Vanitas no Carte

I was a huge fan of Pandora Hearts but Vanitas no Carte is shaping up to be even better.

The main characters are well-developed, and as is key with Jun Mochizuki's stories, the relationships between the characters is really important to the story. There are a lot of funny arguments which normally I might not appreciate but they are very well done. The relationship of Vanitas x Noé is especially fascinating.

The art is great, especially the clothing and the facial expressions. I love the emotionally expressive characters. If you appreciate feminine looking men and boys, you'd probably like this.

I've read through book 5 at this point and am looking forward to more. Highly recommended!

Sorry for bad English, I used google translator to write this.

Vanitas no Carte is a manga that from the beginning is very interesting. At the beginning we are already thrown into a confused situation without much explanation and even then in a moment you do not really feel lost, otherwise this whole beginning presents a plot that appears to be very complex, something that is confirmed a little later, Where are thrown various concepts and details that show how well built this world appears to be. Other than that we have, of course, a very mysterious tone that the author (Jun Mochizuki) knows how to do as nobody, but one can not have a real notion of the complexity of the world so early (in the first 14 chapters), even if it demonstrates an absurd potential (Note 9 for the history).
Apart from the plot we still have the beautiful art typical of Jun Mochizuki that has evolved a lot since Pandora Hearts and that already started incredible in Vanitas (Note 10 for the art).
Characters, this is also a very strong point that the author demonstrated in Pandora Hearts and Vanitas in Carte are apparently going to be as good as in these 14 chapters that I could read they have already shown enough charisma and a reasonable development of some of them and also showing that Some keep enough secrets (Note 10 for the characters).
The pleasure that this manga gives is similar to that seen in Pandora Hearts, even if it is talking about obscure themes in some way it maintains a light and pleasant mood and at the same time quite striking and addictive, although it is too soon to affirm That's for sure, because the mood of the play may change at some point in the story, even though I find it unlikely (Note 9 for the Enjoyment).

I saw there were no reviews about this manga (no surprise, only two chapters are out right now and they are very hard to find for free), and I wanted to say what I thought about it so far..

Story : 8

Those first chapters were… Confusing. Like, really. There are a lot of informations, this is not a bad introduction but you can’t tell exactly where the story is going to go, even though you know the end at the beginning. There is a good background universe : steampunk, vampires, early 1900, Paris. I’m curious about the way Jun is going to put all these ingredients together. As for the first chapter, action begins very quickly and the main characters are both introduced right from the start. There is humor as well, and mystery starting the very first chapter, and the end of a chapter makes you want to read the next chapter. To put it clearly, the story is confusing BUT it is catching. You might need to read the chapters again to understand the point of some things, but this is okay. There are more good points than bad points and I noticed a few things when I read it for the… 3rd, 4th time ?

Art : 10

This artwork is simply amazing. Details, colors, for the colored pages, character’s outfits… everything is gorgeous, you can see it for yourself on the pictures given !

Characters : 9

This is only the beginning of the story and we can already see the main character’s personalities, be it Noé or Vanitas and I think this is good. Plus, there is a special relationship that is already being developped between the characters and we can see, by ourselves, that this realtionship is going to evolve into a veeeeeeeery complicated relationship, you understand it right at the end of the first chapter !

Enjoyment : 9

I didn’t wait months for a new manga of Jun for nothing, the story is still a little bit confusing, but this is probably going to become great, reading such a beautiful manga is a gift and I can’t wait for the first volume to be published !

Overall : 9

I’m very curious about how the story is going to evolve, but I think these first chapters have a good potential to make a great manga. So overall I give a 9, because being able to master so many things with so few chapters is just amazing.

When I first picked up the series, I was still a bit bitter about Pandora Hearts ending. Part of me expected this would negatively affect the experience but how could I hate it? It's a Mochizuki manga. There wasn't much information when it first came out-- all we knew about the series was the genre, setting, and it had vampires--but I paid for the chapter anyway because it's Mochizuki. I fell in love with the characters easily and could barely wait for the next chapters to be released.

Story: 9

A lot of detailed information necessary for world building is explained early on, however, the chapters don't feel heavy with exposition. Transitions are fluid and the reader is only told what is necessary to understand the basics of the world. It's clear Mochizuki is keeping many secrets. However, retrospection and subtle foreshadowing keep the story cohesive while the plot remains complex and unpredictable.

Art: 10

I'm convinced Mochizuki is constantly intimidating her assistants with her ideas for the next chapter. The scenes are so detailed. Through Pandora Hearts, we've seen her art improve. VnC definitely benefits from her past experiences. Everything from the background and character design to clothes and facial expressions is amazing.

Character: 9

The complex characters was a major reason why I loved Pandora Hearts. Characters influence the plot which pushes characters to act and develop. There were clear protagonists and motivators but the story was much bigger than themselves and almost everyone at least had a chance to make a terrible mistake. Readers could remain emotionally invested in the characters even as their opinion of the character shifts. The expectation was high but, so far, Mochizuki doesn't disappoint.

Noe is both relatable and likable, absentminded and thoughtful, the perfect foil for the volatile and impulsive Vanitas. Their interactions feel genuine. I love that they could be dorks one minute and serious the next.

Enjoyment: 10

I'm enjoying the series.

Overall (so far):
9

I might seem biased on my rating, especially since I just finished the manga (from the chapters that are currently available), but I thought this manga was absolutely amazing!

The story, characters, and development is flowing so smoothly, and I'm curious to see how it ends (as well as worried). I'd highly recommend reading this series! While the first chapters are confusing, its expected, as the author is setting up a new world for us to read and indulge ourselves in! After a while, we start to see the characters personalities really come into light, along with what kind of manga this starts to be: a mystery, with romance, comedy, fantasy, steam-punk, and all wonderful things bundled into one!

Enjoy the characters as they go through their journey, and discover new possibilities in this world where one vampire and human make their way to cure the 'evil' in their land, while also spicing things up for the audience.

Please, try it!
We need more readers out there.

Note: This manga doesn't focus on straight relationships, there are some hints of same-gender romance ;)

I haven't been this hooked on a manga ever since Pandora Hearts, which is by the same author. As much as possible, for this review, I'll try not to compare it with Pandora Hearts. Just know that if you loved PH (the manga, not the shitty anime adaptation), you'll absolutely love VnC too.

STORY:

Vanitas no Carte pulls you in right from the first chapter. A lot of mysteries and action are presented that you have to keep reading the next and the next and the next chapters in order to find the answers or at least, try to figure it out on your own. And knowing Mochizuki, I'm sure she'll blow our minds away with how intricate she's able to weave everything together.

Every chapter moves the plot forward. The pacing is neither too fast nor too slow. Each chapter, we learn something new and also find ourselves asking new questions.

Mochizuki's take on vampires for this story is also really unique. But to avoid spoiling the story, all I can say is that don't expect too much bloodsucking.


CHARACTERS:

The characters are really interesting. I absolutely love them, even Vanitas. I don't know if he's good or evil, what motivates him or what he's after, but I want to see it through. His personality is kinda similar to Dazai Osamu from Bungou Stray Dogs; he can be funny, serious, sinister, lighthearted, but most of all, mysterious.

Noe, the other main character, is like Vanitas's opposite. He's too kind, trusts people easily, and is very honest. I don't usually like people like him in dark plots because they tend to be weak, pretentious and stupid, wanting to save everyone even if it's impossible for them to do it and so they'll have to rely on others to do it for them.

But Noe is different. He doesn't say or do things out of false courage or baseless hope. He's a good fighter, has connections to the aristocrats, and is ACTUALLY AN ADULT. Like thank god, Mochizuki-sensei isn't burdening some 14 or 15-year old kids with the future of the world like she did with Pandora Hearts (referring to Oz mainly).

This is why I don't hate Noe. Because even if he isn't the smartest of persons, when he says he's gonna do something, I find myself believing that he can. And if I were to believe in a "hero," I'd rather believe on his abilities and capabilities to act than on abstract things like his feelings, hopes, or dreams. yuck.

On the other hand, Vanitas is actually the one who wants to save everyone (at least, all the vampires). Though his motives behind it are still unclear, having a morally ambigous character like him take on the "savior" role is both refreshing and amusing. I'm excited to see where it goes.

But what really draws me in to this manga is the interaction between Vanitas and Noe. (And it's not because I ship them). They argue a lot but they make a good team. Vanitas is the brains and Noe's the spear, but they can both think and fight separated too. They also inspire each other without even realizing it. And after chapter 1's horrifying and intriguing reveal on how their relationship is fated to be, I am constantly at the edge of my seat praying that it won't be a repeat of Leo's and Elliot's from Pandora Hearts.

ART:

The art is breathtakingly beautiful. And the colored pages? Magical. The sceneries and architecture of the buildings are so detailed too.

Character design is A++. It's not everyday I see a dark-skinned animanga character with the main role. Vanitas looks similar to Leo from Pandora hearts though, but I don't really mind that.


FOR PANDORA HEARTS FANS:

There was one chapter that had a pandora hearts reference, and considering there are only 32 chapters right now, there are probably more to come <3

When I read the first chapter of Vanitas no Carte, I was instantly hooked. Action sequences, incredible costumes, everything was drawn with extraordinary attention to detail and with a good deal of style. The relationship between the main two characters was funny and felt real to me, and the mangaka has some serious guts to reveal how the entire manga will end at the end of the very first chapter. It sunk its teeth into me as soon as I read that.

In short, I think it's one of the best opening chapters I've ever seen. Which is why I'm mystified how it all got so muddled so quickly to make me drop it. I think too many plot points and too many characters were introduced too quickly, until it reached a point at which I started flipping back pages to try and remember who was who. The art often has style overpower substance to the extent that I can't figure out what's happening, only that it's being done with great panache, until reading the manga feels like riding a very attractive but still out of control roller coaster.

Secret organizations of vampires operating in steampunk turn-of-the-century Paris should be a slam dunk, but in the end not even Vanitas' pretty smirk can save this.

I'll compare this a little with Pandora Hearts, for those readers who've loved Pandora Hearts and aren't sure if they should read this. No major spoilers though, so I think it'll be alright.

Vanitas no Carte has been really engaging since the beginning. First chapter in and we get a glimpse of the main characters, and what little we get is already very interesting. Mochizuki-sensei is great at making things seem mysterious, and this begins from the very first chapter. There's the feeling hanging around that there's more to things than is revealed, which might either annoy or engage readers. The only way to know if you'd like it or not is to try it.

Characters:
Let's talk about the main characters, Noé and Vanitas.

Noé is easily likeable, and rather cute at times. He's the one whose story we are following, so it's a huge plus that he's easy to like. The gap between us readers and Noé doesn't seem that different, so it's not too difficult to follow his actions and thought processes. That's extremely relieving, because Vanitas, on the other hand, is an enigma.

We're introduced to Vanitas early on, but we know little to nothing about him. That makes for a very fascinating character, because his actions are unpredictable. Mochizuki-sensei does a great job in potraying his character in an unusual way, and he feels very unlike the usual protagonist. His motivations are unknown, and his actions crazy. Many main characters in stories have mysterious backgrounds, but we're usually able to get a sense of the character even before we find out what it is. With Vanitas though, it's difficult.

This causes two things:
1) Vanitas becomes a extremely fascinating character to watch.
2) We don't feel all that connected to Vanitas because we can't understand him.

Compared to the mangaka's other work, Pandora Hearts, I don't feel all that concerned for the wellbeing of Vanitas' main characters (of course, I'm only 13 chapters in, so I'll have to see). But at the same time the mysteriousness of the characters makes me more interested in the background/personality characters here than in Pandora Hearts. In short I just mean the characters here are more interesting but difficult to relate to and thus like on a personal level. It's both good and bad, so it's difficult to say what most people feel about it. Luckily, Noé exists as our main character, so readers can at least feel connected to him and view the story from his lens easily.

Art:
The art is amazing as expected. It really fits with the tone of the manga, and the character expressions are fabulous. The mangaka can convey things with not only words but expressions, which really makes for better storytelling. No complaints here.

Story:

This is pretty difficult to get a good grasp of right now (as of chapter 13). It does feel that the mangaka knows what she is doing and where the story is heading, but similar to early on in Pandora Hearts, the reader might feel a bit lost as to what the main story is right now.

But that doesn't mean it's an incoherent mess. It never feels like the story is just being made up as we go along. There's the feeling that everything happening has an importance to the story - except we don't know what it is yet. That might be frustrating to some. It certainly is frustrating to me. But I'm really looking forward to seeing how things play out, to have this story be revealed to me in bits and pieces. Considering the story setting, which feels more limited, I'm not sensing any upcoming crazy twists like in Pandora Hearts, but I'm sure whatever the author has in store will surely be interesting. For now, the frustration of not understand only makes me more curious rather than annoyed, so it's all good. It helps that the characters are interesting enough for me to keep on reading now.

Enjoyment:
This is difficult. I certainly do enjoy it, but not the mindless easy type of enjoyment. There aren't really slice-of-life moments for me to enjoy now, but so far the characters and their interactions with each other/how they react to situations is keeping me hooked. It's probably a manga not easy to enjoy if you read lightly and only look at the surface. But with all the interesting elements glaring at you in the face, I also think it's quite easy to be interested in this manga. It's too early for me to have an opinion on the overall plot, but there is potential for things to shape up well. Hopefully I have time to edit my review then.

(the review got too long, I'm sorry ;_;)
tldr;
Overall, an interesting manga, though too early now to see how it goes. Definitely should give it a try. The story moves fast, so it's pretty exciting, but there's also a lack of slice-of-life moments. Also be prepared to be lost and feel like you know nothing about the story/characters. Art is beautiful and story elements have the potential to lead to an interesting story. Characters are fascinating.

Pandora Heart fans should definitely check this out, but you might not feel too attached to the characters at first. But if you've enjoyed the characters in Pandora Hearts, I'm sure you'll find this interesting too. The setting doesn't give me that much hope for similar crazy plot twists, but the mysterious feeling is thick in the air and the characters are a joy to watch.