What is it: Cop Craft
Cop Craft is an anime series that mixes elements of fantasy and science fiction, 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 face crimes and mysteries that involve 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 Cop Craft anime was produced by studio Millepensee and premiered in July 2019. The series consists of 12 episodes that explore the dynamics between the two protagonists as they solve complex cases. Kei Matoba is an experienced 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' strong points, 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 reflective way.
San Teresa, the city where the story of Cop Craft takes place, is a meeting point between the human world and the magical world of Semani. 15 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, although not always in harmony. The city is portrayed as a vibrant and dangerous place, with a high crime rate and a mix of cultural influences. This unique setting serves as the backdrop for the cases that Kei and Tilarna investigate, adding an extra layer of complexity to the narrative.
The Cop Craft series is also notable for its animation and character design. Range Murata, known for his work on series such as Last Exile and Blue Submarine No. 6, brought his distinctive artistic style to character creation. The animation is fluid and detailed, especially in the action scenes, which are well choreographed and exciting. Furthermore, the soundtrack perfectly complements the tone of the series, ranging from tense and dramatic songs to lighter and 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 the way it approaches magic and technology. In Semani's world, 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 mix of fantasy, science fiction, crime drama and comedy makes the series appealing to a wide range of viewers. Furthermore, the topics covered, such as discrimination, justice and intercultural cooperation, are treated in a mature and considered manner. The series not only entertains, but also provokes reflection on contemporary social issues. With well-developed characters, an intriguing setting, and an engaging plot, Cop Craft is a worthy addition to the world of anime.
