| “ | Whether or not you want me to... I will save you, without fail. That... That will be my revenge on Vanitas! | ” |
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Introduction
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Vanitas (ヴァニタス, Vanitasu) is a protagonist and the titular character of Jun Mochizuki's The Case Study of Vanitas. Contrary to the legend of Vanitas of the Blue Moon, Vanitas claims to be "an average human being" who happened to inherit the Book of Vanitas. It is his stated intention to save the Vampire race by any means possible, using the Book of Vanitas not to spread Malnomen but to cure it. As such, he refers to himself as a doctor who specializes in Vampires. He commissions the help of Noé Archiviste, a Vampire sent by his teacher to research the Book of Vanitas and the series' narrator, in finding cases of Malnomen and curing them.[1]
This article contains plot and/or ending details for The Case Study of Vanitas.
Read at your own risk.
Originally the child of a former doctor and a performer, Vanitas's biological mother died in childbirth, leaving him to be raised by his father and the traveling players he worked with. Their party was eventually attacked by Vampires, leaving Vanitas as the only survivor. Subsequently, he was picked up by the Catholic Church, and trained to be a Chasseur. However, his death was faked by Doctor Moreau,[2] and he was kept as a test subject, renamed No. 69.[3] There he would meet Mikhail, known as No. 71, and come to regard him as a younger brother. The two were subjected to inhumane experimentation in hopes of turning them into Vampires, all to no avail. Eventually, it was revealed they had received the blood of the Vampire of the Blue Moon, being the only human subjects not to reject it. This gave them abilities somewhat beyond normal human capacity, allowing them to heal slightly faster. The two were to be forcibly linked to the Books of Vanitas in a procedure which would destroy their minds, but were rescued by Vanitas of the Blue Moon.[4]
Desperate, Vanitas and Mikhail went along with Vanitas of the Blue Moon, and were taken as their adoptive children. While Mikhail quickly warmed up to his new guardian, Vanitas remained distrustful, despite taking an active role in supporting them and Mikhail. After some time had passed, Vanitas of the Blue Moon confessed that Vanitas and Mikhail would likely soon die due to the strain the Moreau's experiments had put on their bodies. They said that, lacking any other options, the two could be saved by becoming the Vampire's Kin. While Mikhail, whose body had begun to break down, quickly accepted, Vanitas vehemently refused. He killed the Vampire of the Blue Moon after being Marked, in an event he believed to have killed Mikhail, thus leading him to believe he was the only legitimate Kin of the Blue Moon.[2]
Appearance[]
Vanitas is a slender, androgynous young man of average height. He has pale skin, large, expressive eyes, a round face, and a small chin. So blue are his eyes that they are used as an immediately identifiable trait, compared to the color of copper sulfate. An upper left canine tooth is especially pronounced, giving the appearance of fangs when his teeth were visible, though they are not as pronounced as vampires' fangs. His hair is long, black, and irregularly cut, his bangs falling into the center of his face. On either side of his face, his hair is straight cut, the left side to one level and the right side to two. Though he at times appears to wear a ponytail, his hair usually sits freely, the hair on either side of his head cut shorter than that down the middle. One cowlick sticks up from the right side of his head. Both of his ears are pierced, a simple stud worn in his right ear, while his left ear is pierced with a silver (gold, in the anime) hourglass-shaped earring that he inherited from Luna, and two rings through the helix.
Vanitas's reference sheet from volume 2.
While Vanitas wore several outfits over the course of the series, he usually wears a white shirt over black pants, a dark blue striped vest, a large blue bow tie, and an oversized black coat. As accessories, he wears a long, wide ribbon tied into a bow as a belt, short boots with white spats, and black gloves with claws embedded at the fingertips. His coat is long, with a wide collar and a single button, large enough to frequently fall over one shoulder. At its hem, it takes a baloon-like form, and is joked to float "through some mysterious power." Its sleeves are someone based on those of a furisode kimono. To his belt, he straps the Book of Vanitas, two knives, and two tool cases. His outfit is called "the outfit nobody understands."[5]
As a child, he looked much the same, though his hair was less cleanly cut. He was thin and physically diminutive, despite his active training as a chasseur. Prior to being Marked by Vanitas of the Blue Moon, his eyes were a darker shade of blue.
Personality[]
Vanitas seems to take nothing seriously, and almost always has a playful grin on his face. He acts impulsively most of the time, and his plans are normally reckless. Vanitas carries a mischievous air around him. He finds utmost amusement in Noé's abnormal reactions to things. However, he is capable of showing seriousness when the situation called for it, as well as anger. He is very flirtatious, as seen in the way he behaves around Jeanne.
Beneath his flippant attitude, Vanitas is a broken man who despises both humans and vampires, but hates himself more than either. Vanitas hates being vulnerable around people, refusing to go to sleep around anyone he doesn’t trust. He likes high places and is often seen hanging around rooftops.
Powers and Abilities[]
General: As a mere human, Vanitas is more often than not significantly less powerful than those around him who are Vampires, at least physically so. While he is demonstrably fit, athletic, and spry, his strength, speed, and endurance are only that of an average human being and no more. The exception is the rate at which he heals from injuries, which is accelerated due to Doctor Moreau's experimentation.[4] To compensate for his generally inferior physical strength, Vanitas is extremely sharp, clever, and resourceful in battle. He can analyze situations and come up with appropriate solutions and counterattacks very fast, even in the middle of a dangerous battle. He makes use of every resource available to him and is not afraid to use underhanded tactics, to the dismay of those around him.[6]
Weapons: Vanitas's main weapons are a pair of knives whose hilts are rigged with wires. In addition, stored in some pockets on his belt are various "cheaters' implements" which he uses both in and out of battle. He has a tendency to try and keep his weapons and tools hidden, to allow himself the additional element of surprise should he need it, adding to his devious trickster-like fighting style.[5] He is also skilled in gathering information about his enemies and putting that to use in battle against them.[7] He favors being prepared and constantly having the upper hand against his enemies.
Chasseur Training: Vanitas's proficiency in combat seems to have originated from his training as a Chasseur. In addition to his combat abilities and weapons training, his brief time with the Chasseurs taught him in great detail the methods of fighting a Vampire. He knows that, as their eyes are the conduit with which they can access and rewrite the World Formula, the first step is to aim for a Vampire's eyes.[8] He has utilized this knowledge not only against Vampires he's attacked[2] but also against Chasseurs who have attacked him.[9] He also, through unknown means, has access to the drugs Chasseurs use to boost their physical abilities. He only uses them in the rare scenario where he has no choice but to fight a Vampire to the death.[10]
The Book of Vanitas: The main source of Vanitas's power is the Book of Vanitas and his control over it. The main method in which he uses the Book is in healing curse-bearers with what he calls an "Inverse Operation" (
Vanitas does not only use the Book for saving however, it is also his main weapon in battle. As the Book of Vanitas is able to rewrite the World Formula at will, he can use it to a variety of purposes. He can stun Vampires and render them immobile for a short period of time,[13] though a Vampire strong enough may be able to gain mobility sooner.[6] He can also interfere with Astermite, which allows him to manipulate automatons to do his bidding, go haywire,[14] even explode at his will.[15]
Menial: Aside from combat, Vanitas also has a number of skills in other areas of expertise. Despite his status as a doctor being largely self-proclaimed, Vanitas has had clear medical training and experience, likely from being raised by his doctor of a father.[2] He knows how to perform first aid, how to treat poisons,[16] and carries various medicines around with him.[5] He also knows a number of other practical skills, including how to cook, how to clean,[2] and has various knowledge about French history and culture,[17] even minor trivia such as different apple desserts.[18] He is familiar with the Latin language, likely the result of both his upbringing in the Church and his medical knowledge.
Quotes[]
- “—Non! I am a doctor. One who specializes in Vampires. I came… to heal her!”[1]
- “I am Vanitas. I inherited this Book and the name from the Vampire of the Blue Moon, and I am… an average human being! Lend me your strength, Noé!”[1]
- “I’ll do as I please… use methods I choose… and, no matter what you people want… I will save you without fail!!”[1]
- “You gave yourself something to protect. That’s why you’re weak.”[6]
- “But rest assured. There’s nothing to fear. You are truly fortunate! I—! I, who am Kin to the Blue Moon!! I tell you I will use the Book of Vanitas not to slaughter but to save you!! All you have to do… is tremble with humiliation and be saved!!”[19]
- “…No real reason. Right now… you could say I don’t much care what happens.”[20]
- “I have absolutely no interest in the sort of person who would fall for me.”[21]
- “Listen! I never act against my own wishes. The fact that I’m with the Vampires, that I infiltrated this place, that I just hurt you—I did it all of my own free will!”[9]
- “…If you ask me… there’s not much difference between humans and Vampires. They’re all terribly ugly, endlessly selfish creatures.”[14]
- “I… am a doctor. I am here to save Vampires!”[22]
- “Once there were no more curse-bearers, I stopped caring.”[22]
- “If that time comes, I’ll kill you. I promise… I’ll kill you. I love you. I’m the one who’ll make your wishes come true. It has to be me. So, Jeanne… there’s nothing to worry about.”[17]
- “I’m going. If there’s a chance I might find a curse-bearer, I’ll go anywhere.”[23]
- “‘Archiviste.’ I’m only going to say this once, so listen up. If you so much as try to drink my blood… I’ll kill you. Is that clear?”[23]
- “I came here to save Vampires. Are you here for some other reason?”[7]
- “‘Revenge is pointless, so don’t attempt it. It won’t make anyone happy.’ Is that what you’re getting at?”[24]
- “I’m telling you I’ll act on the assumption that you’re going to convince me. If you want them treated… make me feel like treating them.”[24]
- “I love you. I’m the one who’ll make your wishes come true. It has to be me. So spit it out. Tell me what you really want. No matter how trivial it is. Whether it’s an ugly emotion… or even a curse… I’ll accept it for you!”[25]
- “I know that face. It’s self-satisfaction… and self-absorption. The face of someone who’s made an arbitrary decision to die alone. It makes me sick!”[26]
- “Chloé d’Apchier!! Either vanish with this world… or live on in humiliation! Choose however you like!! Even if you survive, you’ll never regain your honor. The Church will never admit to the truth of the past, and you’ll continue to be hounded as the Beast. It’ll be hell either way! Even so—you make the choice!!”[12]
- “Don’t hesitate, Noé. Don’t think about whether Astolfo’s hate is justified or not. Both humans and Vampires act on their own concepts of justice. One’s just can be someone else’s evil. ‘Being right’… is ‘power.’ It can easily turn into violence that’s much harder to deal with than malice. Don’t brandish it. Keep it inside. Justice should merely be the light that illuminates the path ahead of you.”[12]
- “This isn’t about what’s ‘right.’ Base what you do on what you can’t concede. At any rate… in your case, that will work.”[12]
- “It’s revolting! The thought of someone falling for a person like me…”[27]
- “I’ll never become your Kin. No matter what. Even if I knew I’d die tomorrow… I want to stay human until the end.”[2]
- “Bring them… back to life? Don’t even joke about that. I’ve been working to erase their existence entirely. Do you have any idea… how much I’ve—!!”[10]
- “Enough of that. You’ve gotten the wrong idea about something. You and I were only working together because our interests happened to align. We’re strangers. If the other stops being useful, cut him loose. If he gets in the way, kill him. That’s all we are, and you know it.”[10]
- “‘If anyone tries to take my memories… no matter who they are… kill them. Kill them. Kill them. Without fail. Kill… Noé. Kill that Vampire!!’”[10]
- “…Why… can’t I… kill… Why!? Wh… why…?”[28]
- “I’ll never forgive Luna. I’ll erase every last fragment of the Vampire of the Blue Moon’s existence. I’ll consign them to oblivion. That… is my ‘revenge.’”[29]
- “If I— …get to choose how I die… If I can… wish, then… If I’m going to be killed I want Noé to do it.”[29]
- “As for the rest… nothing will change. I am a doctor. I’ll keep on treating curse-bearers. I’ll do as I please. I’ll save the Vampires, for the sake of my revenge.”[29]
- “He acts as if he prefers to resolve problems by talking them out… but he gets violent first thing. He marches right into others’ personal space with his muddy boots. He’s much too stubborn. What can I do but back down!?”[30]
Appearances[]
- Mémoire 1: Vanitas — In the Event of Rusty Hopes (First Appearance)
- Mémoire 2: Noé — In the City of Flowers
- Mémoire 3: Jeanne — The Hellfire Witch
- Mémoire 4: Femme Fatale — Love
- Mémoire 5: Archiviste — Fangs That Reveal Blood
- Mémoire 6: Altus — Other World
- Mémoire 7: Bal Masqué — Night of Sneering Masks
- Mémoire 8: Louis — Sinking in a Pool of Blood
- Mémoire 10: Salvatio — Uncertainty
- Mémoire 11: Deux Ombres — Point of Departure
- Mémoire 12: Pause 𝄻
- Mémoire 13: Glissando — Glissando
- Mémoire 14: Catacombes — Where the Dead Sleep
- Memoire 15: Chasseur — Those Who Hunt Crimson
- Entracte: Chambre d'enfants — A Dream of the Sound of Rain
- Mémoire 16: Galop — At the End of the Riot
- Mémoire 17: Cicatrice — No. 69
- Mémoire 18: Dos à Dos — The Shape of Salvation
- Mémoire 19: Serment — Spell-bound
- Mémoire 20: Serment — Promise (Part One)
- Mémoire 21: Serment — Promise (Part Two)
- Mémoire 22: Hurler — A Calling Voice
- Mémoire 23: Au Pas Camarade — Pace
- Mémoire 24: Forêt d'argent — Chance Encounter
- Mémoire 25: Endroit Approprié — Melee
- Mémoire 26: Dissonance — Creaking Laughter
- Mémoire 27: Cage de Neige — Dregs
- Mémoire 28: Dal Segno — Question Mark
- Mémoire 29: Chateau de Sorcière — The Witch and the Youth
- Mémoire 30: Strascinando — Tremolo
- Mémoire 33: Cauchemar — Rumble
- Mémoire 34: Jean-Jacques — The Vampire of the Chastels (Part One)
- Mémoire 34.5: Jean-Jacques — The Vampire of the Chastels (Part Two)
- Mémoire 35: Louisette — Pillar of Justice
- Mémoire 37: Vengeance — Hands That Touch a Nightmare
- Mémoire 38: Naenia — She Who Harbors Death (Part One)
- Mémoire 38.5: Naenia — She Who Harbors Death (Part Two)
- Mémoire 39: Poupée Fissurée — The Essence of the Witch
- Mémoire 40: Avec Toi — Alone Together
- Mémoire 41: Canorus — Snow Flower
- Mémoire 42: Encore une Fois — Love
- Mémoire 43: Encens Restant — Lingering Scent of the Dream
- Mémoire 44: Mal d'Amour — The Incurable Illness (Part One)
- Mémoire 45: Mal d'Amour — The Incurable Illness (Part Two)
- Mémoire 46: Un Autre — Scar
- Entracte: Jours Bruyants — Tales of Lost Children
- Mémoire 47: Hétérogène — Sneering Laughter*
- Mémoire 48: Rencontre — Blue Night*
- Mémoire 49: Douleur — Kind Child
- Mémoire 50: Petrichor — The Thread That Reels in the Past
- Mémoire 51: Tempest — A Silent Scream
- Extra: The Case Study of Vanitash!!!! —Expanded Edition— (Non-Canon)
- Mémoire 52: Sens Unique — Fall
- Mémoire 53: Pleuvoir — Rain Which Doesn't Know the Sky
- Mémoire 54: La nuit sans lune — Dark Night (Part One)
- Mémoire 54.5: La nuit sans lune — Dark Night (Part Two)
- Mémoire 55: Après la pluie — His Wish (Part One)
- Mémoire 55.5: Après la pluie — His Wish (Part Two)
- Mémoire 56: Faire un gâteau — Bittersweet
- Mémoire 57: Au Revoir — Again, Someday
- Mémoire 58: Observation — The Darkness in Between
- Mémoire 60: Bonne journée — Sweets, Complaints, and Reconciliation
- Entracte: Couche — On Clothing
- Mémoire 61: Jeu de paume — Court Tennis (Part One)
- Mémoire 61.5: Jeu de paume — Court Tennis (Part Two)
- Mémoire 62: Bourdonnement — Wingbeats of Scattered Thought (Part One)
- Mémoire 62.5: Bourdonnement — Wingbeats of Scattered Thought (Part Two)
- Mémoire 1: Vanitas -In the Event of Rusty Hopes- (First Appearance)
- Mémoire 2: Noé -In the City of Flowers-
- Mémoire 3: Archiviste -Fangs That Lay Bare Blood-
- Mémoire 4: Bal Masqué -Night of Mocking Masks-
- Mémoire 5: Réminiscence -Friends-
- Mémoire 6: Salvatio -Questions-
- Mémoire 7: Femme Fatale -Love-
- Mémoire 8: Catacombes -Where Death Slumbers-
- Mémoire 9: Chasseur -Those Who Hunt Crimson-
- Mémoire 10: Cicatrice -No.69-
- Mémoire 11: Serment -Promises-
- Mémoire 12: Deux Ombres -Point of Departure-
- Mémoire 13: Forêt d'argent -Chance Encounter-
- Mémoire 14: Château de Sorcière -The Witch and the Young Man-
- Mémoire 15: Oiseau et ciel -The d'Apchiers' Vampire-
- Mémoire 16: Chasse aux Vampires -The Beast-
- Mémoire 17: Vengeance -Hands Upon a Nightmare-
- Mémoire 18: Avec Toi -Just the Two of Us-
- Mémoire 19: Canorus -Snow Flower-
- Mémoire 20: Mal d'amour -The Incurable Disease-
- Mémoire 21: Un Autre -Scars-
- Mémoire 22: Rencontre -Blue Night-
- Mémoire 23: Pleuvoir -Tears like Rain-
- Mémoire 24: Après la pluie -His Wish-
(*) - Denotes that the character did not appear physically, but as a part of another character's memories.
Trivia[]
- "Vanitas" is an artistic term referring to a symbolic work of art showing the transience of life, the futility of pleasure, and the certainty of death, often contrasting symbols of wealth and symbols of ephemerality and death. It derives from the Latin word "vānitās" which can translate to "emptiness," "nothingness," "falsity," or "vanity" in English.[31]
- Vanitas shares a character song with Noé, Le Formidable!, sung by their Japanese voice actors and composed by Sasanomaly.
- Around the Chasseurs, Vanitas uses the French name "Vincent" (in Japanese, ヴァンサン, Vansan) as an alias. This is likely a reference to Vincent Nightray (using the English pronunciation, in Japanese, ヴィンセント, Vinsento), a recurring antagonist from Mochizuki's previous series, Pandora Hearts.
- Though he is good at cooking and cleaning, he expressed disinterest in food in general, claiming foods and desserts made with the same ingredients all tend to taste the same.[18]
- That said, oysters seem to be a favorite food of his.[32]
- According to an interview with Jun Mochizuki, Vanitas was going to be a vampire. The fangs from his design are something that remains from that original idea.[33]
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Mémoire 1: Vanitas
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 Mémoire 49: Douleur
- ↑ Mémoire 47: Hétérogène
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Mémoire 48: Rencontre
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Volume 2 Additional Content: Vanitas reference sheet
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Mémoire 4: Femme Fatale
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Mémoire 25: Endroit Approprié
- ↑ Mémoire 14: Catacombes
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 Mémoire 15: Chasseur
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 Mémoire 50: Petrichor
- ↑ Mémoire 54: La nuit sans lune (Part One)
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 Mémoire 41: Canorus
- ↑ Mémoire 3: Jeanne
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 Mémoire 16: Galop
- ↑ Mémoire 51: Tempest
- ↑ Mémoire 27: Cage de Neige
- ↑ 17.0 17.1 Mémoire 21: Serment (Part Two)
- ↑ 18.0 18.1 Volume 3 Omake: "Apple desserts"
- ↑ Mémoire 7: Bal Masqué
- ↑ Mémoire 8: Louis
- ↑ Mémoire 12: Pause
- ↑ 22.0 22.1 Mémoire 18: Dos à Dos
- ↑ 23.0 23.1 Mémoire 23: Au Pas Camarade
- ↑ 24.0 24.1 Mémoire 34.5: Jean-Jacques (Part Two)
- ↑ Mémoire 39: Poupée Fissurée
- ↑ Mémoire 40: Avec Toi
- ↑ Mémoire 44: Mal d’Amour (Part One)
- ↑ Mémoire 53: Pleuvoir
- ↑ 29.0 29.1 29.2 Mémoire 55.5: Après la pluie (Part Two)
- ↑ Mémoire 60: Bonne journée
- ↑ Wikipedia: Vanitas
- ↑ Volume 5 Omake: "What Mademoiselle Amelia saw!"
- ↑ Anime da Vinci Interview