May 25, 2004
Chrono Crusade: Manga
I planned on doing a review of the anime series, I even had some cool screen caps I took. Note the word HAD. However, due to techincal difficulties, that project has been put on hold until the computer fix it people get off their asses and fix my computer. (no, I'm not bitter)
So, today, I'm going to talk about the manga, and I have managed to figure out how to edit pictures on my mother's pc (what pain that is...I miss my Adobe) Anyway, enough of my cranky whining. Stop reading this post and go buy the first GN. Period. This is a fantastic series. Excellent. Stunning. Compelling. Not to mention it has probably one of the most incredible endings I've ever seen in a manga series yet.
First of all, the art work is fantastic. I'm a sucker for good, clean art, and Chrono Crusade doesn't disappoint. The characters are drawn with expression and great characterization. The lines are clean, the tones are well done. The panels are well laid out and easy to follow, not to mention interesting. This series is eye candy, IMO. (I apologize for the quality of these scans...I'm working with sub par resources here, so bear with me)
Of course, good art is pointless without a decent story to go along with it. Once again, Chrono Crusade doesn't fail here either. Rosette, our the hero of our story, is a nun of the Magdalan Order. It's her duty to exterminate gouls, demons, devils, etc. She's good at what she does, albit, a bit untidy and reckless. She hardly seems the nunish type, especially when it comes to her companion and dear friend Chrono. Though at first glance, Chrono looks like a 10 year old kid and is kind and gentle to a fault, he's actually a devil. A powerful devil to be exact. Rosette has made a contract with him, allowing him to use her soul as a source of power. However, Chrono is often reluctant to unleash his potential in fear of killing Rosette. Around her neck, Rosette wears a pocketwatch that keeps track of the time she has left to live. More than likley, she won't live past the age of 30. Why she's made this pact with Chrono is yet to be revealed.
At first, the story is a bit cliche, but it's entertaining enough to overlook. As more characters are unveiled, the plot starts to take some serious twists. Chrono seems to harbor some great guilt, which is brilliantly characterized in by the artist. His smiles are often sad, and his joy over shadowed by some dark regret. A rather mellow, agreeable fellow, Chrono spends much of his time following Rosette around, trying to keep her out of trouble (and failing miserably). However, despite his easy going nature, we see early on that once Rosette has gotten herself in too deep, Chrono's possessiveness unleashes and he loses his control with reckless abandon. However, his concern for Rosette's welfare seems to go far deeper than just his contractee and source of power.
I was skeptical of reading this manga, afraid of the tired old trap of fan service and stupid girls with guns. I was surprised to discover what an amazing story unfolded in this series (with only a little fan-service, thank god). It's full of humor. Rosette and Chrono are like oil and water, but somehow they have created a beautiful friendship with one another. Not to mention Chrono, the almightly devil, constantly taking beatings from a highstrung, reckless Rosette without so much as a peep or protest. It's action packed, as the two of them exterminate demons and gouls, then clash head to head with some of Chrono's old friends (later volumes). Aion, the main villian is deviantly evil, but his motives actually hold some merit and make you consider if his way of thinking is actually wrong. The mysteries of Chrono's past, his relationship with Rosette, who the Apostles really are and what their purpose really is keeps the story interesting and addictive. Occasionally, the tale is heartwrenchingly sad ( I cried a couple times reading the manga and watching the anime). So, despite first glances, this story isn't as straight laced and "unoriginal" as I expected. It's actually incredibly good and worth spending money on.
As of now, ADV Manga is releasing the english version here in the US. Volume 1 is out in stores today, so go pick up a copy. I actually am impressed with the quality of work ADV Manga does and despite the first two pages being upside down (mistakes happen), I have no complaints over their products. Later this year, ADV will release the anime series, which is a good watch as well and I recommend picking up (I'll post some screens later).
Posted by Zoso at May 25, 2004 10:31 PM