Dance in the Vampire Bund [Season 1 Episodes 1-12]

Alright, let’s dive into Dance in the Vampire Bund Season 1, a 2010 anime that’s equal parts edgy, confusing, and surprisingly thought-provoking—if you can get past the weird stuff. Produced by Shaft (the studio behind Puella Magi Madoka Magica) and directed by Akiyuki Shinbo, this series aired from January to April 2010, and it’s based on Nozomu Tamaki’s manga. The premise? Mina Tepes, the centuries-old vampire queen, decides to come out of hiding and build a vampire-only sanctuary called the “Vampire Bund” off Japan’s coast. But here’s the catch: she looks like a 10-year-old girl. Yeah, that’s where things get… complicated.

First off, let’s talk about the good. The animation is sleek, with Shaft’s signature style—sharp angles, moody lighting, and dynamic action sequences that make vampire fights feel intense. The opening theme, “Friends,” by MARIA, is a bop, and the soundtrack overall does a solid job of building tension. The core idea of vampires trying to integrate with humans is interesting, too. Mina’s plan to create a safe space for her kind while negotiating with human governments raises questions about prejudice, coexistence, and what it means to be “other.” It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s a fun twist on the usual vampire tropes.

Now, the bad. Oh, the bad. Let’s start with the elephant in the room: Mina’s design. She’s an immortal vampire trapped in a child’s body, but the show doesn’t shy away from sexualizing her. There’s nudity, suggestive scenes, and even a moment where she’s bathed by her protector, Akira. For a lot of viewers, this is a hard pass. It’s creepy, unnecessary, and overshadows the show’s better elements. Funimation even censored some of this stuff for the U.S. release, but the uncut DVD version still has it, which fans were split on—some wanted the full experience, others thought it was gross.

Then there’s the plot. It’s all over the place. The first few episodes focus on Mina’s announcement and the immediate backlash from humans and vampires alike. There are assassination attempts, political intrigue, and a subplot about Akira’s mysterious past (turns out he’s a werewolf, because why not?). But as the season progresses, the story gets convoluted. New characters pop up without proper introductions, and the pacing feels rushed. By the final episode, you’re left with more questions than answers—like, what was the point of that random werewolf clan? Or why did Mina’s uncle suddenly turn evil? It’s like the writers tried to cram too much into 12 episodes, and it doesn’t stick.

The characters are hit-or-miss, too. Mina is supposed to be a charismatic leader, but her childlike appearance makes it hard to take her seriously. Akira is the typical stoic bodyguard, but his backstory is underdeveloped. The supporting cast is even more forgettable—most are just there to advance the plot or be cannon fodder. The only character who gets any real depth is Yuki, a human journalist who’s skeptical of Mina’s motives, but even she feels underused.

Now, let’s check out what fans are saying. On MyAnimeList, the series has a mixed reception. Some viewers love the dark tone and unique premise, praising the animation and action. Others, however, can’t get past the problematic content. One user wrote, “The censorship debate was wild, but honestly, the show’s biggest issue is how it handles Mina’s character. It’s uncomfortable to watch, and it takes away from the story.” Another commented, “The plot is messy, but the fight scenes are cool. If you can ignore the weird stuff, it’s a fun watch.”

Critics have also weighed in. IGN called it “a show with potential that’s held back by poor execution and questionable choices.” Anime News Network noted that while the art is impressive, the “lurid fanservice” and “confusing narrative” make it hard to recommend. It’s clear that Dance in the Vampire Bund is a divisive series—you either love it for its boldness or hate it for its flaws.

So, who is this show for? If you’re a fan of Shaft’s animation style and don’t mind the controversial content, you might enjoy it. It’s also a good pick if you like vampire stories with a political twist. But if you’re sensitive to childlike characters being sexualized or prefer a coherent plot, this isn’t the show for you.

In conclusion, Dance in the Vampire Bund Season 1 is a mixed bag. It has great animation, an interesting premise, and some cool action scenes, but it’s let down by a convoluted plot, underdeveloped characters, and deeply problematic fanservice. It’s not the worst anime out there, but it’s far from the best. If you’re curious, maybe check out a few episodes first—but proceed with caution.

Final Verdict: 5/10. It’s got potential, but the issues are too hard to overlook.

Disclaimer: This review reflects the author’s opinion and is based on the censored broadcast version. Viewer discretion is advised for the uncut content.