Review of Irina: The Vampire Cosmonaut

Disclaimer: I have not read the light novel (LN) of this series, thus I am unsure of how accurate the anime adapts from the original source. Therefore, most of the comments here will be analysing the anime as an original show rather than an adaptation of the LN. Story: The story is set in an alternate reality of Earth where the events are similar to the Space Race period. The story is self-explanatory based on the idea that the Space Race is about whoever gets to reach Space (in the context of the anime) first. As a result, there is little world-building required and the storymainly concentrates on the characters and their interactions highlighting their different personalities which concentrate on the theme of human connection. Hence, the main selling point of the story is by adding a character that is different from everyone else (i.e. a vampire) would human connection still apply and where will it take them if it does happen. As such, the story focuses on the connection between the human main character (MC), Lev Leps, to the vampire girl, Irina, using the Space Race as a commonality between their race (and relationship). The story was enjoyable and simplistic since it is quite predictable that the interaction between the MC and vampire girl will lead to a direction where trust becomes a focal point leading to a possible romantic relationship (or some undertones of it). Preferably, I felt that some world-building on how the vampires came into being and some more cultural connection between them to Space will give the connection between humans and vampires as well as the common goal of going to space to be more impactful. The way the story ends is somewhat unsatisfactory but if it follows how the LN ends then I cannot say anything more than that.

Character: All the characters have simple personalities with little characterisation to them which makes sense considering the theme of the story is about the human connections to others (especially to species other than their own). Therefore, these simple personalities just further highlight the connection between the MC and the vampire girl as well as the unity they have towards achieving the same goal. This makes sense since the main point is to focus on the connection between the MC and the vampire girl.

Sound and Art: The art and animation were well done. As for the sound and music used in the anime, it was quite repetitive on using the same insert song over and over (although I am aware that this was intentional, I wasn't just a fan of that music). The OP was enjoyable, wasn't expecting ALI PROJECT to be singing it, though it does fit and the ED was fine as well.

Overall: A very simple story based on events that are similar to the Space Race in the 20th century. Although, there could have been more on the backstory between vampires and humans as well as the connection between vampires to Space (or maybe the moon) it does not fundamentally change the story. Although the connection between the MC and vampire girl had a predictable outcome it still was enjoyable to observe what events need to happen in order for them to form the bond.