The Case Book of Arne [Season 1 Episode 1]

“The Case Book of Arne” Episode 1: A Promising Blend of Mystery and Supernatural Charm

Winter 2026 brings a fresh take on the vampire detective genre with The Case Book of Arne, and its debut episode wastes no time introducing viewers to a world where the mundane collides with the supernatural. Produced by an uncredited studio (for now), this 12-episode series follows Arne Neuntöte, a vampire detective with a knack for manipulating supernatural powers, and Lynn Reinweiß, a nobleman’s daughter obsessed with all things vampiric. Their worlds collide when Lynn stumbles upon Arne during a string of bizarre murders, setting the stage for a partnership that balances humor, mystery, and a dash of gothic flair.

Right off the bat, the episode leans into its lighthearted tone. Lynn, with her wide-eyed enthusiasm and penchant for vampire lore, feels like a modern-day fangirl thrown into a detective story. Her first encounter with Arne—who’s brooding, sarcastic, and clearly not here for her antics—sets up a dynamic that’s equal parts bickering and budding camaraderie. Fans on MyAnimeList have already drawn comparisons to Li’l Miss Vampire Can’t Suck Right, noting Lynn’s resemblance to Luna, but Arne’s dry wit and hidden vulnerability give their pairing a unique edge.

Visually, the series opts for a bright, almost cartoonish style that contrasts with its darker themes. The opening sequence, set to a stylish OP song, is a highlight—think sleek animation, moody lighting, and a beat that makes you want to tap your foot. However, some viewers have criticized the character designs for being too youthful. One fan lamented, “I wish they gave these characters a more mature look so I can take them more seriously,” a valid point given the show’s murder-mystery core. Still, the art style has its charm, especially in the way it captures Lynn’s starry-eyed excitement and Arne’s deadpan reactions.

The plot of Episode 1 is straightforward: a murder occurs, Arne is on the case, and Lynn inserts herself into his investigation. The mystery itself isn’t groundbreaking—bizarre incidents, a trail of clues, and a hint of supernatural involvement—but it’s executed with enough flair to keep you hooked. What makes it work is the chemistry between the leads. Lynn’s unwavering belief in Arne’s innocence (despite his vampire status) and Arne’s reluctant acceptance of her help create a push-pull that’s both endearing and entertaining. As one commenter put it, “A detective getting mixed up with a vampire girl—what can go wrong?” The answer, so far, is nothing… yet.

Of course, no debut is without its flaws. Some viewers found the episode’s pacing slow, with one fan admitting, “The first episode is not all that interesting, but I guess we will see what’s in store for us.” The lack of depth in the supporting characters and the somewhat predictable setup also left room for improvement. However, the show’s potential shines through in its world-building. The idea of a city where humans and supernatural beings coexist—albeit uneasily—opens up endless possibilities for future cases. Will we see more vampires? Ghosts? Maybe even a werewolf or two? The series hints at a larger universe, and that’s enough to keep audiences coming back.

Another point of discussion is the show’s tone. While it’s marketed as a gothic horror mystery, Episode 1 leans heavily into comedy. Arne’s sarcastic one-liners (“Do you always follow strangers into dark alleys?”) and Lynn’s over-the-top reactions (“You’re a real vampire! Can I take a selfie?”) keep the mood light, but some fans worry this might undercut the stakes. “This better be a comedy,” one user joked, “cus there’s no way I can take a character with that name seriously.” (Looking at you, Arne Neuntöte—seriously, who names their kid that?)

But here’s the thing: The Case Book of Arne doesn’t take itself too seriously, and that’s its strength. It’s a fun, easy watch that doesn’t demand too much from its audience. The OP is catchy, the characters are likable, and the mystery has just enough intrigue to make you curious about what’s next. As one fan optimistically noted, “Hoping the vampires Lynn and Arne will be worth keeping an eye on.”

In conclusion, Episode 1 of The Case Book of Arne is a solid start. It’s not perfect—some pacing issues, character design quibbles, and a predictable plot hold it back—but it’s charming, funny, and has a lot of heart. If you’re a fan of supernatural mysteries with a side of humor, this might just be your new obsession. Just don’t go in expecting Vanitas no Carte levels of depth (though fans are already mourning that show’s hiatus). Instead, sit back, relax, and let Lynn and Arne take you on a wild ride through a world where vampires solve crimes and fangirls save the day.

Final Verdict: 7/10. A promising debut that balances humor and mystery, with enough potential to keep viewers hooked. Here’s to hoping the next episode dives deeper into the supernatural lore and gives Arne a chance to show off those detective skills. After all, what’s a vampire detective without a few more bodies to bury?

P.S. If you’re a fan of RPG Maker adaptations, keep an eye out—this one’s based on Harumurasaki’s gothic horror game, so there’s bound to be some Easter eggs for players.