SERVAMP

SERVAMP, an anime series from Funimation, introduced in 2016, offers a perfect blend of action, superpower, vampire, comedy, drama, supernatural, and shounen genres all wrapped in one show. The show, created by Strike Tanaka, is based on a Japanese manga series that has collected quite a popularity and fan base. Both captivating and unique, SERVAMP provides a refreshing take on modern vampire lore while blending comedy and action effectively.

The title SERVAMP is a portmanteau of the words 'servant' and 'vampire'. The series focuses on the struggle of its main character Mahiru Shirota, a high school freshman, who unintentionally involves himself in the World's most bizarre entanglement. Mahiru prefers to live a minimalist lifestyle, driven by the philosophy of "plain is best." His determination to avoid complications in life gets disturbed when he rescues a black cat he stumbles upon in the streets.

Little did he know, the black cat, named Kuro, is actually one of the seven 'Servamps.' Servamps are the powerful and eccentric vampires, each associated with and representing one of the seven deadly sins. Kuro, the Sleepy Ash, represents sloth, is the oldest, moody, and lazy. Endowed with the power of transformation, Kuro can change into a cat during the daytime, which is how he ended up crossing paths with Mahiru.

Following a series of events, Mahiru unwittingly forms a contract with Kuro, becoming his Eve, and discovers that his simple life has now become anything but simple. This contract gives Mahiru the control over Kuro and envelops him into the chaotic vampire world, dragging him into a series of magical conflicts and forcing him to address and fight evil vampires.

The show humorously portrays the growing relationship between Kuro and Mahiru as the lazy vampire finds himself being put to work by Mahiru, who's ready to take action against the other evil Servamps. As the series progresses, both the characters unravel more about their personality, their bond, and what it means to them.

As Mahiru and Kuro grow in both power and friendship, they meet other Servamps and their Eves, each one bursting with his unique personality and backstory. Each Servamp is perplexed with their centuries-old existence, battling with their own internal demons representing the sin they embody.

The show SERVAMP is not just about the conflict in the outer world but also about the internal battles each character fights. The dialogues are meaningful, touching upon themes of loneliness, despair, friendship, and the struggle to do what's right.

The show brilliantly marries humor and madness, balancing action-packed sequences with light-hearted, fun moments. The comedy elements mostly emerge from the absurdity of the situations and rich character interactions, albeit the show is not afraid to delve into the darker themes of fear and despair.

Visually, SERVAMP is a feast for the eyes. It showcases a unique aesthetic, favoring darker, cozier tones, each character's design doesn't fail to reflect his/her personality. The animation is smooth, and the action scenes are spectacular, making every fight scene exciting.

Moreover, the series also boasts an immersive and dynamic soundtrack, with peppy opening themes and more mellow, melancholic ending songs that perfectly align with the overall mood of the show. The background score does a fair job of setting the tone and mood for every scene and character.

All in all, SERVAMP is definitely more than just a vampire anime. It offers a new perspective on an age-old demon and combines it with modern elements. It's engaging, sometimes strangely hilarious, and unexpectedly deep and poignant at times. The fascinating blend of various anime genres is enough to keep you glued to the show. It’s an undisputed must-watch for anyone who appreciates anime series that perfectly balance action, comedy, supernatural elements, well-developed characters, and compelling storylines.