▪	RELEASED BY:		ADV FILMS
		▪	ASPECT RATIO:		16:9 ANAMORPHIC WIDESCREEN
		▪	AUDIO:		ENGLISH DD 5.1 AND JAPANESE DD 2.0
		▪	RUNNING TIME:		100 MIN
		▪	RATING:		TV 14
		▪	RELEASE DATE:		11/13/2007
		▪	REVIEW DATE:		10/06/2007
		▪	REVIEWED BY:		HOLLY ELLINGWOOD

Sumire was once your ordinary school girl. Now she fights alongside the lethal woman Lucia as part of the Venus Vanguard, those who eliminate beings who have become demonic Viruses devouring human souls. Sumire has now entered a nightmare world, one she may not be able to return from alive…or human.

This all new series mixes it up with Gothic Lolita fetishism and deadly supernatural action. Present day never looked so frightening as Sumire has to come to terms with the world only she and those with the Sight can perceive, a world where monsters lurk to consume human souls, possess the most innocent, and murder, feeding off of the fear of their victims. But this is no straight forward story of good versus evil. Sumire is unique in that she has become a living anti-Virus. She seems like a regular girl who can barely shoot a gun let alone fight hand to hand, but when in combat under certain conditions, she becomes something more but at the same time something less than human. With a speed and strength that Viruses cannot stand against, Sumire flies into a berserker killing rage. Although this bodes well for the Vanguards’ battle against the demons, it also puts humans at risk because Sumire can’t control herself in that state and is as likely to turn on her partner Lucia as she is the demons they fight!

Deliciously intriguing and darkly alluring, this has Gothic appeal and action mixed with mystery. It’s only on the last episode of this disc that we see how Sumire and the enigmatic Lucia first met and Sumire’s powers were awakened. But even then there are many questions left unanswered. The full extent of how, why and what it will mean for Sumire to have this strange ability has yet to be fully explained and is a large part of the compelling series.  She is tormented over her new life, agonizing over what she is becoming and wondering if she has become an even greater evil than the Viruses. Lucia is no less a mystery. A woman dressed in Goth–lolli wear at all times, she is cold, calculating and a crack shot. Her determination to ‘exorcise’ all the Viruses seems to be her ultimate goal and one that takes precedence over all else. But she displays tenderness towards Sumire that softens her at the same time that it raises an eyebrow. 

Based on the manga by Atsushi Suzumi, the hit series finds a darkly shining new life in the anime. The show holds a little something for fans of some of the best and most intriguing hit anime out there. It has hints of Hellsing’s lustful violence with the Viruses and Sumire when she transoms. The Viruses are like a cross between demons and vampires, possessing people while trying to consume souls. There’s a touch of Revolutionary Girl Utena’s yuri stylings in the opening animation sequence and the relationship between the two girls, a bit of humor in the supernatural action mildly reminiscent of Chrono Crusade. And there’s a slight feel of Noir to the show with the deadly killing action of Lucia and her young partner struggling with having become a killer.  Such a promising first volume makes this anime a must see.

The animation is excellent. Directed by Shinichiro Kimura (Maburaho, Burn Up Excess) and animated by Studio Hibari (Nerima Daikon Brothers), the show has a glossy look with a lot of Goth appeal. Even the every day school girl uniforms that Sumire and her classmates wear share that Goth-lolli touch.  The fight scenes are great, sleek and well done with a lot of suspense when Sumire changes. The Viruses are frightening creatures that are fiercely done. It’s not just their scary looks but also their malevolent intelligence that makes them so horrific. At all times though, it’s the distinct character design and portrayal of Lucia and Sumire that remain the most captivating in the story. Both have their mysteries and attraction.  They are wonderfully given life by gifted English voice talents. Sumire is voiced by Natalie Arneson who does an exceptional job of transforming her voice when Sumire goes into her murderous stages. And Lucia is given a cool and high sex appeal by not only her character design, but by Joanne Bonasso’s sophisticated portrayal of the complex character shrouded in secrets.

EXTRAS:
Bonus features include ADV preview, and clean opening and closing animation.

IN SUMMARY:
Goth Lolitas’ meet edgy supernatural action in Venus Versus Virus. Demonic murders, lethal ladies and shadowy secrets lurk within Venus Versus Virus. They’re waiting for you.