So, the new season of anime has started, and obviously, before the any of the series’ even began we all picked our favourites. When looking through a list of what was going to be on show, I noticed a peculiar title: “Venus Versus Virus.” Which included a picture of what looked to be very promising. I mean, psuedo-lolis, gothic lolita, guns, demon ass-kicking, a hint of lesbianism; hell, one of the main characters even has heterochromia (all the rage these days!). What could possibly go wrong? Oh reality, why do you treat me so.

Admittedly, from just looking at the pictures of the characters, I was hooked. The uniform of Sumire Takahana’s school is well composed; it’s not too complex, gives off a stylish feeling and it isn’t constrained to the base template of a regular sailorfuku. This in turn, compliments her hairstyle and doesn’t upset colour balance in regards to her eye colour. All in all, it just ‘works’. Moving on to Lucia Nabashi’s character design: again, fittingly composed, without it being too fancy, nor being too plain. Her clothing looks much like a nun’s, but obviously with major differences. Her eye patch with a cross on it further adds to her already well established ‘demon hunter’ look, and also bolsters the gothic lolita look. Her hairstyle fits in with her overall look as well, along with that headdress as well (though everyone seems to be screaming “Barasuishou!”).

With respect to animation, it is commendable. Done by Studio Hibari (who also did: Petite Cossette, Sumomo Mo Momo Mo and… Tsuyokiss), the animation is smooth, relatively consistent and I don’t really have any qualms with it. Nevertheless, every series has its fair share of slip-ups in animation, but from the first episode, there didn’t seem to be too many (or at least, none that were glaringly obvious).

The music of this series consists of the usual strings, piano, and what have you, but it fits well with the subject matter of the series. It does well to set a mood using lower notes and ‘darker’ songs. The only gripe with the music would have to be the opening theme. It was far too upbeat and “j-pop”-y for a series which seemed to have dark elements to it (i.e. people being eaten, et al.). Personally, it could have been done better. Interestingly enough, the person who did this opening, Teikoku Yousei, also did the OP for Renkin San-Kyuu Magical Pokaan, which also did not fit the anime.

Lastly, the plot. To be quite honest, this is where the series faltered. The plot was shallow and unconvincing, and seemed very “recycled”. “Demons attacking humans, and only a small group of people can stop them!” Of course, it has the unknowing lover of the opposite sex, which will probably get in trouble at some point in the series. All in all, everything seemed very generic; a cookie-cutter composition of plot and shallow characters. However, I won’t pass final judgement quite yet, since it has only been the first episode.

To conclude, the series is not bad. Character designs are admirable, both design and colour scheme, despite what other people may say (Barasuishou!!). Music and animation were of a good standard and set the tone adequately; above average at the very least. Currently, the major flaw is that the story lacks any depth or scope. However, it should be all ironed out as the series progresses, or at least I hope.

Post script: In the opening few minutes of the first episode, is it just me or does Sumire look a lot like Adell from Disgaea 2? (Apart from the colour and gender differences of course.)