Cop Craft [Season 1 Episodes 1-12]

Alright, let’s dive into Cop Craft Season 1, Episodes 1-12. First off, this anime is based on a light novel series by Shoji Gatoh, the same guy who did Full Metal Panic!, so you know there’s some solid writing behind it. The story is set in San-Teresa, a city where Earth and a magical world collided 15 years ago, bringing fairies, monsters, and all sorts of chaos. The cops here have to deal with both human and otherworldly crime, which is where our main duo comes in: Kei Matoba, a rough-around-the-edges detective, and Tilarna Exedilica, a knight from the magical realm sent to retrieve a stolen artifact.

Now, let’s talk about what fans are saying. A lot of people love the dynamic between Kei and Tilarna. Their banter is hilarious—Kei’s sarcasm vs. Tilarna’s no-nonsense attitude makes for some great moments. One user even called Tilarna their “waifu of the season,” which says a lot about her charm. The world-building is another big plus; mixing modern-day police work with fantasy elements keeps things fresh. The idea of a magical gate in the Pacific Ocean and two million otherworldly beings living in San-Teresa is super intriguing, and the show does a good job of exploring the tensions between humans and these new residents.

But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. The animation quality is a major point of contention. Fans have been complaining about choppy fight scenes, excessive use of CGI, and dark, hard-to-see moments. Episode 3 was particularly bad, with still frames and shaky cam making it almost unwatchable for some. Even later episodes like 5 had issues—one user noted that the fight scenes felt “rushed” and “low frame rate,” which takes away from the excitement. The production company, Millepensee, has a history of mixed results (they did Berserk 2016, which also had animation problems), so maybe that’s part of the issue.

The plot itself is a mix of episodic cases and an overarching mystery involving the Book of Niba, a powerful artifact that the villains are after. The vampire arc in Episode 5 was a highlight for some—tragic, with a creepy villain and a satisfying (if gruesome) ending. But others felt it was too short, and the villain’s death by train was underwhelming. The pacing can be off too; some episodes feel rushed, while others drag with too much dialogue.

The soundtrack is a bright spot, though. Fans are raving about the OST, calling it “really damn good” and “amazing.” The ending theme, in particular, gets a lot of love. It’s catchy and fits the show’s tone perfectly, which is always a win.

Character development is another area where Cop Craft shines. Kei starts off as a cynical cop, but his relationship with Tilarna softens him over time. Tilarna, on the other hand, learns to adapt to Earth’s ways and becomes more human-like (in a good way). Their partnership feels genuine, and you can’t help but root for them. Supporting characters like Inspector Zimmer, who defends the rights of otherworldly beings, add depth to the story and make San-Teresa feel like a real, lived-in place.

One of the most interesting aspects is the cultural clash between Earth and the magical realm. Tilarna’s confusion with modern technology (like guns and cars) is funny, but it also raises questions about coexistence. The show doesn’t shy away from darker themes either—drugs, prostitution, and trafficking are all part of the crime they fight, which gives it a gritty, realistic edge despite the fantasy elements.

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: the animation. While it’s not the worst I’ve seen, it’s definitely a letdown. The fight scenes, which should be exciting, often fall flat due to poor choreography and CGI. Some users even dropped the show because of it. It’s a shame because the story and characters are so strong—if a better studio had handled it, Cop Craft could’ve been a top-tier anime.

But here’s the thing: if you can look past the animation issues, there’s a lot to love. The writing is clever, the humor is on point, and the world is fascinating. Fans who stuck with it often say it’s one of their favorites of the season, praising its originality and character dynamics. It’s not perfect, but it’s unique, and in a sea of generic isekai and rom-coms, that’s refreshing.

In conclusion, Cop Craft Season 1 is a mixed bag. The animation is a major flaw, but the story, characters, and world-building make it worth watching. If you’re into buddy cop shows with a fantasy twist, give it a shot—just don’t expect top-notch visuals. And hey, if you end up loving it, you can always check out the light novels for more content.

So, what do you think? Are you willing to overlook the animation for a good story? Let me know in the comments! And if you’re already a fan, what’s your favorite moment from the season? Let’s keep the discussion going.

Cop Craft may not be perfect, but it’s got heart—and that’s more than enough for me.

Final Verdict: 7/10. Great story, fun characters, but the animation holds it back. Still, a solid watch for fantasy and cop show fans.

P.S. Tilarna’s sword skills are chef’s kiss—even if the animation doesn’t always do them justice. 😂