Peacemaker Volume 1: Innocence Lost - X Bridge
- X Bridge
- Jeff Harris
- 10/28/04
- click here
Peacemaker - Vol. 1: Innocence Lost
Genre: Feudal action
Producer: GONZO/TV Asahi/MAG Garden/Shinsengumi-Tonsyo/ADV Films
Director: Tomohiro Hirata
Creator: Nanae Chrono
Medium: Japanese 2D animation
Rated: 15+ (for feudal violence)
The Skinny: A teenaged boy wants to join an elite group of protectors to avenge the deaths of his parents only to learn that they're just as vicious as the ones who committed the murder.
Where Found: In greater video stores/retail outlets near you courtesy of ADV Films.
Pros: The characters are well-fleshed out and the plot mixes action with comedy well, and it's good to see the creators give their two cents about the creation process in the linear notes.
Cons: Could somebody PLEASE tell me what's the obsession with uber-feminine looking Japanese guys?
My Take:
GONZO has made a lot of great shows in recent years. From Blue Submarine No. 6 to Last Exile and Chrono Crusade. In the tradition of Rurouni Kenshin, GONZO and ADV Films brings you Nanae Chrono's Peacemaker, based on her Peacemaker Kurogane manga (also availiable from ADV Manga) although some things are different designwise.
Now, traditionally in this country, the term 'peacemaker' has come to symbolize many things. There's the literal definition, one who seeks an end to conflict, and there's the western (Old West, not particularly American) definition, which is a weapon that will 'solve' all problems. Tetsunosuke Ichimura (Tetsu for short) is the son of someone once called 'Peacemaker.' After both his parents got killed by rebels of the Choshu clan, Tetsu and his older brother Tatsunosuke (Tatsu for short) are orphened. Two years after that incident, after seeing a sign in the villiage asking for willing volunteers, Tetsu seeks out the Shinsengumi, a group of swordsmen loyal to the government. Tatsu is shocked and slightly embarassed by his younger brother's behavior. Even though he is 15, Tetsu still looks like a little kid. Hijikata, the vice commander of the Shinsegumi, sees a lot of potential in Tetsu and gives him permission to join the Shinsengumi. However, much to his surprise, Tetsu is given the position of page, meaning he doesn't get to carry a sword, and he has to do a lot of grunt work, from feeding the livestock to getting tea to patrolling the temple at night. Another member of the Shinsengumi is Soji Okita. He may look like a raven-haired woman (not to mention acting and dressing like one), but within him lies the soul of a bloodthirsty killer, something Tetsu learns first hand in the third episode of the disc. In fact, Tetsu learns that the Shinsengumi are just as violent as the Choshu, who killed his parents. Would Tetsu be willing to accept the seemingly demonic ways of the Shinsengumi or will he take the path started by his father?
This series perfectly blends feudal action with comedic moments, not unlike Rurouni Kenshin. You could see Tetsu being stomped in a pig pin one moment and a fight between Shinsengumi and Choshu swordsmen in another. The series doesn't miss a beat with one great moment after the next. Now for those confused about the series and the manga, there are some differences between the two. For starters, Tetsu looks like a mini-Kenshin Himura in the anime and looks more age-appropriate, but that could just be a designer's difference. Second, the series, despite its violent nature, is somewhat tame compared to the manga, which is twisted and much darker. The manga takes place in a seemingly later timespan than the series, although one scene is present in both (so far). Peacemaker is a great series that would make an excellent addition to your library.
Jeff Harris
October, 2004
Posted on Thursday, October 28, 2004 (Archive on Sunday, November 28, 2004)