In 1988, an OVA series called KYUUKETSUKI MIYU (Vampire Princess Miyu) was released. Created by Hirano Toshihiro (ICZER, DANGAIOH) and Kakinouchi Narumi, it has been very successful both in Japan and the United States, where AnimEigo released it several years ago. Billed as horror but more akin to supernatural drama, the story follows a spiritualist, Himiko, who becomes embroiled in the activities of a mystifying young girl — a girl who hunts Shinma (demon-gods) and preys on humans for blood. Mysterious, filled with atmosphere, and beautifully executed, this OVA inevitably left fans clamoring after the fourth and last episode, "Is there more?!"
Well, it has now been nine long years, but now their prayers have been answered. The MIYU TV series began broadcasting in October of 1997 and seems to be slated for 26 episodes, with the first LD to be released in February. But now of course, the question everyone will ask is, "Is it a worthy successor?" The art and animation in the original MIYU OVA is dated but still decent, and the driving point, the way the story unfolds, is superb. And let us not forget the music by Kawai Kenji, which truly made the OVA what it was.
A tough act to follow under any circumstances, but more so when the background to the TV series is considered: a late night slot that is cheap but deters would-be viewers; a new character designer (Kadonosono Megumi of RAYEARTH OVA); new voices for Miyu (Nagasawa Miki) and Larva ( Miki Shin'ichirou); no Himiko to serve as a point of view; and what may make MIYU fans cringe the most, a junior high school setting and a fluffy white rabbit-like mascot called Shiina.
Magical Pretty Vampire Girl Miyu? Thank god, no. But the similarities are there, and they hit a little too close for comfort. Yes, times have changed and the magical girls genre is the rave, but this reviewer does not take well to this particular compromise. Certainly, Shiina sports a grotesque eye, and Miyu is moody and dark. But her gaggle of junior high school friends has to go. Miyu is a cold calculating hunter of Shinma, not some magical girl. Her competence has also taken a dive; most of the time it is Larva to the rescue. She is also too nice. One of the things that made Miyu so fascinating was her inner battle between her nature as vampire and her memories of lost humanity. One could never decide if she was good or evil. Here, she is just, well, too nice. Miyu is close to being a boring, predictable character.
Perhaps the criticism is overly harsh. It is by no means a bad anime. The music, once again by Kawai, is still very good.. The art and animation vary in quality but have been improving lately. The new voices are also a success despite initial doubts, and the character designs, while not quite matching the frailty and grace of their predecessor, are modern and solid. There are episodes every now and then that recall the eerie atmosphere of the OVA series. There is a notable scene in one where Miyu casually watches a suicide plunge to his death and later does nothing to prevent another. Miyu's friends do not show up in every episode, so the feel of the show is not as restricted as it could be. And the opening is a favorite, simple and elegant that it is.
So what of the story? Well, that is probably one of the biggest problems with this show. Basically, other than the fact that Miyu goes around sending stray Shinma to the dark, there is none. In the beginning, Miyu transfers into a new junior high school where she becomes part of this group of friends. The first few episodes deal with various mysterious events that occur around these girls. Later, a Shinma named Reiha makes her appearance as Miyu's rival Shinma hunter. So far, these plot movers have not been used to anywhere near their potential. Rather, MIYU seems stuck in the formulaic "monster of the week" format. There is no direction, no unfolding mystery, no grand design. And unfortunately, there are not enough imaginative episodes to justify this format. It remains to be seen if the conclusion packs a big enough punch to make this series. Hirano's record gives hope that he will finally pull together the threads of Miyu's friends and her friction with Reiha into an emotional conclusion.
For those fans who have not seen any MIYU, first check out the OVA series. Hardcore fans definitely want to watch this TV series if they can get their hands on it — it is worth it just to see old friends again. Just do not set the expectations too high.

VAMPIRE MIYU TV © 1997 Hirano Office/Miyu Project/TV Tokyo Airs TV Tokyo, Tuesday 115-145 [Mondays 2515-2545]