Ask John: What’s John’s Opinion of Chrno Crusade?

Question:
I recently watched a anime show called Chrno Crusade. Have you seen it, and if so, what do you think about it?

Answer:
So far, I’ve watched Chrno Crusade up through episode 9. Lately I’ve been falling behind on it because I’m losing interest in it. The show is a Gonzo production, which usually signifies exciting and entertaining anime intended for hardcore anime fans. But Chrno Crusade (along with Gonzo’s simultaneous production Peacemaker Kurogane) has given me the impression that it’s anime trying very hard to attract both traditional male anime viewers and female viewers. The show seems to include quite a bit of sappy sentimentality, comedy that’s stupid instead of witty, occasional fan service for male viewers, and a heavy-handed effort to turn Chrno and Joshua into bishonen heartthrobs for female viewers. For me, these aspects of the Chrno Crusade anime dilute a lot of the show’s potential. Considering that the Chrno Crusade anime is coming from the same studio that produced the Hellsing anime, Chrno Crusade feels like Hellsing for girls; a kinder and gentler Hellsing. Personally, I just don’t find that very appealing. While Chrno Crusade does have attractive character designs and animation good enough to remotely maintain my interest, I can’t help but feel as though the Chrno Crusade anime has been watered down. Instead of developing a single focus and either being a lighthearted, fan service friendly version of Hellsing or a bishonen adventure like Meitantei Loki Ragnarok, Chrno Crusade waffles between both styles and fails to totally succeed at either.