The Vampire Dies in No Time (2023 – ): A Hilarious Romp Through Undead Misadventures
”The Vampire Dies in No Time,” a slapstick comedy anime directed by Hiroyuki Tanaka, premiered in 2023. The series, based on the manga of the same name by 盆ノ木 (Bonnoki), quickly gained popularity for its quirky humor and subversion of typical vampire tropes.
Plot Summary:
The story follows Draluc, a centuries-old vampire with a peculiar weakness: he can die from practically anything. From sunlight to a simple headache, Draluc’s fragile existence leads him to a remote Japanese countryside villa alongside his loyal familiar, Ronaldo, a vampire hunter tasked with keeping him alive (unintentionally creating more opportunities for Draluc’s demise).
Their peaceful (and often deadly) life is disrupted by the arrival of a vampire extermination squad led by the enthusiastic (and equally unlucky) vampire hunter Yukina Himeragi. As Draluc tries his best to stay alive and avoid vampire hunters, a string of hilarious situations unfold, with each episode showcasing the unusual dynamic between vampires and vampire hunters, all the while subverting expectations of the supernatural genre.
Review: Embrace the Absurd
”The Vampire Dies in No Time” thrives on its absurdity. The humor relies on slapstick gags, visual puns, and Draluc’s constant state of near-death. The animation style perfectly complements the comedic tone, with exaggerated expressions and over-the-top reactions adding to the hilarity. While the repetitive nature of Draluc dying might seem like a one-trick pony at first, the series manages to keep things fresh by constantly introducing new and equally ridiculous ways for him to meet his unfortunate demise.
Characters: A Delightfully Odd Bunch
The show’s strength lies in its cast of eccentric characters. Draluc, despite being a centuries-old vampire, is a childish goofball obsessed with video games and modern conveniences. Ronaldo, the vampire hunter tasked with overseeing him, is equally clumsy and unlucky, often accidentally putting Draluc in more danger than saving him. The addition of Yukina, the overly enthusiastic vampire hunter, creates a fun dynamic of rivalry and unexpected camaraderie. Even the side characters, from the overly dramatic vampire council to the local villager who befriends Draluc, add to the show’s charm with their quirky personalities.
A Refreshing Take on Vampires
”The Vampire Dies in No Time” throws away the traditional brooding vampire trope. Draluc is more interested in avoiding death and playing video games than world domination. The series also pokes fun at vampire lore, with vampires weakened by mundane things and their powers being far less impressive than what fiction portrays. This lighthearted approach to the supernatural makes the show a refreshing watch.
Unlike most vampires who fear sunlight or holy water, Draluc can die from practically anything – a simple headache, a stubbed toe, even existential dread. This constant threat of demise creates a hilarious running gag throughout the series.
The series flips the script on the typical vampire hunter vs. vampire dynamic. Ronaldo, the vampire hunter tasked with overseeing Draluc, is much clumsier and more unlucky than the vampire himself, often putting Draluc in more danger than keeping him safe.
Overall: A Laugh-Out-Loud Comedy Gem
”The Vampire Dies in No Time” is a hilarious anime that doesn’t take itself too seriously. With its absurd humor, endearingly odd characters, and refreshing take on vampires, the series is a guaranteed laugh riot. While the repetitive gags might not appeal to everyone, those looking for a lighthearted and side-splitting comedy anime will find themselves thoroughly entertained by Draluc and his wacky misadventures.
