Vanpiāzu

Backflap Summary

The Antinoids are a mysterious race of monsters who have secretly come to Earth in order to conquer it. While most of the population remains unaware, the heroine Rapid Rabbit fights against these evil fiends.

In a particularly tough battle, Honey Trap—one of the Antinoid’s Executive Officers—sees Rapid Rabbit without her mask and learns her true identity. But just as she obtains the upper hand, Honey Trap flees with a flushed face, confusing Rapid Rabbit. As it turns out, Rapid Rabbit is Honey Trap’s ideal type.

Returning to her organization with nothing but a new crush, Honey Trap is exiled from the Antinoids and left with nowhere to go. Roaming the lone streets, she is eventually rescued by none other than Rapid Rabbit after collapsing near her apartment. Having no one else to turn to, Honey Trap decides to team up with Rapid Rabbit and get revenge on the Antinoids.

Volume 1 Review

I find the other Executives (the super villains in this world) much more interesting and filled with character than either of the main protagonists. Their homo eroticism and relationship dynamic provides much more feeling than the often blunt and bland dialogue between Rapid Rabbit and Honey Trap. I find the dynamic between the leader of the Antinoids and Executives hilarious and refreshing. The ways in which the story weaves in and out of delightfully cringe relationship dynamics and major, superhero fight scenes almost works. It certainly works well enough for someone who is primarily looking for the romance angle.

My biggest issue is with the writing. Each time a major moment occurs and there is a whiff of tension, it all falls flat. There is no follow through, no second guessing, no plot twist that could even be conceivable. It all goes to waste.

Full Series Review

TBD

Series Information

Writer/Artist/Character Design: sometime
Publisher: Ichijinsha
Release Year: 2021-2023
Volumes: 5
Setting: Urban environments; Home
Ick Factor: None