After Rizelle’s attack, Satella, Chrono, Rosette, and Azmaria have little time to relax in Chicago. Pursuers from Pandaemonium are seeking Chrono and take every opportunity to attack the group. In this volume, it’s revealed that Chrono killed his own kind and aided in Aion in killing Pandaemonium, which was their creator. Rosette’s group is eventually saved by the Chicago branch of the Order.
Meanwhile, Aion learns that Azmaria is traveling with Rosette and Chrono, which prompts him to pursue the group again. This new pursuit begins at a carnival in San Francisco, CA, where Rosette’s group is ordered to go to relax before their next mission. Once again, the group’s fun is short lived; Rosette and Chrono become separated as Rosette pursues an eagle she is sure is Aion in disguise. Before the volume’s end, Rosette finally comes face-to-face with Joshua.
About the Manga
Chrono Crusade, Volume 4 (2001)
Chapters: 22 to 28
Series: Chrono Crusade (1999-2004)
Volumes: 8
Author(s): Daisuke Moriyama
Demographic: Shōnen
Genre(s): Action, Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, Supernatural
Theme(s): Friendship, Limited Time, Love, Power, Sacrifice, Siblinghood
Status: Complete
Trigger(s): None
Review
I give this volume 5 out of 5 stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Moriyama’s manga series continues to impress me with the ongoing inner turmoil that the characters face. I like the fact that none of the characters’ insecurities or other issues are easily discarded. This makes me believe that Moriyama made the effort in making the characters have more depth. Their struggles aren’t necessarily used as plot devices; they’re things that the characters must overcome. The fourth volume of the series suggests that the characters will work on their insecurities and that they’re likely to develop before the series’ finale.
Azmaria continues to doubt in herself. This is something that I might have seen issues with because of how often this comes up in the series; however, she’s still a child, and given her traumatic upbringing, her insecurities are realistic. Azmaria has trouble accepting herself as an Apostle, a friend, and a member of the Order. She wants to be like Rosette, but finds it difficult to find the confidence.
In this volume, Chrono is in a similar situation; he reminisces about his past and has trouble moving on from what he’s done. It’s even more difficult for him in this volume because of the Pursuers. I like that Moriyama puts Chrono in a more vulnerable position. Although Chrono is a demon, he is humanized by his emotions, relationships, and experiences. This volume also hints at a more romantic relationship between he and Rosette. It’s evident by his guilt over their contract and his worry for her shortened lifespan. I can’t express how much I love his character. I hope I continue to read more about his past in the later volumes.
While the characterizations were the best part of the volume for me, I didn’t appreciate the random fanservice scene with Rosette and Azmaria in the shower. Although this inclusion didn’t influence my rating, I do think that it’s one of the things that makes the story bumpy. It’s not surprising to see fanservice in a shōnen series, but the heartfelt conversations that Rosette and Azmaria have (about Azmaria’s growth) could have happened while fully clothed.
On another note, the antagonistic side of the series is finally making more appearances. These characters are still mysterious in their own ways, though Moriyama suggests that they dislike each other and have their own goals to pursue. Their dynamics are interesting, but I’m more curious about Joshua’s dynamic with his new companion Fiore, Rizelle’s replacement, and Aion. Aion is clearly using Joshua, but what about Fiore? Why do these women care about him so much? Does Aion brainwash them? Does Joshua? I hope I find out soon…
Until my next post,
Cassandra D. 🌙
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