Verdict: 9/10

Impressions:

Well it was about time that they covered the first chapter. I don’t know why they didn’t start the anime off like this from the start but I suppose they have their own creative reasons for doing it like this. So, like the first chapter of the manga, this episode covers Sumire and Lucia’s first encounter. It also shows Sumire’s first encounter with a Virus and her initial reactions before gaining any knowledge of them or having Berserk mode. Speaking of Berserk mode, we see how Sumire came to first access it (by being shot yet again). We’re also treated to some Lucia-ownage that only she can do in her calm and collected manner. Oh, and you’ve got to love the bond-making *coughyuritensioncough* that occurred near the end of the episode. ^^

Verdict: 8.6/10

Impressions:

Now this was a very familiar episode. Reason being is because this episode is basically derived from chapter 5 of the manga that was recently scanlated. Granted things are done differently in some places but it delivers the same story and lesson. I felt bad for Tsukuyo all over again after watching this episode. She loved her brother so much that she was even able to not lose herself completely to the Virus that had inhabited her body. As a result of that, despite the Virus eventually coming forth and attacking, she did all she could to help save her twin brother. Also, Lucia did a really nice thing at the end that had her looking so cute with her blushing. On another note, I wonder what the guy Sumire meets in the park is up to…. Anyways, next episode seems to cover the first chapter in the manga. ^__^

Verdict: 8.5/10

Impressions:

Interesting episode this was. I found it odd and funny that Sumire was being tested for her control over Berserk mode but I suppose it was expected given that Berserk Sumire runs off of pure impulse. Though, I wonder how her Berserk mode works fully since from the symbols shown she seems to have a few elements available to her in a given Berserk mode. The rest of the episode was basically about Sumire wanting to return to her past and realizing that she can’t. The highlight of the episode of course was when she confronted a Virus normally only to fail before entering Berserk mode and proceeded to kick its ass. I really don’t want to see Sumire take control of Berserk mode since it wouldn’t really be “Berserk” anymore but perhaps she could do something about attacking non-Viruses just a little bit. Anyways, as it stands I have no idea where VVV is going right now since it still differs from the manga (well from what I’ve read anyways). So, I’m still looking forward to future episodes and hopefully some familiar scenes.

Series Information

ANN Encyclopedia | AniDB | AnimeNfo
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Shoujo-ai (?)
OP: [Bravin’ Bad Brew] by Riryka >> Mirror 1 | Mirror 2
ED: [Shijun no Zankoku] by Yousei Teikoku >> Mirror 1 | Mirror 2
TBSアニメーション「ヴィーナス ヴァーサス ヴァイアラス」公式HP

Verdict: 9.5/10 (All hail Berserk Sumire)

Impressions:

Hot damn, the animated version of VVV has finally arrived. First thing I noticed was how they started it. It’s a lot different from the first chapter of the manga. Hell, none of what happened in this episode even occurred in the first chapter but I’m guessing it’s either from some later chapters or unique to the anime. Lucia and Sumire are pretty much the same from the impression I gathered at the beginning of the manga with the addition of one awesome thing…freaking berserk Sumire! Manga-wise, she appears in chapter two and she owned this episode all over. Simply put, she’s unbelievably hot. I think she’ll make whatever yuri material that surfaces in VVV in the future very interesting and engaging. ^^

I really liked the opening and ending themes. I can’t describe why but they really fit VVV’s atmosphere for some reason. The background tunes were nice and the colors and animation quality was topnotch. The seiyuu also gave great performances, especially Sumire’s (Minori Chihara, anyone?). Anyways, onto some information. We’re told that Viruses are human-like entities who have lost their souls and now eat the souls of others to maintain themselves. I’m sure I’m not the only one who saw similarities to both D.Gray-man (Akuma) and Fullmetal Alchemist (Homunculus) when this fact was stated. Also, only a few people can see these Viruses and because they can they are more attractive targets than those who can’t. Both Lucia and Sumire are exterminators of these Viruses and, as expected, use anti-Virus weapons and equipment to do so.

Condensed Summary:

As such, the episode entails Lucia and Sumire taking on the case of a girl who thinks she’s encountered a Virus, although she doesn’t know it but such a term. They accept the case and along the way Sumire gets attacked by it. Later on, Lucia identifies just what and where the Virus is with her special (and yellow) eye which weakened her. Again, later on in the night Sumire is watching over their client and falls asleep. The Virus, who was hiding in the clients’ subconscious, immediately wakes up to attack her but is thwarted by Lucia. A series of fighting scenes occur and Sumire is caught by the Virus. Lucia promptly shoots her with her anti-Virus pistol and as a result Sumire enters berserk mode. Apparently in this mode she becomes a living anti-virus and is unmatched in strength. She easily destroys the Virus but then turns on Lucia and attempts to kill her but faints in the middle of the act.