Vampire Knight – Episode 1
Vampire Knight is an on-going manga series by Matsuri Hino(MeruPuri) that is now turned into anime which is currently airing in
Japan. Thanks to the wonders of fansubbing, non-Japanese speakers can now watch this highly-popular series without any problem of understanding the dialogues. Each episode is being subbed at super-fast speed and of super-quality for fans all over the world, and we are currently updated up to episode 9. I am hoping to provide a summary for each episode, as well as my opinions and reactions.
Episode 1: Night of the Vampires
The opening scene of the pilot episode of Vampire Knight shows a young girl standing outside on a snowy evening. A shadowy figure suddenly appeared, asking her if he could suck her blood. It seemed like the end for the young child, but someone came to save her and killed the shadowy figure who turned out to be a vampire.
From that scary moment, the scene reverts to the present. The young girl and her savior are now both students at the Cross Academy, a privately-run dorm school where the classes are divided into two: the Night Class where the girl’s savior, Kaname Kuran, belongs to; and the Day Class where the young girl then, Yuki Cross, and her friend, Zero Kiryu, are prefects.
Unknown to the rest of the Day Class, the Cross Academy harbors a huge secret: the students of the Night Class are all vampires. Only Yuki and Zero know of the secret and helps protect that secret by patrolling at night. That responsibility is a feat in itself considering that the Night Class are composed of bishoujos and bishonens of unparalled beauty and students of the Day Class would always gather to where the students of the Night Class would pass by. Some would even wander at night to get a glance at their favorite Night Class student. The most popular of the Night Class student is Dorm President Kaname Kuran, a pure blood vampire of the most noble and highest order, who appears to have a special affection for Yuki Cross. The rest of the Night Class reveres Kaname and have enrolled in the Cross Academy because of him. Apparently, the Chairman of the Cross Academy, Yuki’s surrogate father, have this dream of humans living in peace with vampires, two different species who have fought against each other since time immemorial. While it may seem as an idiotic ideal, young vampires have gathered at the Cross
Academy if only to get close to Kaname and try to live the ideal that Kaname got interested with. They even had to make a vow that they would not suck blood of humans inside the campus and were amenable to taking blood tablets instead to curb their thirst.
On the other hand, Zero, Yuki’s childhood friend and co-prefect who always seems pissed-off, cold and mean, slowly reveals his changing nature: that of a vampire. Apparently, Zero’s family was attacked and killed by a vampire and Zero survived the ravage, thus explaining his absolute disgust over vampires. However, he was bitten himself and the story gave hints that he is turning into a vampire. He was seen several times to have a blood tablet with him and the smell of blood makes him want to have a sip and even has a desire to bite into the unsuspecting Yuki’s neck. While Zero may be in denial, Kaname and the Chairman both know that Zero is slowly progressing into becoming a vampire and they both make it known to Zero.
Zero is indeed in a dilemma. The hatred he feels for the vampires becomes a complete mockery considering that he is already becoming one. However, he still loathes vampires and even shot at Aidou, a member of the Night Class, deliberately missing his target using his Bloody Rose, a gun that can kill vampires, to punish him for biting into Yuki’s hand and licking a drop of her blood. That incident, however, did not go unnoticed by Kaname. Immediately after Zero fired his gun, Kaname appeared to pacify the parties and ordered someone to report the incident to the Chairman. Although Aidou was suspended for ten days, he feels no remorse and even said that it was worth Yuki’s blood, which of course, was heard by Kaname and he was slapped right there and then. The harsh treatment Aidou got only means to say that Kaname Kuran takes seriously any matter concerning rules of the academy, especially anything that involves Yuki.
I must say that I am really, really hooked with this series. I am so in love with Kaname-senpai. His dark and sultry eyes, his regal bearing, his soft affection for Yuki, his awesome physique, his deep voice…every single thing about him is enough to make anyone want to be close to him. Well, of course, except for Zero, that is. Anyway, Zero himself is freaking hot, especially when he draws out his Bloody Rose. However, I also like the emptiness in his eyes, it shows his vulnerability. At times, his eyes betray him that he is still the same boy who could not get over his past. As for Yuki, sometimes I feel sorry for her because Aidou-senpai always teases her but then again, every time Kaname-senpai turns his head to Yuki, I envy her a bit. Heehee. I could even feel my heart go ”ba-dump” whenever Kaname-senpai looks at Yuki.
I have always known that vampires are quite sexy ever since Anne Rice’s Interview with a Vampire. But main draw for this series is actually not the beauty of the characters, though it helps, but the compelling story they tell.
June 11th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
it doesn’t look as serious as hellsing. hmm. there are funny scenes?
June 12th, 2008 at 4:15 pm
I’ve been watching this anime for a while. I’m just intrigued with Yuki, cause she’s the lead character. So she should have some kind of power.
June 12th, 2008 at 10:52 pm
hmm…not sure about if yuki has powers of her own. anyway, in the manga, her identity was revealed. i won’t say it though because i might get killed for posting spoilers. heehee.
June 12th, 2008 at 11:00 pm
speedy3223 - well, the story is not as serious as hellsing or as dark. however, the story is compelling. it makes me want to know the secrets that surround the main characters. and yes, it has quite a number of funny scenes.