What is: Cop Craft
Cop Craft is an anime series that blends fantasy and science fiction elements, based on the light novel written by Shoji Gatoh and illustrated by Range Murata. The story takes place in a fictional city called San Teresa, located on an island in the Pacific Ocean. The plot revolves around an unlikely partnership between a human detective, Kei Matoba, and a knight from the magical world, Tilarna Exedilica. Together, they tackle crimes and mysteries involving both humans and beings from a parallel world. The series is known for its unique approach to themes such as discrimination, justice, and cooperation between different cultures.
The anime Cop Craft was produced by Millepensee and premiered in July 2019. The 12-episode series explores the dynamic between the two protagonists as they solve complex cases. Kei Matoba is a seasoned and cynical detective, while Tilarna Exedilica is a noble and idealistic knight from a magical kingdom called Semani. The interaction between the two main characters is one of the series' strengths, providing both moments of tension and comic relief. The plot addresses relevant social issues, such as prejudice and the integration of different cultures, in an engaging and thoughtful manner.
San Teresa, the city where Cop Craft takes place, is a meeting point between the human world and the magical world of Semani. Fifteen years ago, a dimensional portal appeared in the middle of the ocean, connecting the two worlds. Since then, San Teresa has become a cultural melting pot, where humans and magical beings coexist, though not always in harmony. The city is portrayed as a vibrant and dangerous place, with a high crime rate and a blend of cultural influences. This unique setting serves as a backdrop for the cases Kei and Tilarna investigate, adding an extra layer of complexity to the narrative.
The Cop Craft series also stands out for its animation and character design. Range Murata, known for his work on series like Last Exile and Blue Submarine No. 6, brought his distinctive artistic style to the creation of the characters. The animation is fluid and detailed, especially in the action scenes, which are well-choreographed and thrilling. Furthermore, the soundtrack perfectly complements the tone of the series, ranging from tense and dramatic music to lighter, more relaxed melodies. These visual and auditory elements contribute to the viewer's immersion in the world of Cop Craft.
Another interesting aspect of Cop Craft is its approach to magic and technology. In the world of Semani, magic is an integral part of everyday life, while in the human world, technology is predominant. The series explores the interactions between these two systems of power, showing how they can be used for both good and evil. The cases Kei and Tilarna investigate often involve the misuse of magic or technology, raising ethical questions about power and responsibility. This duality between magic and technology adds depth to the plot and offers a reflection on the impact of these forces on society.
Cop Craft is a series that combines elements from different genres to create a rich and multifaceted narrative. The blend of fantasy, science fiction, crime drama, and comedy makes the series appealing to a wide range of viewers. Furthermore, the themes it addresses, such as discrimination, justice, and intercultural cooperation, are handled maturely and thoughtfully. The series not only entertains but also provokes reflection on contemporary social issues. With well-developed characters, an intriguing setting, and a gripping plot, Cop Craft is a valuable addition to the anime world.
