Vampire Princess Miyu OVA

The mysteries surrounding vampires are complex, comprising different histories, ideals, and laws. Whether they originate from the Ashanti of West Africa, or the mythologies of Hebrew, Babylonian, and Assyrian myths, one thing is clear; the legends are as ageless as the life of the vampire. The writer Bram Stoker popularized what we know as the modern vampire in 1897. The story is known as Dracula and is believed by many as the Bible on all things “Vampire.” though some beg to differ, one thing is true Vampires make for popular storytelling, and anime is no exception.

Multiple anime have been released depicting the stories of the vampire. Pre-2000 anime Vampire Hunter D or lesser-known anime Nightwalker: The Midnight Detective, or post-millennium classics like the Hellsing Series, Blood-C, and Monogatari Series have delighted fans. But don’t worry, we went crate-digging and did the heavy lifting for you! The release list is ever-growing, and often classics get lost in the shuffle.

Vampire Princess Miyu was originally a four-part OVA release based on the Vampire Princess Miyu or Vanpaia Miyu manga, written by Narumi Kakinouchi and Toshiki Hirano. The OVA aired from Jul 21, 1988, to Apr 21, 1989. It features action, drama, and horror genres under the vampire mythos theme. It additionally is marketed to the shoujo demographic as it features themes of romance with a subtle sprinkling of yaoi and yuri undertones for good measure.

The OVA comprises four stories told individually but cinematically linked, with parts 1 through 3 leading to the climactic end. Pony Canyon produced it, and Soeishinsha, the former associated with AOT, Fairy Tale, and Clannad, while the latter often associated with OVA’S, is well known for Project A-ko, Angel Cop, and Metal Skin Panic Madox-01. The animation studio behind Kyuuketsuhime Miyu was AIC.

The story is set in an era when gods and demons were one. These beings were sealed in an abyss long forgotten by the humans who sealed them away. These beings are known as Shinma and have awakened and gathered in the Dark. They await the time when humans and Shinma once again meet, and these Shinma grant the desires of the unknowing inhabitants of Earth. Shinma give the illusion of joy and false eternal happiness, often to the delight of the demon-god enhancing its power. On the night of their triumphant return, a young girl enters their midst; she is the last of her kind, the beautiful Vampire Princess Miyu.

Broken into four parts, Vampire Princess Miyu is told both in the third and first person allowing viewers to gain a glimpse into the world of Miyu. The story is told from the perspective of the Spiritualist Himiko, the Shinma Larva, various side characters, and Miyu herself.

Through the backdrop of human suffering, the story plays out as Himiko, a spiritualist recently arriving in Kyoto, Japan, is confronted with what she thinks is the Vampire wreaking havoc around Kyoto. Miyu is the opposite of Himiko, who is earthy and has an emotional connection with the world around her. Miyu is a dhampir, immune to garlic, sunlight, and crosses; she is ageless, appearing as a middle school-aged girl.

As shown through Sho Aikawa’s screenplay adaptation of the manga, Miyu is wise, purposed, and regal, and although she has no subjects, she exhibits the qualities of a princess. These qualities sometimes manifest as pride, but in reality, Miyu is demurring and hides her sorrow behind Larva. Larva is her companion shown veiled in a black cape or robe. It is he who is connected by blood with Miyu and veils her whenever her emotions rise to the surface.

It is this possible worldly connection that Miyu resents, and it is a possible reason why upon their introduction Miyu is condescending, albeit in a childlike way, towards Himiko. Nevertheless, Himiko is drawn to Miyu (“Unearthly Kyoto”) for reasons that play out as the story evolves.

Vampire Princess Miyu holds a certain beauty as it is a theatrical tale veiled in spirituality and philosophy. It presents morality as shades of gray, and as such, its protagonist and antagonists share a certain moral ambiguity. As a rule, Shinma must be invited by a human via their emotional desires. Like a Faustian contract, their soul is forfeited once a human accepts the invitation. Miyu can also grant an individual’s desire, usually in the form of eternal happiness. Nevertheless, the outcome is the same: the individual is given an illusion, an escape from reality, despite Miyu requiring blood and a Shinma requiring a soul.

As shown in part two, there are exceptions to this rule, “A Banquet of Marionettes.” Ranka and Miyu pursue Kei, an upperclassman from a prestigious Japanese family. Kei, bored with life, seeks out the Shinma Ranka. He falls in love with Ranka, and she reciprocates much to the jaded Miyu. Yes, this is a love triangle, and witnessing this is the womanly Himiko, who chides Miyu for losing at the game of love!

Ironically, “A Banquet of Marionettes” is the high watermark of this OVA. It encompasses so much in one episode that it makes part three seem bland. A separate review will be devoted to the episode “A Banquet of Marionettes,” not to spoil it here. Suffice it to say; that episode two showed Miyu’s humanity in full range, and the art and animation were divine. It followed the theater storytelling narrative of part one. It is unclear why that is lost in part three, as Larva’s backstory was alluded to and was unnecessary for part three. Additionally, bonding Himiko and Miyu were superfluous as “A Banquet of Marionettes” had established that upon conclusion.

Part Three, “Fragile Armor,” was used as a bridge to link Miyu and Himiko and provide additional backstory moving the OVA to its conclusion. Unfortunately, the art and animation are inconsistent at times, but it gives a decent narrative and a bit of boy love for good measure. However, it would have been more fulfilling if what became the conclusion, part four, “Frozen Time,” had been split into two parts.

Despite a few hiccups, Vanpaia Miyu is an excellent piece of storytelling, artwork, and animation. It borrows much from Japanese folklore and Buddhism and is influenced by the works of Michael Ende. Michael Ende is best known for his stories “Momo” and “ The Neverending Story.” Thank the Easter Egg in part two for that last bit of information.

Himiko Se has one of the best character designs and is a beautifully illustrated woman. Her design rivals Kaori Makimura from Tsukasa Hojo’s City Hunter manga. Both of whom would easily vie for best pre-2000s waifu. So is Vampire Princess Miyu with the watch? Definitely, but stay away from the dub. The OVA is available for streaming via Retro Crush and Prime Video, so give it a view.