Venus Versus Virus

Venus Versus Virus is an anime based on a manga by Atsushi Suzumi. The anime was produced by Studio Hibari, and was directed by Shinichiro Kimura. The twelve episodes of Venus Versus Virus aired on TBS from January 11-March 29, 2007. ADV Films originally licensed the rights to distribute Venus Versus Virus in North America. However, on July 2008, ADV Films transferred the rights to FUNimation Entertainment. FUNimation released all twelve episodes of the series in a complete series DVD box set on June 16, 2009.

The two main characters in Venus Versus Virus are Sumire Takahana and Lucia Nahashi. Lucia is part of a group called the Venus Vanguard, which fight against and kill all Viruses (which are demons that prey on human souls, especially the souls of those humans who can see the Viruses). Her left eye, which is usually covered by an eye patch, has a mysterious power. Soichiro is Lucia’s guardian, but loves her and treats her as if she was his own daughter. He appears to be the one in charge of the Venus Vanguard.

Sumire is a high school girl and the newest member of the Venus Vanguard. At first, she appears to be rather weak and not be much help to the group. However, it is discovered that whenever Sumire’s body reacts to a chemical used to defeat the Viruses (which is known as the “Vaccine”), she becomes a living Anti-Virus. When she does, Sumire becomes stronger, violent, and is capable of defeating Viruses with her bare hands. Unfortunately, when she is in her Anti-Virus mode, Sumire cannot differentiate between friend and enemy.

Unfortunately, Sumire’s involvement with the Venus Vanguard takes away from her ability to spend social time with friends. This really affects a boy named Riku Mikumo, who has a crush on Sumire. Riku attempts to ask Sumire out several times, but something always comes up and she is unable to spend time with him. Since Riku is a naturally shy boy, these rejections leave him heartbroken.

In Venus Versus Virus, there is no graphic blood or gore. However, there is some violence, especially when it comes to the use of guns against the Viruses, or the knives that Lucia carries around. With the violence and subject matter included in the series, I would personally recommend Venus Versus Virus to anime viewers who are fifteen or sixteen years of age and older.