Venus Versus Virus: Outbreak, Vol.

Venus Vanguard is the name of an antique shop operated by Lucia and her father, but it offers more than your run-of-the-mill antiques since Lucia also happens to be an exorcist. If you can read the special words on a flyer you can get help against the evil demons called Virus. Lucia teams up with Sumire (who narrates most of the series), an employee whose powers for detecting “viruses”—which take forms ranging from black blobs to innocent young girls—have recently activated. Together, the pair fight viruses using a special antivirus bullet that can kill the creatures. Both have special abilities—Lucia has a mysterious and powerful left eye that she keeps hidden behind an eye patch, and Sumire goes into berserker antivirus mode if shot by one of the specialized bullets. Compiling the first four episodes on the first of three volumes, this initial dual-language entry, rated TV-14, features solid animation and character design, and is sure to appeal to horror/fantasy anime fans. Recommended. [Note: Venus Versus Virus, Vol. 2 is also available.] Aud: P. (K. Fletcher-Spear)