Sometimes, I wonder if I watch anime for the right reasons. For most of the people who watch Vampire Knight, they are in either for the story (which is good or bad depending on whether you are a Kaname or Zero fan, or that whether you are a manga reader or not) or the nice bishies on show. On the other hand, I am here to admire the cuteness of Yuuki. Still, considering that I like cute anime gals, this should be no surprise.
Anyway, this episode is on the Saint Valentine’s day, where girls give chocolate to the person they like. Of course, our Night class will be popular for this special occasion. What will happen during this special day of giving?
Episode summary
From last episode, Zero is reaching his limits as a flashback of a bloodied woman appears. The next day, Yuki and Sayori are discussing about Valentine’s day, while the school president disses the whole event. However, when Sayori mentions to the class president about getting a present (he starts imagining Ruka), he smiles with glee. The boys are complaining that they will not receive any chocolate. Sayori is not interested, and Yuki is reading some chocolate books. Sayori also points out that Zero is looking (with a dark aura), and Zero asks whether it’s appropriate for Yuki to give chocolate to Kaname. Zero also stares down at everyone who sees him as the hope for the boys against the night vampire.
Kaien talks about the event with Zero and Yuuki. Zero asks impatiently why they cannot cancel this, but Kaien says that it is a chance for the beautiful vampires to hang out with the humans. Kaien adds that there are still vampires who looks at peace, and asks Zero to understand his notion of peace one day. Zero says he cannot do it, but Kaien asks whether it is Zero’s perception that they are beasts in human form. Yuuki ended the awkward situation by giving Kaien and Zero presents. Yuki also remembers the time that the aloof Zero is brought in.
At evening time, the vampires also discuss about the valentine’s day. A girl tried to climb the wall and falls, but Zero comes in to catch her. However, he warns that the event will end if they violate the rules, causing anger. The vampires exit from their mansion. Kaname goes close to Zero and asks if Zero’s body is all right. Zero challenges Kaname openly to a fight after hearing that. At night, Yuuki is preparing chocolate for Kaname while Zero struggles. Kaien tries to give him a blood pill, but he rejects it. Kaien says that his body is already beyond the limit and has a craving. Looking at it, Zero also realizes the limit of his body.
Yuuki proudly proclaims to Sayori that she bought chocolates in the end, as the fangirls are getting excited. Yuuki realizes Zero feels strange today. A fence is set up on both sides of the pathway to stop the fangirls from charging in, as the vampires mostly appear bored except Aidou (faker). Aidou rushes forward, but Kaname calls him back strictly. Ichijou receives a lot while Shiki and Ruka moves off quickly. Ichijou drags them back. Kaname receives chocolate from the fangirls, with Ruka commenting that he is being kind. Kain says her face is scary and Ruka questions why he is looking so stern. Ruka also receives a chocolate from the class president.
Kaname has his hands full and rejects more chocolate and tells Yuuki to be careful. The fangirls shove forward, and Yuki falls as the chocolate drops out from her pocket. Zero passes Kaname the dropped chocolate. Zero and Yuuki argue with each other about Zero’s nosy behavior. Yuuki says that Kaname and her are from different worlds while Zero feels a shock. As they moved away from sight, Kaname throws away all the chocolate except the one given by Yuuki. Zero disappears, and he is at the stable. The girl who was saved by Zero earlier wants to pass Zero chocolate, but was chased away by a fast tiring Zero.
Kaname and Ichijou are wondering where the other vampires are. The rest are confronting Zero, and Kain tries to defuse the situation. However, he is thrown by Zero, as Aidou’s ice power and Kain’s fire power appears. Yuuki comes in time to stop the fight. Zero tells Yuuki to leave him alone. Yuuki thinks about the barrier within Zero’s heart again. Yuuki finds Zero at the shower, as she buttons up for him. Zero is concentrating on her neck. Yuuki also gives him the only chocolate she makes, and tells Zero to appreciate it. Zero reminds her to leave him alone, as Yuuki finds a blood pill. In his own room, Zero is coughing badly and clearly struggling.
Thoughts
Is it just me but Yuuki looks so much cuter in the anime compared to the manga! Yuuki just feels so much cuter than how I remember her in terms of mannerisms, looks and the silly things she does. I am not sure if Studio Deen did anything with it, but whatever it is they did, I am applauding their move. I am fully enjoying this series, even if it feels a bit forced light-hearted. For now, it seems like some kind of calm before the storm, considering you are dealing with vampires, and not foxy spirits.
I must also add that it feels so wrong, but Ichijou is so cute in this episode. If there is any vampire that stands out, it must be Ichijou. The rest of the vampires are clearly believing only in Kaname’s pure blood rather than caring about some idealistic peace created by Kaname and Kaien (the reason why they have this alliance is unknown too for now). Ichijou is the only one that believes in this peace, and the sight of him happily enjoying every single chocolate and letter is just so cute. I wish they have more scenes of him rather than the other vampires. I prefer Ichijou than anyone other than Zero and Yuuki.
Kaname is a very interesting engima, if you think of the title in itself, “Vampire Knight”. I am starting to wonder who the “Vampire Knight” is, since it is quite clear now that Zero and Kaname are both vampires. The thing about Vampire knight seems to be more inclined toward Zero, who seems to be slightly more approachable than Kaname. However, anything can go from such a series. It’s a shoujo.
Any viewer who sees the obvious hints for the last two episodes should be able to get this information about Zero being a vampire. Yuuki, even with a rather innocent outlook, should be able to put two to two together about Zero’s secret identity now, and will understand why Kaien keeps reminding Zero about vampires. Kaien knows Zero is a vampire, and he is trying to get him to face reality. He needs to know he needs blood.
On the story this week, I feel that it is just building up the tension toward Zero’s transformation into a vampire. I feel that it is done perfectly, as Kaname clearly knows something about Zero at the very least. Perhaps, there is this thing about scent or aura that vampires can sense. That is why Kaname asks if “he is all right”, which is ironic since Zero hates vampires so much. For those who think he is way too emo, there should be some explanation later when the arc focuses on him. I will not spoil any further.
The preview seems to hint something about a regretful fang. Perhaps, it’s the revelation of Zero’s identity. For the manga readers, I have not forgotten you. This episode covers Chapter 2 of the manga, and my guess is that they will follow a chapter per episode. Whether this will result in a problematic ending is still too premature to say. Anyway, see you next episode entry!
25 Comments
Impz!! Yuuki LOVE! She is super-cute! For now, she’s my fav female of the Spring first seasoners.
Pfft admit it Impz you’re in it for the bishies too 8D
“Pfft admit it Impz you’re in it for the bishies too 8D”
Since Impz watches so much shoujo and hates all things fanservice and harem, that is the conclusion most of the writers at the blog have reached.
Credit for changes in Yuuki’s character design has to go to the character designer for Studio Deen, Nishida Asako. She was character designer/animation director for Simoun, Fate/Stay Night and Touka Gettan, and she has an excellent little site of her own, with samples of her work in the gallery. Just as a side note, the main creative staff for this show happens to be all female: director Sayama Kiyoko, character designer Nishida Asako, lead writer Okada Mari. And to turn down one more side street, the sound director, Gouda Hozumi, is also the VA for the headmaster.
Yuuki is so hot.
Well Impz is a trap after all…
Sorry I couldn’t resist.
I am enjoying Vampire Knight, I had little doubt that I would since I read the manga. Unless of course they totally destroyed it.
But yes the ending could be problematic. If it ends on a cliffhanger, its going to make a lot of people very unhappy!
@Ryan A: Yuuki love for sure. However, Iku is still the top female for me of spring season. I mean, Iku is just the type of spunky girl that captures my attention. Yuuki and Kotoko are fighting for second place.
@Hinano & Calawain: Nope. It’s just that I like the romance of girls x boys. That’s all. I could care less about the bishies!
@Hashihime: Arr, thanks for the information. I just feel that the character design is so much better than the manga. With the background knowledge about Simoun’s character design, I think it will be very interesting, and the sound director is just so darn good.
@Raigomaru: don’t we all? A pity she’s 2D. I will take her over my pseudo loli girlfriend any time.
@D.J: Well, we just have to wait for it. I cannot wait for the mid part of the series, where everyone will go like O_O and $#^$@#%#$%$# at the plot advancements. I swear it will be hilarious! And more discussion of course.
NO! The cutest girl this season would be Muraski from Kure-nai!! xD
To Impz: YOu make it sound as if it was a trap.
Strangely enough, I actually prefer the manga artwork. Well, most of it, at least.
I agree with Impz visa vi Yuuki here – she really is so very cute ^_^. On the other hand, I find myself liking anime Aidou more than manga Aidou, and anime Ichijou less than manga Ichijou – must be something to do with the fact that I always imagined Ichijou with light brown hair, rather than blonde, and it keeps throwing me off every time I see him blonde.
Ahh, it’s only the second episode. I’ll probably eat my words before the series is halfway through.
SEMI-SPOILERS BELOW
I checked up on the voice actors out of idle curiosity, and couldn’t find one for Ichiru anywhere – this has me mildly worried. Have Studio Deen decided to throw this sideplot out the window? Alas…*emotes a bit*
END SEMI-SPOILERS
(Unrelated sidenote: there were at least 2 shots of Zero in this episode that reminded me of Dante. O_o)
This episode was somewhat more tolerable than the first one. However, I still feel that things are often being overly exaggerated. Sure, the characters, their emotional struggles and whatnot have to be portrayed convincingly, but in many occasions I find myself struggling to feel absorbed and am in the end left instead with an unsatisfying aftertaste of every day dorama.
I dare not deny that my current opinion might be highly influenced by the regrettable turn the manga has taken recently. Being able to actually hear darling Kaname preach also does not help, what with my eternal displeasure with him flaring to dangerous levels every twenty-two seconds or so. And the soundtrack is also still a solid no.
Ahh, but I am not yet willing to give up on this series.
@blissmo: seconded!
wow I loved this episode!! much better than the first one, I think it keeps getting better. ^__^ I agree with you about Yuuki looking cuter than in the manga, yes, they have made her look more kawaii and happy-go-lucky (?) perhaps. But she’s adorable! The overall drawing design is really nice. I can see it now (but of course, nothing beats the manga artwork imo). and the vampires are so hot-looking, Aidou and Ichijou look so beautiful! and Kaname and Zero, too. <33
There’s just too much pretty going on, lol.
Just curious, their powers are not shown in the manga right? I do not remember seeing either Aido or Kain’s powers in this chapter. It’s strange because I do not remember this scene at all.
@Myu: hahahaa, you still don’t like the soundtrack after so long? I thought it really fits the mood but I guess it might be a bit too gothic, dark and emo for some people’s liking. Hehe. Kaname darling? I will wait until a few episodes later before we can have a nice fight. HO HO HO. For now, I will be in peace before I unleash the Zero vs Kaname debate for the love of vampires.
@Denise: ya, it does get better even though I think they will be moving on with the actual plot. I feel that Zero got to stop emoing, or at least give him some proper plot progression like quickly changing to a vampire so that he can mop around in a cooler way. Ichijou is beautiful, and I really like it when he took his time to read every single letter.
He’s just so cute that way. I wish he gets much more screentime. Seriously though, I really think that the anime artwork is much better than the manga one. At least, I know yuuki looks and sounds so much cuter.
@ Impz: yeah, the anime artwork has so much appeal now because all the characters have come to “life”, so that makes them even more beautiful. – Yuuki definitely sounds cuter and more chipper in the anime. =) -
well in the end, I’m glad that they have made them look so pretty and they’re doing them justice. ’cause I really think the manga artwork had something special, the way everyone was drawn was very particular. so I’m glad something similar is going on in the anime, too. ^__^
Impz, rewatch the beginning closely.
The scene in the classroom, the way they animated Yuuki. For a brief second there she looks just like Mai from Ghost Hunt.
Hmmm, Impz loves Yuuki, Yuuki looks like Mai… AHA! Truly Impz has liked Mai better than Masako all along! Mai X Naru lovers, look, Impz has finally seen the light!
Ooh somebody said Dante… Which reminds me we still haven’t bought DMC4.
Impz there is definitely going to be a lot of discussion over certain revelations. And you’re right a lot of OMG! WTF! WTH! 0_0
@D.J: WRong. If there is a Masako type, I would have chosen her like immediately. What can I say? I just like girls in kimonos. I am just waiting for the time to release the anger. WAHHAHAHAAHAHA \o/
So, what you are saying is, if Mai were to wear a kimono she’d be better!
And if Yuuki were to wear one you’d end up on the floor with a nosebleed
Now you are making me think how 13sugars will look like in a kimono…Wonders if i can badger her to find one. Hmmmmm.
It’s funny how you think Yuuki looks alot cuter in the anime. Personally, I can’t stand her anime version cuz for some reason she seems alot dumber and ditzier.
@JHL: Really? Maybe it’s the more fluid animation compared to the static manga drawing. I am wondering how you think that she is dumber. I feel that she is just the same in terms of animation. I guess with animation, it reduces the amount of imagination in terms of emotions and magnify the “stupidity” factor.
I do not know though. I think that the new character design makes Yuuki more shoujo in nature without making her too saccharine sweet. There is just something interesting about her design.
Do you mean whether they show Aidou and Kain’s power in the chapter corresponding to this episode? The answer is they do not… however, they do reveal Aidou’s power in the manga at some point. Kain, though, I don’t think his power is ever shown. I might be wrong about that though. It’s really cool that Kain and Aidou have opposite powers like that. It’s kinda the opposite of their personalities. Very cute!
And I also think was Yuuki was quite cute. I like the manga art better in some ways, but I am really liking what they’re doing in the anime.
I just started watching this series 2 days ago and have gotten as far as episode 2 (though I just finished downloading episode 4)….
Hmmm..it’s interesting…I really like the opening song…the ending song is ok too.
I haven’t read the manga yet, so I still don’t know who I like better….Zero or Kaname…though I think I’m leaning more toward Zero….But then again, it’s still early, so we’ll see….
Hey were did you make this blog what website its awesome so is Zero Kaname is such an Edward I hate him I don’t even think he loves her like her says I think he just wants to suck her blood. Have any of you read the manga I seen some clips but they tell ALOT
I’m sad zero has to die
does anyone know the name of the slow piano song that starts playing at around 5:50 in this episode? right when zero arrives at the chairman’s house and yuuki takes him to the bathroom?
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[...] like Impz, I also think that Yuuki is very cute. Not only her looks are cute, her personality is cute as [...]