Good news for fans of Jun Mochizuki’s The Case Study of Vanitas! After a prolonged hiatus, the manga is set to make its return with a brand-new chapter in July. This announcement has sparked excitement among the fanbase, who have eagerly awaited the continuation of the intriguing vampire saga.
The Wait is Almost Over
The July issue of Square Enix’s Gangan Joker magazine has confirmed that the next chapter of The Case Study of Vanitas (Vanitas no Carte) will be published in the magazine’s upcoming issue, scheduled for release on July 22. This marks the end of a long break for the series, which originally went on a two-month hiatus in May 2024.
Previous Hiatus and Health Concerns
The manga has experienced several hiatuses in recent years. In May 2024, the series went on a two-month break, which was later extended. This followed a previous hiatus in June 2022, with the manga resuming in May 2023. These breaks have been a source of concern for fans, particularly as they are often related to the health of mangaka Jun Mochizuki.
In August 2024, it was announced that Mochizuki was taking another two-month break due to health issues, with the series expected to return in October 2024. The announcement also indicated that the series would likely have irregular breaks as needed to accommodate Mochizuki’s health. Mochizuki herself has apologized to fans for the delays, explaining that she has been dealing with physical and mental health problems. She expressed her desire to create a more stable series with time for relaxation and breaks.
Publication History
The Case Study of Vanitas began serialization in Square Enix’s Monthly Gangan Joker magazine in December 2015. Square Enix has compiled the chapters into individual tankōbon volumes, with eleven volumes released as of April 2024.
Yen Press has been publishing the manga in English since its debut, releasing new chapters simultaneously with Japan.
What is The Case Study of Vanitas About?
The Case Study of Vanitas is set in 19th-century Paris and blends vampire and steampunk themes. The story revolves around Noé Archiviste, a young vampire who travels to Paris in search of the Book of Vanitas, a clockwork grimoire of dubious reputation.
Story Synopsis
During his airship journey to Paris, Noé encounters Vanitas, a human who claims to be a vampire doctor. Vanitas uses the Book of Vanitas to heal vampires afflicted with the “malnomen,” a condition that causes them to lose their sanity and act predatorily against their will. The book is connected to the original Vanitas, the Vampire of the Blue Moon, who was ostracized by the traditional vampire society of the Red Moon.
Noé and Vanitas form an unlikely partnership, working together to heal vampires. However, they soon find themselves facing a mysterious threat known as Charlatan, who may be responsible for corrupting the sick vampires.
Characters
- Vanitas: A human claiming to be a vampire doctor, who uses the Book of Vanitas to heal vampires. He is enigmatic and somewhat unbalanced but possesses a kind demeanor.
- Noé Archiviste: A young vampire who seeks to uncover the secrets of the Book of Vanitas and help his friend. He is earnest and often surprised by Vanitas’s eccentric behavior.
Anime Adaptation
The Case Study of Vanitas was adapted into a television anime series produced by Bones. The first part aired from July to September 2021, and the second part aired from January to April 2022, totaling 24 episodes.
Anime Staff
- Director: Tomoyuki Itamura
- Script Supervisor: Deko Akao
- Character Designer: Yoshiyuki Ito
- Music Composer: Yuki Kajiura
Streaming Platforms
Funimation streamed the first part of the anime, including an English dub. Both Funimation and Crunchyroll streamed the second part as it aired, with Crunchyroll also adding the first part to its library.
Anime’s Impact
The anime adaptation has contributed significantly to the manga’s popularity, introducing the series to a broader audience. However, the hiatuses in the manga’s publication have affected the potential for a sequel to the anime, as there needs to be sufficient new material to adapt.
Where to Read
For those eager to dive into the world of Vanitas no Carte, the manga is available through several platforms:
- Yen Press: Yen Press publishes the manga in English, with new chapters released simultaneously with Japan.
- Manga Online: Various online platforms offer the latest chapters of The Case Study of Vanitas for reading.
- Square Enix’s Manga Up!: This platform also serializes the manga.
Reception and Popularity
The Case Study of Vanitas has garnered praise for its handling of the two main characters, action sequences, and effective use of comedy. As of June 2021, the manga had over 5.5 million copies in circulation.
Themes
- Vampires and Identity: The manga explores themes of identity, particularly through the lens of vampires struggling with the malnomen and the societal prejudices they face.
- Humanity and Morality: Vanitas’s character challenges the traditional portrayal of vampires, raising questions about humanity, morality, and the nature of good and evil.
- Friendship and Trust: The relationship between Noé and Vanitas is central to the story, highlighting the importance of friendship, trust, and understanding in a world filled with conflict and uncertainty.
Other Works by Jun Mochizuki
Jun Mochizuki is also known for her previous work, Pandora Hearts, which has a dedicated fanbase. The Case Study of Vanitas shares some thematic similarities with Pandora Hearts but explores new narrative and visual territory.
Mochizuki’s Style
Mochizuki’s distinctive art style and storytelling have earned her a loyal following. Her attention to detail, character development, and intricate plotlines are hallmarks of her work.
Community Excitement
The announcement of the new chapter has been met with enthusiasm across social media platforms. Fans have expressed their anticipation for the continuation of the story and their hopes for the well-being of Jun Mochizuki.
Fan Theories and Predictions
As the release date approaches, fan theories and predictions are circulating online, with many speculating on the direction of the plot and the fates of the main characters.
Final Thoughts
The Case Study of Vanitas is a captivating manga series that combines elements of vampire lore, steampunk aesthetics, and intricate character dynamics. The return of the manga in July promises to deliver more of the engaging storytelling and stunning artwork that fans have come to expect. As the story unfolds, readers can look forward to further exploration of the complex relationships between humans and vampires, the mysteries of the Book of Vanitas, and the looming threat of Charlatan. The series’ blend of action, mystery, and emotional depth ensures that it remains a standout title in the manga landscape.
