Venus Versus Virus Review: Beautiful girls vs. viruses

"Venus Versus Virus": A story of girls' struggle and growth

"Venus Versus Virus" is a TV anime series that aired in 2007, originally a manga by Atsushi Suzumi. The original was serialized in the monthly "Dengeki Comic Gao!" published by MediaWorks, and the world view of the series was further expanded by its anime adaptation. This work is a dark fantasy that depicts two girls with a cruel destiny battling the demon Virus, and the story unfolds around their growth and friendship.

Broadcast information

"Venus Versus Virus" was broadcast on TBS and BS-i from January 12th to March 30th, 2007. Specifically, it was broadcast every Thursday from 25:55 to 26:25 on TBS, and every Wednesday from 26:00 to 26:30 on BS-i. The 12 episodes, each 30 minutes long, provided viewers with a suspenseful story.

Production Team

The series was directed by Kimura Shinichiro, with series composition by Yamada Yasutomo and character design by Agata Yoshimi. Art direction was by Kanehira Kazushige, art direction by Hashi Masahiro, color direction by Miyagawa Takae, cinematography by Watanabe Yoshiyuki, editing by Morita Seiji, music by Nanase Hikaru and sound direction by Iwanami Miwa. Animation was done by Studio Hibari, with production support from Pony Canyon, Movic, Sony PCL and Lantis. The series was produced by Venus Vanguard and TBS.

story

The story of "Venus Versus Virus" revolves around two girls, Lucia Nabashi and Sumire Takahana, who fight against the demon Virus. Viruses are beings that consume human souls, and Lucia usually runs an antique shop called "Venus Vanguard" while also working as an exterminator who will go out and exterminate Viruses upon request. After a certain incident, Sumire gains the power to see Viruses and fights alongside Lucia. Their battle begins with the voices of people pleading for help.

Main Characters

・Lucia Meahashi : Voiced by Ayahi Takagaki. She is the owner of the antique shop "Venus Vanguard" and a professional Virus extermination expert. Her calmness and strength drive the story.
・Takahana Sumire : Voiced by Chihara Minori. A middle school student at Ginjo Academy, she is a girl who has gained the power to see the Virus. She fights alongside Lucia and develops as a character.
・Souichirou Nabashi : Voiced by Jurota Kosugi. Lucia's adoptive father, he has extensive knowledge of the Virus. He plays an important role as a supporter of Lucia and the others.
・Lola : Voiced by Ayumi Tsuji. A girl who prepares weapons for Lucia and Sumire, she is a spoiled girl who loves chocolate.
・Otone : Voiced by Sakura Nogawa. Sumire's cousin, she is a girl attending the high school division of Ginjo Academy. She is like an older sister to Sumire, always worrying about her.
・Riku : Voiced by Hiromi Hirata. Otone's younger brother, he is a boy who admires Sumire. Although the two siblings get along well, he is sometimes bossed around by Otone.
Kyoko : Voiced by Noriko Shimoya. A quiet and reserved girl who is Sumire's classmate. She is responsible for calming down Mika's reckless behavior.
・Mika : Voiced by Miyake Hana. Sumire's classmate, she is a cheerful and bright girl who has shoujo manga-like fantasies about love.
Shizu : Voiced by Tomo Adachi. Sumire's classmate, she often hangs out with Mika and Kyouko.
・Kusanagi Yoshiki : Voiced by Furushima Kiyotaka. He is a high school student attending another school and is the love interest of Sumire. They become friends after meeting by chance in the park.
・Sonoka : Voiced by Fumi Morisawa. A mysterious character who observes Lucia and Sumire from afar. She is interested in their powers.
・Ruka : Voiced by Yui Izuki. A subordinate of Sonoka, she uses Kyoko's body to get close to Sumire. She attacks using electricity.
・Guy : Voiced by Akio Suyama. He is one of Sonoka's minions and targets the fragments of Lucia and Sumire. He attacks by manipulating fire.
・Laila : Voiced by Ayumi Tsuji. A girl under Sonoka, she resembles Laura.
・Lilith : Voiced by Wakana Yamazaki. A girl who lived with Ryusif and Nabashi under the care of a famous magician. She is the owner of a rare fragment.
・Ryushifu : Voiced by Daisuke Namikawa. Lucia's father, he once trained with Nabashi under a famous magician. He seeks the truth of the world.
・Lisa : A girl who began seeing eerie shadows and came to Venus Vanguard.
- Tsukiyo : A small client who visits Venus Vanguard asking for help with her twin brother, Youji.
・Yoji : A boy who has been shut up in his room and rejected his twin sister Tsukiyo. He has been attacked by monsters in the past.

episode

Each episode depicts the growth of the two girls as they fight against Virus. Below are the subtitles for each episode.
・Episode 1: Aoi Sasoi (2007/01/11)
・Episode 2: Cool World (2007/01/18)
・Episode 3: Irai Kehai (2007/01/25)
Episode 4: Dizzy Day (2007/02/01)
・Episode 5: The Future (2007/02/08)
Episode 6: Bitter Darkness (2007/02/15)
Episode 7: Unknown Thoughts (2007/02/22)
Episode 8: Crying Desire (2007/03/01)
・Episode 9: Sweet Smell (2007/03/08)
Episode 10: Earthworm Needle (2007/03/15)
Episode 11: Murder (2007/03/22)
・Episode 12: Shiroi Mirai (2007/03/29)

Theme songs and music

The opening theme "Bravin' Bad Brew" was written by Aki Hata, composed and arranged by Noriyasu Agematsu, and sung by Riryka. The ending theme "Shijun no Zankoku" was written, composed, and arranged by Takaha Tachibana, and sung by Yousei Teikoku. These songs are important elements that add to the atmosphere of the story.

Appeal of the work

The biggest appeal of "Venus Versus Virus" is the story of two girls facing a cruel fate. The characters of Lucia and Sumire are deeply explored, and their growth and friendship move the audience. In addition, the battle against the enemy, Virus, creates tension and draws the audience in.

The visuals of the work are also excellent, with beautiful character designs and background art. In particular, the Virus designs emphasize the dark fantasy atmosphere and create a visual impact. The music also plays an important role in enhancing the atmosphere of the story, and the opening and ending songs are sure to leave a lasting impression on viewers.

Ratings and Recommendations

"Venus Versus Virus" is highly acclaimed as a work that combines dark fantasy with a girl's coming-of-age story. In particular, the characters of Lucia and Sumire are appealing, and many viewers empathize with their battles and friendship. In addition, the battle against the enemy, Virus, is thrilling and has the power to draw viewers in.

The reasons why I recommend this work are as follows:
- Deep character portrayal : The characters of Lucia and Sumire are explored in depth, allowing you to empathize with their growth and friendship.
-Suspenseful story : The fight against the Virus is thrilling and has the power to draw viewers in.
- Beautiful visuals : The character designs and background art are beautifully drawn, creating a strong visual impact.
- Memorable music : The opening and ending songs set the atmosphere of the story and stay in the viewers' minds.

"Venus Versus Virus" is highly recommended for viewers who enjoy dark fantasy and a coming-of-age story. You will empathize with the battles and friendship between Lucia and Sumire, and experience excitement as you watch them grow.