Babanba Banban Vampire [Season 1 Episode 12]

Babanba Banban Vampire: A Bloody Love Comedy That’s as Wild as It Sounds

If you’re looking for an anime that’s equal parts absurd, hilarious, and borderline problematic, Babanba Banban Vampire might just be your next guilty pleasure. The show, which aired its twelfth and final episode on March 29, 2025, has sparked a whirlwind of reactions—ranging from shocked disbelief to unironic adoration. At its core, it’s a BL (or “Bloody Love Comedy,” as the creators cheekily label it) about a 450-year-old vampire named Ranmaru, who works at a public bathhouse and is obsessed with protecting the virginity of 15-year-old Rihito, the bathhouse owner’s son. Why? Because he’s waiting for the boy to turn 18 so he can… well, drink his blood. Or is it a metaphor for something else? The internet has thoughts.

The Premise: A Recipe for Chaos

From the get-go, Babanba Banban Vampire doesn’t shy away from its ridiculous premise. Ranmaru, voiced by the legendary Namikawa Daisuke (yes, the same guy who brought Hisoka from Hunter x Hunter to life), is a vampire with a very specific taste: the blood of an 18-year-old virgin. To ensure Rihito’s purity, he takes a part-time job at the bathhouse where Rihito lives, essentially becoming a self-appointed guardian of the boy’s chastity.

The show walks a fine line between dark comedy and outright absurdity. One Reddit user described it as “a BL that would’ve come out 20 years ago insane,” and honestly, that’s not far off. The humor is over-the-top, with visual gags (including Ranmaru’s very obvious “excitement” at the thought of Rihito’s future blood) and rapid-fire jokes that either land perfectly or leave you questioning your life choices.

Fan Reactions: Love It or Hate It

The discourse around Babanba Banban Vampire is as spicy as the show itself. Here’s a breakdown of what fans are saying:

The Defenders

• “This is PEAK comedy!” – Some viewers are fully on board with the show’s unapologetic absurdity. They argue that if you take it at face value—as a parody of BL and vampire tropes—it’s downright hilarious. One fan even declared, “Review bomb it all you want, WE WILL DEFEND THIS PEAK.”
• “Ranmaru is a lovable disaster.” – Despite his questionable motives, Ranmaru’s character design and Daisuke’s voice acting make him oddly charming. His over-the-top reactions and dramatic flair (think: Hisoka but with more bathhouse antics) are a highlight for many.

The Critics

• “This is problematic as fuuuuuu—” – Not everyone is laughing. The show’s premise—a centuries-old vampire fixated on a teenager—has raised eyebrows, with some calling it out for its uncomfortable undertones. One MyAnimeList user bluntly stated, “This sure ain’t helping BL’s toxic reputation.”
• “Is this even BL?” – The genre itself is up for debate. While the manga is tagged as BL, the anime’s execution feels more like a parody than a traditional romance. Some fans are holding out hope for deeper character development, while others are just here for the chaos.

The Undecided

• “I hate that I know I’m going to watch this trash.” – A surprising number of viewers admit they’re hooked despite their reservations. As one Redditor put it, “Anime is trash, and so am I.”

Episode 12: The Grand (?) Finale

The final episode, titled “And Thus, A New Vampire,” wraps up the season with… well, more of the same madness. Without spoiling too much, Ranmaru’s obsession reaches its peak (pun intended), and Rihito’s obliviousness continues to be a running gag. The episode leans hard into the show’s comedic roots, delivering a finale that’s as chaotic as the series itself.

Fans had mixed feelings:
– Some praised the ending for staying true to the show’s tone, calling it “a perfect conclusion to this trainwreck of a masterpiece.”
– Others felt it was anticlimactic, wishing for more resolution (or at least a clearer indication of whether Ranmaru’s intentions were ever pure—or just predatory).

Final Verdict: A Wild Ride Worth Taking?

Babanba Banban Vampire is the kind of anime that thrives on its own absurdity. It’s not for everyone, and it knows it. If you’re looking for a deep, meaningful BL story, this isn’t it. But if you’re in the mood for something unapologetically ridiculous, with a side of questionable morals and top-tier voice acting, give it a shot.

As one fan perfectly summarized: “This is the anime equivalent of eating junk food—you know it’s bad for you, but you can’t stop.”

So, will you be tuning in for Season 2 (if there is one)? Or are you running for the hills? Either way, Babanba Banban Vampire has cemented itself as one of the most talked-about—and divisive—anime of 2025.

What did you think of the finale? Let us know in the comments! 🧛‍♂️💘