What is MARS RED?#
Set in 1923, MARS RED presents a unique twist on the vampire mythos. In this world, vampires have existed for some time, but their numbers are suddenly increasing alongside the appearance of a mysterious artificial blood source known as “Ascra.” To combat this threat, the Japanese government establishes “Code Zero,” a specialized military unit tasked with neutralizing vampiric forces. In a tactical irony, the government finds that the most effective way to track and hunt vampires is by employing vampires themselves.
If you enjoy a blend of historical setting and supernatural combat, you can watch the anime on Prime Video.
Is the Anime Finished?#
When deciding whether to commit to the series, the biggest question is usually whether the story reaches a satisfying conclusion. MARS RED is an adaptation of a manga that ran from November 2019 to July 2021.
While the anime provides a thrilling experience, those who want the complete, definitive version of the narrative should look toward the source material. To ensure you have the full story, we recommend buying the MARS RED manga.
Themes and Audience Appeal#
MARS RED is best suited for viewers who appreciate a moody, atmospheric setting combined with high-stakes action. The series leans heavily into several distinct themes:
- Military Intrigue: The focus on “Code Zero” brings a structured, tactical element to the supernatural conflict.
- Swordplay: Expect stylized combat and traditional weaponry.
- Supernatural Horror: The central conflict revolves around the nature of vampires and the mysterious Ascra blood.
Because of these elements, it is a great pick for fans of supernatural action and historical fantasies. If you’re a fan of the series’ aesthetic, you might also want to browse MARS RED merchandise.
Recommended Watch Order#
Depending on how much of the universe you want to explore, there are a few different ways to approach the series. You can refer to the relationship tree on this page for a visual breakdown of how the titles connect.
Release Order#
If you want to experience the content as it was delivered to the public:
- Code Zero Daily Report (Mini-anime/Spinoff)
- MARS RED (Main series)
Completionist Order#
For those who want every piece of additional content and context before diving into the main plot, we suggest starting with the spinoff:
- Code Zero Daily Report $\rightarrow$ MARS RED
The “Source First” Order#
For viewers who prefer the original vision and do not mind reading, the best path is to start with the manga. This ensures you have the full context before watching the anime adaptation.
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Useful Extras#
For those interested in the production of the show, the series featured a notable soundtrack, including an opening song performed by Wagakki Band and an ending song by HYDE. These musical choices complement the 1920s Japanese setting and the supernatural themes of the show.
MARS RED • anime • 2021-04-05
└─(spinoff)→ Code Zero Daily Report • anime • 2020-11-24 to 2021-03-23
└─(adaptation)→ MARS RED • manga • 2019-11-05 to 2021-07-05 (Comic Garden, Dec 2019 - Aug 2021)

