Visual Prison
“Gothic Music, Vampires & Rivalries”
Sirens are the ones with hauntingly beautiful sounds to lure their prey. In contrast, vampires are often believed to be frightening, bloodthirsty, and immortal creatures with mesmerizingly gorgeous anatomies that will captivate their targets. Despite our lack of encounters to distinguish between the two species, this series has the potential to ignite one's imagination.
The original Japanese anime television series Visual Prison was revealed at Aniplex's AnimeJapan 2021 event. Noriyasu Agematsu is the series' creator, while A-1 Pictures is its animator. Ikumi Katagiri is responsible for the original character designs, while Elements Garden is responsible for the soundtrack for the series. Tomoya Tanaka directs the series; Jouji Furuta is the chief director; Yukie Sugawara handles the screenplay; and Minako Shiba creates the character designs. It was shown on Tokyo MX and other stations from October 9 to December. It was released on September 25, 2021, and has since been adapted into an ongoing comic serialization, a stage play, and a live concert.
This Supernatural-themed anime has 12 episodes with a running time of 24 minutes each. Key themes include music and vampires. It was classified as PG-13 for Teens ages 13 and up. The first live performance of Visual Prison took place on June 12, 2022, in Chiba's Makuhari Event Hall as part of Makuhari Messe's RED MOON festival. The Blu-ray/DVD was released on December 28, 2022. Outside of Asia, Funimation obtained the series' license.
Vampires have been around for a long time, and the Scarlet Moon rules them. Every year, "Visual Prison," a visual kei contest, takes place. The Scarlet Moon bestows enormous power upon the vampire who sings the most beautiful song. "ECLIPSE," the current champions who support the status quo, and "LOS†EDEN," a group that promotes the idea that the strongest should govern, are at the forefront of the contest. A little child named Ange Yuki feels quite alone within and is unable to fit in with his surroundings. He relocates to Harajuku to pursue the performer he aspires to be, but while on his search, he becomes involved in one of the many live performance conflicts between ECLIPSE and LOS†EDEN.
While overwhelmed by the energetic stage performance, Ange is hit by severe pain. He is stunned by their interesting phrases but quickly falls from bloodlust. When he regains consciousness, he discovers that Guiltia "Guil" Brion, the singer he admires, is taking care of him. He also finds that he is a dhampir, a human and vampire hybrid. Ange must put up a strong team in a thrilling battle against time as the tournament day draws closer. Guil states that he will not join Ange in this quest even if Ange now has the opportunity to participate in the next Visual Prison. Meanwhile, Ange meets Robin Laffite, an Englishman who is mesmerized by his incredible singing voice.
The characters are a mixed bag. Not because they're horrible, but rather because there are a good number of them, and they all fit into different musical skill categories. After all, each musical talent is unique. It is reasonable that they would somewhat suit your preferences. But one thing is certain: most of them are very driven and have a "better than you" attitude. While not all of them give off that impression, many do. The story's main focus is character development; we learn about the main band's backstories, the other bands, and why they're all competing for the crimson tears. Through the episodes, their interactions and relationships are also changing. Even if you don't like the tale, you may appreciate how gorgeous the characters and clothing are, thanks to Ikumi Katagiri, who is in charge of the original character designs. Visual Prison is aesthetically attractive despite using some CGI in the performances and combat. Art would be the show's most important part if not for the 3D models used in the performances. Additionally, there are some beautiful scenes, and the animation is often fluid. Possibly only a matter of taste, this anime is gorgeous, but mainly in a very gothic way.
If you've ever participated in or seen a real-world battle of the bands, you know that they're a lot of fun. "Visual Prison" is not pleasant. In this incredibly somber, pensive movie, vampires obsess over things that aren't relevant while occasionally turning into CGI and performing a song. Thanks to excellent voice actor selections, we can thoroughly enjoy the music and voice acting throughout this anime's opening, stage performance, rehearsals, and conclusion. The series' opening theme song, "Zankoku Shangri-La," was sung by the band Oz, while its closing theme song, "Bloody Kiss," was performed by the band Lost Eden.
Avoid watching if you believe it could negatively impact your mental health, as it references and depicts suicide. If you would rather not see a lot of Boys Love fan service, this anime is not for you. The most significant way to present Visual Prison is as an experience. Consider the first episode as an illustration. You'll be left pondering whether this is actually the launch of an album of music rather than an animation. There is a tale there, but the story isn't its best feature; instead, its musical numbers and brilliant, deep-colored artwork are its best features. Overall, it's pleasing; if it suits your tastes, you may appreciate it for what it is.
