rio decides to live in this new world. Along with Haruto’s memories, Rio awakens an unknown “special power,” and it seems that if he uses it well, he can live a better life. But before that, Rio encounters a kidnapping that turns out to be of a princess of the Bertram Kingdom that he lives in. After saving the princess, Rio is given a scholarship at the Royal Academy, a school for the rich and powerful. Being a poor orphan in a school of nobles turns out to be an extremely detestable place to be.
Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Romance
Main Cast: Yoshitsugu Matsuoka, Yuuki Kuwahara, Sayaka Harada, Akane Fujita
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 12 episodes, 23.0-minute runtime
86 (2021)
8.2 / 10 (based on 5536 reviews)
The Republic of San Magnolia is at war with its neighboring country, the Empire of Giad. Both sides use unmanned drones to conduct a “war without casualties”. The story follows Lena as she commands a squad of drones called the 86.
Genre: Animation, Action, Drama, Sci-Fi, War
Main Cast: Asuna Tomari, Shoya Chiba, Ikumi Hasegawa, Saori Hayami
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 22 episodes, 24.0-minute runtime
Takt Op. Destiny (2021)
6.9 / 10 (based on 1808 reviews)
In a world where aliens have invaded Earth and banned music, a group of fighter musicians use music as a weapon to maintain a resistance.
Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Music
Main Cast: Koki Uchiyama, Shion Wakayama, Kaede Hondo, Daisuke Namikawa
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 12 episodes, 24.0-minute runtime
Kaizoku oujo (2021)
7 / 10 (based on 824 reviews)
Fena Houtman, a young orphan girl, has been raised on an island where there is no hope of becoming anything more than chattel, to be used and discarded by soldiers of the British Empire. But Fena is more than just another powerless orphan. When her mysterious past comes knocking, Fena will break the chains of her oppressors. Her goal: forge a new identity, free of bondage, and search for a place where she can truly belong and find out the true mysteries behind a keyword “Eden.”
Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Main Cast: Asami Seto, Ryouta Suzuki, Takahiro Sakurai, Aoi Yûki
Creators: Kazuto Nakazawa
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 12 episodes
In the realm of anime, where tales of magic, mystery, and vampires often tread familiar paths, “Vanitas no Carte” emerges as a refreshing narrative that weaves an intricate story with a unique blend of elements. This series, also known as “The Case Study of Vanitas,” debuted in 2021 and quickly garnered attention for its distinctive approach to the vampire genre. Here, we’ll delve into what makes “Vanitas no Carte” stand out, from its captivating storyline and characters to its visual and thematic execution.
The Story at Its Core
“Vanitas no Carte” is set in a beautifully reimagined 19th-century Paris, where vampires and humans coexist, albeit not always peacefully. The story revolves around Vanitas, a human bearing a grimoire known as the Book of Vanitas, and Noé, a vampire in search of the book. The narrative unfolds as they encounter various vampires afflicted by a curse that drives them to madness. Vanitas, claiming to be a doctor, aims to cure these vampires with the help of his mysterious book.
What sets the plot apart is not just its setting or supernatural elements but the way these components are interwoven with themes of prejudice, redemption, and the complexity of human (and vampire) nature. The series navigates through its dark themes with a balanced mix of humor, action, and moments of genuine emotion, making it a multifaceted story that appeals to a wide audience.
Characters Who Break the Mold
At the heart of “Vanitas no Carte” are characters who defy typical archetypes, adding depth and unpredictability to the narrative.
- Vanitas is not your average protagonist. While he possesses the charm and wit expected of a leading character, his motivations and moral compass are not always clear, making him intriguingly complex.
- Noé, with his noble vampire lineage and inherent curiosity about the human world, provides a contrast to Vanitas. His innocence and straightforwardness offer a refreshing counterbalance to Vanitas’s more enigmatic nature.
- The supporting cast, including Jeanne, a vampire knight with her own set of conflicts and Luca, a young vampire aristocrat, add further layers to the story, each bringing their own history, motivations, and growth.
These characters are not merely pawns moved by the plot but are individuals with their own stories, desires, and fears. Their interactions and developments are pivotal to the narrative, making the viewer invested in their journeys.
A Visually Striking World
The animation and art style of “Vanitas no Carte” deserve special mention. The series brings to life a version of Paris that is both familiar and fantastical, blending historical elements with steampunk aesthetics. The attention to detail in the backgrounds, character designs, and action sequences adds a visual richness that enhances the overall storytelling.
Moreover, the use of color and lighting plays a significant role in setting the tone of the series. The contrast between the darker, more somber moments and the vibrant, lively scenes effectively conveys the shifting moods and themes of the story.
Themes That Resonate
“Vanitas no Carte” explores several themes that give it a substantial narrative weight beyond its supernatural elements. The series delves into the nature of curses, questioning whether they are truly a supernatural affliction or a manifestation of societal prejudices and personal traumas. This exploration of curses serves as a metaphor for the characters’ struggles with their own identities and pasts.
The theme of redemption is also central to the series, with many characters seeking forgiveness or a second chance. This quest for redemption is portrayed with nuance, acknowledging the complexity of forgiveness and the idea that redemption is a personal journey rather than a final destination.
Why It Stands Out
In a genre filled with stories about vampires and supernatural beings, “Vanitas no Carte” distinguishes itself through its thoughtful storytelling, complex characters, and thematic depth. It transcends the typical tropes of vampire fiction, offering a narrative that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
The series does not shy away from darker themes but approaches them with sensitivity and a sense of hope. The humor and lighter moments serve not as a distraction but as a necessary balance, making the story accessible without undermining its more serious undertones.
Personal Anecdote
As someone who has watched countless anime series, I’ve grown wary of the repetitive themes and character archetypes that often populate the genre. “Vanitas no Carte” was a breath of fresh air, capturing my attention with its unique premise and keeping me engaged with its unexpected twists and character developments. It’s a series that proves the vampire genre still has new stories to tell, and it does so with flair and depth.
Conclusion
“Vanitas no Carte” is more than just another entry in the crowded field of supernatural anime. It is a series that combines a captivating story, rich characters, stunning visuals, and meaningful themes into a coherent and engaging whole. Whether you’re a fan of vampire tales or simply looking for a well-crafted story, “Vanitas no Carte” offers a compelling reason to immerse yourself in its world. It’s a reminder that even in the most familiar stories, there’s always room for innovation and depth.