If you are fascinated by the world of Visual Kei and vampires, Visual Prison is an anime you shouldn't miss! This 2021 series takes us to meet beautiful vampires who use songs as weapons to compete for great power on the Prison stage under the moonlight in Harajuku, Japan's hub of fashion and pop culture.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
The story begins with Ange Yuki, a young boy who dreams of becoming a Visual Kei singer but has trouble communicating with people. One day, he meets Guiltia Brion, a mysterious vampire who gives him a necklace, allowing Ange to participate in the 'Visual Prison' competition, a music contest of vampires held in a secret underground prison. The goal is to become 'the strongest' and gain immense power, but behind the competition lies a hidden secret about Ange's past and the fate of all vampires.
Voice Acting and Characters
All voice actors performed excellently, especially Shoya Chiba as Ange Yuki, who conveys weakness and determination impressively. Makoto Furukawa as Guiltia Brion gives a powerful and mysterious voice, while Hiroki Nanami as Eve Louise is cute and charming. Each character has their own personality and color, whether it's the cheerful Robin Laffite, the arrogant Latour Saga, or the mysterious Mist Flaive. The development of relationships between characters makes it easy for viewers to get invested in the story.
Direction, Visuals, and Music
In terms of visuals, Visual Prison is beautifully done, as expected from A-1 Pictures. The extravagant character designs and performance scenes full of color and glowing lights create an attractive atmosphere. The soundtrack is the heart of the story, with each band having unique songs that match their characters' personalities. Visual Kei fans will surely fall in love because every song is meticulously crafted.
Editorial Analysis
Our editorial team views Visual Prison as an anime that dares to blend two seemingly incompatible things seamlessly: Visual Kei and vampires. The themes of 'self-expression through music' and 'fighting for freedom' are conveyed interestingly. Although the plot may be somewhat predictable at times, the beauty of the visuals and music compensates well. This series is suitable for those who enjoy music and fantasy anime that offer entertainment without requiring much thought.
Verdict
Visual Prison is an anime suitable for Visual Kei fans and those who enjoy vampire fantasy anime. Although the story may not be very deep, with beautiful visuals and melodious songs, it provides full entertainment. It's worth watching, especially if you love music and extravagant performances.
Screenshots
👍 Pros
- +Stunning visuals, especially the performance scenes
- +Beautiful soundtrack that fits the characters
- +Unique and memorable characters
- +The concept of blending Visual Kei with vampires is well-executed
👎 Cons
- −The story is quite straightforward and predictable
- −Some characters are underdeveloped
Top Cast
FAQ
Visual Prison has 12 episodes, first aired in 2021.
Visual Prison is a fantasy, music, and vampire anime, focusing on Visual Kei bands.
As of now (2024), there has been no official announcement of a second season.
The songs in Visual Prison are outstanding, being Visual Kei songs composed by famous songwriters, with many catchy tunes.
