The Vermilion Mask is an anime that really doesn’t pull any punches, if its first episode is any indicator of what’s to come this fall season. The story of Peru D’Arrest is full of his internal failures and the bloodshed of those around him, but that part of him makes him strangely relatable to others in the world he inhabits. When paired with the power of his masks, Peru seems like an unstoppable and elusive boy, but you’re reminded that there’s always a bigger dog out there. The fast-paced, action-packed premise of The Vermilion Mask is one that kept me invested every second.
Episode 1 of the anime adaptation of Dr. Poro and Nabana Naba’s manga series doesn’t waste time putting the viewer into the fray. A flashback from Peru’s past sees him struggle with a tremendous source of power that can aid and destroy his life, the sentient Mask of the War God (VA: Akio Otsuka). This is one of various masks by legendary mask maker Gaston Roux (VA: Kazuhiko Inoue), Peru’s master. Unfortunately, such a mask can only be wielded with a heavy price to pay, and it’s one that not even Gaston foresaw paying.
Editor’s note: there will be spoilers for the events of The Vermilion Mask episode 1.
The Vermilion Mask Episode 1 Delivers Some Intense Scenes
At first, I thought The Vermilion Mask would ease you into the overall back story of Peru and what his motivations are, especially with his mask-selling gimmick in the city of Lisblanc. Taihi Kimura’s performance as Peru leads you to believe that he’s just a jokester wanting to make some money on his craft, but really, the star character of this anime is in for a wicked and dangerous ride. It doesn’t take long for trouble to start brewing when a distracted Peru gets his mask stolen by a girl named Sona (VA: Yuuki Yamamoto). You’re given some clues early on that whatever Sona stole had to be extremely important to Peru, but the episode reminds you that this mask set the course for some rather unfortunate events.
Foreshadowing aside, the episode doesn’t wait time introducing the main antagonistic force that Peru will be dealing with. Honestly, this episode moves really fast with its pacing in general, but it doesn’t skimp out on details while doing so. Totoque (VA: Wataru Komada) and his troops, all of which are under the command of Lisblanc’s ruler, make themselves known in only a matter of minutes, and with Sona at his side, Peru shows his cunning nature. Peru isn’t the typical shonen protagonist, and he can certainly play dirty. Totoque can see through him rather quickly, resulting in Peru using the Mask of the Spider in order to leap himself and Sona to safety.
There’s almost no time for rest in this episode, with Peru and Sona only having a brief dinner and chat. However, that little downtime brings some character motivations out in the open. Lisblanc is a miserable place with its people stripped of happiness and a sense of safety. It’s a unique setting for vigilante-like characters, though Peru doesn’t necessarily fall into that category. Sona hates the current leadership of the kingdom for making life feel this way, but its clear that there’s something deeper that motivates her, which is quickly revealed after they proceed with their next move.
Peru is determined to destroy Gaston’s masks, but in order to do so, he and Sona must sneak into Lisblanc Castle and make it out alive. Totoque discovers them and a battle ensues, with Peru quickly taking out Totoque’s lackeys in quick succession. Battles in The Vermilion Mask are quick and show the sheer lethality of Peru’s masks, especially one particular mask toward the end of that fight. Peru is calculated and ruthless when in danger. Even so, The Vermilion Mask does well to build up the overwhelming presence of Lord Gouon (VA: Takanori Hoshino), Lisblanc’s ruler.
A Great and Eventful Premiere Episode
I won’t spoil the ending, but I will say that sort of brings it full circle with the beginning scene of the episode. Lord Gouon makes his presence known in the closing minutes of the episode, being able to completely outwit Peru in an almost omniscient way—a Yhwach-like character even. Sona’s true identity as Sonarue Maywood is also revealed, and like Peru, her back story is teased to be equally as tragic and bloody. That tragedy causes her to do the unthinkable in Peru’s eyes, and having to potentially relive the trauma that the masks caused him is chilling and fascinating.
In totality, episode 1 of The Vermilion Mask is an action-packed thriller with music and voice acting that backs up the intensity and suspense. This episode left me with questions and wanting more, which is what I think an anime’s premiere episode should do. The animation style isn’t groundbreaking or completely impressive, but it’s definitely solid and looks really great in the moments that matter. The character designs stand out, especially. I’m locked in for more The Vermilion Mask, which premieres this October on Crunchyroll.
Dr. Poro and Naba launched the manga series in Shonengahosha’s Young King Ours magazine in February 2021. Shonengahosha publishes the manga in print. Orange’s emaqi e-bookstore platform publishes The Vermilion Mask in English.
Disclaimer: 33 USA and YTV provided access to The Vermilion Mask episode 1 for review purposes.
