Rosario + Vampire Episode 1 – “Pretty funny, but I don’t even know why?”

I did not have a good impression of Rosario + Vampire in the winter preview. When I watched the episode, I actually found myself laughing quite hard. However, it took me a while to source out the cause of the laughter.

The story resolves around Tsukune Aono, a below average high school student who is unable to get into any other school due to his poor grades. When he is finally accepted to a private school with rather dubious means, that is when his troubles start to unfold. Yes, many harem-like problems will be exhibited

I am still trying to figure it out why I laughed quite hard but it is to no avail. Nevertheless, Impz brings you into the world of the supernatural monsters that we never believe existed, and the life of a human trying to hide his existence.

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Episode summary

Tsukune Aono was unable to get into any private school due to his poor grades. By a stroke of luck, his father picked up an acceptance letter dropped by some stranger on his way back home. Tsukune Aono entered the school, only to realize that the road to the school looked like a completely dead cemetery. It was there Aono collided with Moka Akashiya, a vampire who was riding a bicycle to get to school. After being memerized by the beautiful girl, Aono was told by Moka that she is a vampire and she bit him on the neck after being unable to resist the temptation.

He was not sure whether she meant it as a joke. He then found out from the cat-like teacher (Shizuka Nekonome) that it is in fact a school for supernatural monsters, and humans would be killed on the spot. The teacher also told everyone to live like humans and not show their supernatural side to anyone. He completely freaked out, but Moka came into the class and hugged him affectionately. As Moka was extremely beautiful, he earned the wrath of many students. One particular student did not like how the beautiful Moka stuck onto him like a human magnet. Aono was unceremoniously slammed onto a vending machine, making him realize that it is a supernatural school. Moka also told him that she was sealed by the rosario worn on her neck, and would turn to an evil cold and powerful vampire.

When he realized he was in the completely wrong place, he tried to escape the school. Moka tried to persuade him, telling him that she used to study in a normal high school but was ostracized because everyone said she was lying about herself being a vampire. Eventually, he admitted that he was a human, the race that she hated the most as he ran off. As Moka gave chase, she was attacked by the student. Aono turned back and tried to protect her but was hurt badly. As he lay down injured, he accidentally pulled the rosario down as Moka changed completely to cause the other monster to submit immediately. He then decided to stay in the school, keeping his secret with him.

Thoughts

Ok, I must say that the first episode made me laugh a lot. I do not think that this will be any show that requires good discussion since it is clearly a comedy series with supernatural elements. Aono seems somewhat useless but he is a rather tolerable main lead since he tries to protect Moka even though he cannot do anything to protect even himself. Reckless and stupid, but at least he is not spineless. I cannot wait to see how spineless he will be like so many other harem male leads ahead of him, or that he will prove me wrong.

I should really mention about laughter. I do not even know why I am laughing when I took the screenshots and watched the show a second time. There are no visible comedic elements, tons of pantsu fanservice and the fight is rather lame (even though the true vampire transformation with the bats at the end looks so darn cool). Totali’s comment on Rosario + Vampire does not help to solve the issue for me, and I must say that it is the original tone of the story that makes me laugh.

I think it is because it does not try to take itself too seriously, and I see it as such. Moka is definitely a very cute girl, even though I am more interested about the cold and dark Moka rather than the cute and innocent one. I mean, the cold, dark Moka definitely has an air of oppression, which is really much cooler than some random fan-crazed vampire. One thing of note is that Moka is voiced by Nana Mizuki who also sings the OP and ED. I always like Nana Mizuki so she might be someone to root for if you want to watch the show beyond the first episode.

Who should view this show

IF you are looking for a place without cheap fanservice, this show is definitely not for you. I am very sure people who are looking for a very good plot should not venture any further since it appears to be a classic harem genre series, that is not really famous for intrinsic plots. However, if you can withstand some bad (but not glaring) graphics sometimes, this looks to be a decent love comedy series. I will be watching the next episode at the very least.