We are in the roaring 20′s. Jazz is king, bootleg liquor flows freely, and the mob rules the streets. It is a time of prosperity, luxury and decadence, and the division between rich and poor grows even wider in the wake of the World War I. It is at such times of great change and upheaval that the dark things that lurk below the world of man can come to the surface. In the world of Chrono Crusade, a fictional organization known as the Order of Magdalene (or more specifically, the characters of Sister Rosette Christopher and her soul-bound demon partner, Chrono) exists to fight the demonic threats that appear with increasing regularity across America.
Chrono is a devil who seemingly has turned his back on evil – a rather interesting and ironic move to make. Rosette too is driven by a somewhat troubled past. She met him when she was very young and spend most of their time together since – it is only when Rosette’s older brother, Joshua, goes missing that she decides to make the deal with the devil. The deal ties her life-energy and remaining lifetime to a device which appears to be something like a clock. When activated, Chrono returns back to his original demon form – while lifetime is taken away from Rosette.
The Order of Magdalene is an organization of the Catholic Church that banishes devils and demons. The Order has many branches around the country (some that are mentioned/visited include the Chicago, San Francisco, and Seattle branches); each one is presided over by the Council of the Catholic Church. The New York branch of the Order is headed by Kate Valentine, assisted by Ewan Remington, who lead the fight against the forces of darkness. The Order has many members; however, in times of great crisis, other less generally accepted individuals may be introduced into the Order to help fight the forces of darkness.
To sleep: perchance to dream: ay, there’s the rub;
For in that sleep of death what dreams may come
When we have shuffled off this mortal coil,
Must give us pause: there’s the respect
They use various weapons, mainly guns, swords, and melee weapons, many of which are developed by the New York branch’s own Edward “Elder” Hamilton. The Order’s preferred handgun is the Colt 1911, often loaded with Sacred, standard bullets containing holy water, and Gospel, bullets with alchemized silver.
What initially seems to start off as a sort Monter-Of-The-Week show, where Rosette and Chrono fight evil entities and ghosts that appear throughout America, quickly becomes a journey into the past of both. Rosette learns about the possibility that she might be able to find and retrieve her older brother, to find out what happened to him. However along the way they meet Aion, a so-called Sinner – who only has one goal in mind. And for that he needs Joshua. Rosette doesn’t waste any time and embarks on a life-altering journey.
The technology, except for the Gospel bullets, seems to be pretty on-par with what existed at the time. However, occasionally Chrono can be seen transporting a very early version of a mobile phone in form of a backpack – which also only seems to be limited in range.
From beginning to the end – this is most definitely a ride that jumped from zero into a place in my top ten. The score is fantastic, voice-acting is superb. The scenery is dark and sinister at times, and it is set in a rather religious background – which is an unusual setting for any anime, but to hell with it: this came straight from above. It has become a very emotional ride for me as well toward the end – if you don’t cry at the end, you really don’t have a heart. Have some faith and believe. Pray that you don’t miss out on this one.
That makes calamity of so long life;
… Soft you now!
The fair Ophelia! Nymph, in thy orisonsBe all my sins remember’d.
Chrono Crusade
Directed by: Yū Kō
Studio: Gonzo
Licensed by: Funimation Entertainment, Madman Entertainment
Network: Fuji TV
Original run: November 24, 2003 – June 10, 2004
Episodes: 24
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