The Legend of the Vampire of the Blue Moon
Unlike the vast majority of vampires, who are born under the crimson light of the Blood Moon, Luna was said to have been born under a pale, ethereal Blue Moon. This celestial anomaly marked them as inherently different, an anomaly within their own kind. Consequently, the Blue Moon Vampire was shunned, ostracized, and feared by the traditional Crimson Moon vampires. They were viewed as an aberration, an ill omen, and subjected to intense prejudice and isolation within the very society they belonged to.
Driven by this profound sense of betrayal, loneliness, and burning resentment, Luna poured their sorrow and rage into the creation of a powerful grimoire: the Book of Vanitas. This wasn't merely a book of spells, but a meticulously crafted weapon born of a broken heart, which was betrayed by its own kin. The legend states that the grimoire was forged with the explicit purpose of cursing all vampires, to inflict upon them a suffering mirroring the isolation and pain they had endured.
That's why the new Vanitas, who later inherits the name and the grimoire, causes such a stir wherever he goes; he's wielding a tool steeped in a history of certain destruction, yet claims to use it for salvation, challenging the very core of this ancient and terrifying myth.
Characters of The Case Study of Vanitas
Noé Archiviste
A young, earnest, and somewhat naive vampire from the distinguished Archiviste clan, known for their unique ability to "read" the memories of others. He journeys to Paris in search of the legendary Book of Vanitas, believing it to be a dangerous artifact.
Vanitas
A charismatic and enigmatic human who claims to be a "vampire doctor." He is driven by a complex, hidden agenda related to his past, constantly challenging both vampire and human society with his audacious methods and sardonic wit, all while being pursued by enemies.
Dominique “Dommi”
A powerful and elegant noble vampire from the prestigious de Sade family. She is Noé Archiviste's childhood friend and fiancée, harboring deep affection and protectiveness towards him. She's also a formidable fighter with a commanding presence, but beneath her refined exterior, she possesses a playful, sometimes mischievous, and fiercely loyal personality.
Jeanne
Also known as "La Sorcière de l'Incendie" (the Hellfire Witch), she is a powerful and infamous vampire executioner. Wielding a massive gauntlet called "Carpe Diem" that allows her to manipulate hellfire, she is initially presented as a cold and ruthless figure. Her path quickly intertwines with Vanitas, leading to a highly volatile and unexpectedly complicated romantic dynamic.
Opinion on The Case Study of Vanitas
The vampire myth as we know it has been reinvented in Vanitas no Carte, offering a fresh and intriguing lore that compels you to uncover its secrets little by little. This, coupled with the intense political tensions between humans and vampires, unexpected romance, the influence of religious dogmas, and the profound questions about identity and free will versus a cursed destiny, truly makes Vanitas no Carte stand out among many other works about vampires.
It is precisely this theme of free will that transforms a legendary tool of destruction into a tool of salvation in the hands of another. The Book of Vanitas's core power isn't fundamentally changed, but its application is reversed; however, this reversal sometimes comes at a cost to the wielder. Despite this, the new Vanitas is intent on his "revenge" against those who wronged him, even as he assists others. Vanitas's complex relationship with his own life and identity, coupled with his often-contradictory motivations, is what makes him a stellar character. While you don't root for his demise, his journey keeps you deeply intrigued about his ultimate fate.
And really, who doesn't love a comedic duo in a dark story?! Noé's earnest personality hilariously clashes with Vanitas's cynical and extravagant demeanor. Their contrasting personalities create a constant stream of witty banter, physical comedy, and unexpected reactions that lighten the plot without diminishing its importance. Whether Vanitas is teasing Noé about his vampire instincts, Noé is bewildered by human customs, or they're having an absurd argument in the middle of a serious mission, their interactions ensure that even the gravest moments can offer a breather.
If you're looking for a story rich with lore, action, enemies-to-lovers romance, and moments filled with comedy, then look no further. Vanitas no Carte might just be the perfect cure for your craving, promising to satisfy your entertainment needs.
