Chrono Crusade Gospel 1: A Plague of Demons - Anime Lives
- Anime Lives
- Kezja
- 06/23/05
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"If you like action, guns, and devils, this is one for you."
Chrono (Chrno) Crusade Volume 1: A Plague of Demons
Sypnosis: The year is 1928. Jazz is hot, bootleg liquor is king and, the idle rich of a nation have discovered a horrifying new past-time: summoning demons! To combat this growing threat, a new order of Holy Warriors has arisen. This is the story of Sister Rosette, and elite exorcist in the Order of Magdalene, whose soul has been bound by alchemy to that of the devil Chrono. Armed with sacred ammo, they form an unstoppable team, ready to wage war at a moments notice... because when the gates of Hell are opened, someone's got to put the devils back!
Review: For those who like guns, devils, and lots of action, this should be an enjoyable anime for you! There is action within each episode, even from the beginning. It starts out with Rosette (the blonde female dressed in a blue nun outfit on the cover) and Chrono (purpled hair guy that wears red coat and pants) going out on a mission to exterminate a devil. They are considered to be exorcists in a way. Carrying a Government .45, Rosette shoots 'Sacred' bullets to exterminate this threat. These 'Sacred' contain holy oil that harm the devils. After Rosette gets a bit carried away, the whole building starts to collapse! Her and Chrono barely escape with their lives and the destruction of the building annoys Rosette. Just hearing Chrono say 'Rosette, you did it
again' when they escape tells you that she has destroyed in the past before.
The animation and graphic design in this show is just splendid and spectacular. What else do you expect from Gonzo Digimation? If you watch the clean opening and closing of the show, you'll understand what I mean when I say splendid and spectacular. They even included 'Original On-Air Openings' for Chrono Crusade that gave it a 1920's feel. The pictures are excellent and can give a spooky sensation or feel when needed (an example is when Rosette sees the mummified body in episode 1). The color is vibrant and the shading terrific, what more to say?
Sound-wise, the only problem I had with the first volume was the dubbed voices of Rosette and Chrono. No offense to Hilary Haag and Greg Ayres, they did a great job, but I think
too great of one. When I started up the fourth episode, my head was hurting from Rosette's loud tone and Chrono's annoying childish one. Greg does do a good job at making Chrono's more deeper voice when Chrono transforms. Music is great and catchy. No problems in the music field and I took a liking to the action theme they played (which can be heard on the trailers for Chrono Crusade). The English voices are realistic in emotion and get the job done, meaning that they know how to get the point out the same as the Japanese version. Even with the crazy humor and antics, the show has a serious opening and closing music.
As I was saying before, Chrono Crusade has plenty of action. From the get-go to the end of the fouth episode, you shouldn't be disappointed. Gun blazing here and there, this anime manages to tell a superb story though it all. Comedy is here and there in this anime and it is quite funny. May it be Rosette's crazy antics or lines, or all of the goofs, and screaming, take your pick. There is one funny part from Elder, done by John Swasey, that is hilarious. Elder slides out from under the table to directly where Rosette is sitting at and says, and I quote, 'I see Paris, I see France, I see someone's --'. You'll be able to tell that Elder is a perverted old man, yet ingenious. There is also the character of Azmaria, introduced in the fourth episode, who is an Apostle. Father Remington and Kate Valentine (the main nun that yells at Rosette constantly) play great roles in this anime as well.
This has to be the DVD with the most content that I've ever purchased to date. Along with the great price, it comes with the following:
- Azmaria's Extra Classes
- Background Info for Characters and Setting
- Production Sketches
- Clean Opening and Closing Animations
- Original On-Air Opening Animations
- ADV Previews
- Reverisble Cover
- Commetary
The Azmaria's Extra Classes helps to elaborate more about Chrono Crusade while showing clips of the anime. In the first volume, it talks about the 1920's and more about the Magdalene Order. The commetary track included is interesting as well.
Overall, this anime is an intriguing one that I liked. If you like action, guns, and devils, this is one for you. It will stick in my mind because I don't think there are any other animes out there that have nuns with guns, devils, and the 1920's all in one. Another anime that ADR Director Matt Greenfield was involved in, this one does not disappoint.
Posted on Thursday, June 23, 2005 (Archive on Saturday, July 23, 2005)