Trinity Blood
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|} Trinity Blood (トリニティ・ブラッド) is a series of Japanese novels written by Yoshida Sunao, which were originally published in The Sneaker; a periodical that features Japanese fiction. The character design and original illustrations are done by THORES Shibamoto. There are also manga and anime spin-offs - the manga is drawn by Kiyo Kuujou and is serialised in Asuka magazine, with 5 manga volumes currently available, whilst the anime is produced by GONZO and there are 24 episodes in total. It aired on Thursday on the WOWOW channel. Note: this article is based on the anime. There are considerable differences between the continuities of the novels, the manga, and the anime.
Contents
Summary
The background is in the distant future, a post-apocalyptic world after the destruction brought about by Armageddon. The war between humans (Terran) and vampires (Methuselah) continues, as a struggle between two factions: the Vatican and the New Human Empire. Yet, amidst the bloodshed and violence, many desire a peaceful co-existence between the two species. However, standing between them and this goal is the Rosenkreuz Orden, a group of vampire extremists who manipulate the two sides and pit them against each other. To combat them, the Vatican special operations group "AX", led by Cardinal Caterina, must use everything they have - even a vampire who preys on the blood of other vampires.
Episodes
- Flight Night
- Witch Hunt
- The Star Of Sorrow I. City of Blood
- The Star Of Sorrow II. Hunter's Banquet
- Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
- Sword Dancer
- Never Land
- Silent Noise
- Overcount I. The Belfry of Downfall
- Overcount II. Lucifer's Choice
- From the Empire
- The Ibelis I. Evening Visitors
- The Ibelis II. Betrayal Blaze
- The Ibelis III. A Mark of Sinner
- The Night Lords I. The Return of Envoy
- The Night Lords II. Twilight of The Capital
- The Night Lords III. The Island of Her Darling Children
- The Night Lords IV. The Palace of Jade
- The Night Lords V. A Start of Pilgrimage
- The Throne of Roses I. Kingdom of the North
- The Throne of Roses II. The Refuge
- The Throne of Roses III. Load of Abyss
- The Crown Thorns I. City in the Mist
- The Crown Thorns II. The Load of Oath
Characters
The Vatican
- Alessandro XVIII: Alessandro lacks conviction and confidence in himself, and constantly looks to Francesco or Caterina for advice. Despite being the Pope, he is unable to make decisions on his own, thus he is essentially a puppet ruler. Towards the end of the series his eyes are opened a bit, and he gains confidence in himself. He now pledges his efforts towards a new world of peaceful coexistence.
- Cardinal Francesco di Medici (Seiyu: Juurouta Kosugi) : Harbouring a strong hatred for the vampires, he frequently clashes with his younger sister, Cardinal Caterina, in her pursuits for negotiation and diplomacy. He does not compromise, and persists in responding with violence, often making decisions that will cost innocent lives "in the name of God". The Department of Inquisition is under his command. He is also known as the Duke of Tuscany.
- Cardinal Caterina Sforza (based on Caterina Sforza; Seiyu: Honda Takako) : A woman of strong will and determination, Caterina Sforza leads the special operation group AX, a sub-section of the Department of Foreign Affairs. While her subordinates frequently solve cases that involve subduing or eradicating rogue vampires, she strongly advocates making peace with the Empire and the concept of vampires and humans co-existing in peace. She is also known as the Duchess of Milan. It appears that she has known Abel for quite some time.
- Alfonso D'Este (based on Alphonso d'Este): Archbishop of Cologne, he is uncle to Alessandro XVIII, Francesco and Caterina. Having lost the papal elections to his nephew five years past, he has harbored a grudge and cooperated with the Rozenkreuz Orden in using the Silent Noise machine to decimate Rome. He is shown having the power to summon a large monster with many tentacles to battle for him.
AX Agents
- Abel Nightroad (Codename: Crusnik) : A Catholic priest who seems to be nothing more than a clumsy, absent-minded fool on the surface. In truth, he is a Crusnik, a vampire of extreme power. But despite his strength, he adheres to a principle of pacifism and often refuses to outright kill his opponents. Abel is shown in flashbacks to have a hatred for humanity, but at some point that changes into his current pacifism and peaceful outlook on life. He acknowledges having greatly sinned at some point in his life, though it is unclear as to what sin he committed, and much of his current personality is based on retribution for his sins.
- Noélle Bor (Codename: Mistress): Part of the Ax personnel, her power is the ability to read minds and what appears similar to clairvoyance, as well the ability to track where people have gone- as shown through her eyes glowing and being able to see illuminated foot prints in a room. She has expressed romantic feelings toward Abel. She is killed by the Silent Noise machine.
- Hugue de Watteau (Codename: Sword Dancer): Wielding a blade-staff as his weapon, Hugue can easily match an average vampire in a fight. He has artificial limbs that enhance his speed and strength. Hugue was a son of a noble family before he joined the AX. His entire family was mysteriously murdered and he has been trying to track down the culprit to seek vengeance. He has a sister who escaped the slaughter but she's missing currently, presumably taken away by the murderer. The weapon he uses could be considered a Shikomizue. He is shown to be a very independent person, and often leaves AX on a whim in order to track down vampires.
- Kate Scott (Codename: Iron Maiden): Sister Kate usually manifests as a hologram (although, curiously, she appears able to project herself nearly anywhere in the world, despite the lack of a readily visible projector). Her duties include relaying messages, gathering information, and most importantly, captaining the battleship Iron Maiden. She was originally from Albion (the series' name for Britain).
- Tres Iqus (HC-IIIX, Codename: Gunslinger; Seiyu: Nakai Kazuya): Father Tres is a battle android who wields two guns and works with cool, relentless efficiency. His vocabulary and function are rather limited to combat situations, but there have been instances where he displays emotions. He is very loyal to Caterina Sforza. Third model of the ten 'Killing Doll' series androids ever produced. His gun fighting style is reminiscent of the Gun Kata used in the movie Equilibrium.
- Esther Blanchett (Seiyu: Noto Mamiko) : Hailing from the city of Istavan (the series' name for Budapest), Sister Esther grew up with a nun, Reverend Mother Laura, who treated her like a daughter. When Abel meets her, she has just murdered a man to avenge Laura. A vivid, star-shaped birthmark adorns her side, marking her as the Albionion "star of hope" (Note: Esther means "star" in Hebrew). This mark later proves her to be part of the royal family of Albion, and she ascends the throne to become queen. She is shown to have some romantic feelings towards the vampire Ion Fortuna.
- Vaclav Havel (Codename: Know Faith): His special ability is to optically camouflage himself, as well as seemingly fly. He is one of Cardinal Sforza's most trusted friends, and apparently has been by her side for at least 10 years prior to the story line. (Note: Václav Havel was the first president of the Czech Republic, as well as a writer and dramatist.)
- William Walter Wordsworth (Codename: Professor; Seiyu: Toru Ohkawa) : A professor at the University of Rome, Father Wordsworth often comes up with bizarre inventions - some of which work, and others ending up as spectacular failures. He was originally from Albion and used to be Isaak Fernand von Kämpfer's classmate in the Londinium University. They were both expelled after working on a questionable experiment. He is often shown smoking a pipe.
- Leon Garcia de Asturias (Codename: Dandelion): For killing his wife and 30 clery men, he has been imprisoned. He assisted the AX with a case (in episode 7, Never Land)and has had his penalty reduced by twenty years. He carries a pendant with a picture of his daughter around his neck at all times, although her current status is unknown. He tends to fight with sharp throwing disks and a bazooka, and takes great offense at being called an old man. He also has a daughter in the Vatican's orphanage.
- Monica Argento (Codename: Black Widow): She was born to a rich and powerful mafia. She has the ability to teleport herself and solid things from one place to another. Her weapons are two rose daggers. (Does not appear in the anime)
- Kaya Syokka (Codename: Gypsy Queen): The youngest member of Ax Agency at 15. She uses a fan as a weapon. She killed Kasper von Neuman. (Does not appear in the anime)
The Department of Inquisition
- Brother Petros (also known as the Knight of Destruction): The head of the Department of Inquisition. His weapon is a giant mechanical lance called "The Screamer", and he wears extensive, heavy armour which has a built in jetpack. He is shown to be rather thick headed and violent, with a great hatred for vampires, although in certain situations he is not beyond showing reason or compassion, even for the occasional vampire.
- Sister Paula (also known as the Lady of Death; Seiyu: Kaida Yuko) : Petros' second-in-command. Another deadly woman with her twin blades. In her illustration, it was accompanied with the words "Kill all heretics, regardless they be man, woman or child".
- Brother Matthaois (also known as the Devil of Morocco): ex-mercenary who has been involved in many wars before he entered the Church's service. His title derives from his participating in the siege of Morocco. It was in that battle that he met Father Leon Garcia, against whom he has carried a grudge ever since. (Does not appear in the anime)
- Sister Simone: (Does not appear in the anime)
- Brother Andreas: (Does not appear in the anime)
- Brother Philippos: (Does not appear in the anime)
- Brother Jacob-Side A: (Does not appear in the anime)
- Brother Bartholomaios (HC-IIX, Duo Iqus): second model of the ten 'Killing Doll' series androids, the same series as Tres Iqus. He carries a large rifle named 'Deus Ex Machina'. After the incident in 'Gunmetal Hound', his status is unknown. (Does not appear in the anime)
The New Human Empire
- Also known as "Methuselah Empire".
- Augusta Vradica (Seth Nightlord(by japanese Novel); Seiyu: Matsuoka Yuki) : The Empress of the Methuselah empire, she sometimes disguises herself as a tea-seller and medical student in the human district of the capital city, Byzantium. Most of her courtiers and servants have never seen her before in all the centuries that they have served her. Though she does age, she still appears as a little girl at over nine hundred years old (compare with the Childlike Empress of Fantastica). She is in fact Crusnik 03 and is a capable fighter, if needed.
- Mirka Fortuna (Duchess of Moldova): Grandmother of Ion Fortuna and a faithful servant of the empress. She serves as Seth's decoy during an assassination plot, and holds the rank of Head of the Imperial Secret Council.
- Ion Fortuna (Count of Memphis; Seiyu: Minagawa Junko) : Ion is very young by vampire standards, and is the grandson of Mirka Fortuna. He is ordered by the Empress to act as an imperial messenger and envoy to negotiate with the Vatican. Initially, he holds strong prejudices against humans. After his acquaintance and growing familiarity with Esther, however, his attitude changes considerably. He harbors growing romantic feelings towards Esther, although these appears some what one sided. Also, through his experiences with the treachery of the Orden he has a growing desire for vengeance, and eventually joins Abel in his quest to destroy them.
- Radu Barvon (Baron of Luxor; Seiyu: Konishi Katsuyuki): As Ion's most trusted friend, he was sent to accompany Ion to negotiate with the Vatican. He has the power to make blue flames and use them in combat. He was controlled by Dietrich's puppetry skills into attempting to kill Ion, as well as the Empress.
- Astharoshe Asran (Duchess of Kiev; Seiyu: Neya Michiko) : First sent to investigate an incident suspected to be connected to a vampire mass murderer and reluctantly partnered with Abel, Astharoshe is a no-nonsense, direct person who holds a low opinion of humans. After working with Abel, however, she changes her views and becomes his ally. She fights with a large rod that can extend on her command and fire bolts of energy from its tip.
- Süleyman (Duke of Tigris; Seiyu: Takewaka Takuma): Serves as the deputy Head of the Imperial Secret Council after Mirka's feigned death. He is part of the plot to assassinate the Empress, and plans to take the throne after her death. He controls the ring of Solomon, which is capable of firing deadly blasts of energy. He is much older than he appears, as he has long considered himself to be Astharoshe's uncle, and has served the Empire for hundreds of years.
The Rosen∴Creuz∴Orden(by japanese novel)
- Based very loosely on the Rosicrucian.
- Cain Knightlord (by japanese Novel)(also known as Contra Mundi; Seiyu: Suwabe Junichi): He is the one who stands behind the Orden, lending them his nearly fathomless power. The motivations that drive him are unclear, but he is a being of destruction who, though not sharing the Orden's Biblical belief in Judgment Day, seems bent on the destruction of humanity and the world. In a flashback with Abel he is shown at least previously holding an optimistic belief in the individual's ability to shape destiny, and change the world. His body was badly damaged by Seth and Abel, when they dropped him from a space station, and he seems to have difficulty holding his make shift body together. Towards the end of the anime series he hopes to take over Abel's body.
- Isaak Fernand von Kämpfer (Codename: Panzer Magier; Seiyu: Fujiwara Keiji) : An inventor of the Rosenkreuz Orden, he is responsible for making Cain's body (which has been permanently damaged by the punishment inflicted on him by Seth and Abel in the past). His power is creating an "electromagnetically accelerated cannon", the Arrow of Belial, which is a massive sphere or light that shoots a multitude of energy bolts at his enemy. Has gone by many aliases in the past. He is also shown piloting the Orden's large air ship as he leads it in an attack on the city of Londinium.
- Dietrich von Lohengrin (Codename: Marionettenspieler; Seiyu; Suzumura Kenichi) : Also known as the Puppet Master, he has the ability to control bodies of both human beings and vampires alike, even if the person has already died. Unlike most members of his order, he is a Terran, and believes that his involvement with the Rosenkreuz Orden has a great purpose for the world. He admits to being the creator of the Orden's foot soldiers, which appear to be vampire corpses seemingly reanimated by his puppetry skills. Upon failing in his mission to gain control of a rocket in Albion, Cain apparently kills him.
- Radu Barvon (Codename: Flamberg/Flame Sword): He was controlled by Dietrich von Lohengrin and worked for the Rosenkreuz. His first task was to kill Ion Fortuna of the New Human Empire.
- Helga von Vogelweide (Codename: Eis Hexe): Holding dominion over cold and ice, she can freeze her opponents solid. (Does not appear in the anime)
- Guderian (also known as Reißzahn): He is the bodyguard of Isaak Fernand von Kämpfer and has the ability to transform into a wolf. (Does not appear in the anime)
- Balthasar von Neuman (Codename: Basilisk): He is called the king of poison dragon. His ability is to generate some kind of petrochemical venom, a protein crystallizing enzyme, from his palm which can crystallize the living target. He can likewise petrify his own bodily fluids and fire them as needle-like projectiles. He lives in a castle with his brothers, with doll minions. He is a vampire. He does not really want to kill, but rather he is more of a tactician. His leadership abilities were demonstrated during a mission called "Operation Dragon Bird". Even Isaak looks up to this man. (Does not appear in the anime)
- Melchior von Neuman: He looks like a geek who plays with dolls. (Does not appear in the anime)
- Kasper von Neuman: He is a homosexual man with a tough-looking exterior; his attire of choice is a skin-tight leather suit with a matching purple python. (Does not appear in the anime)
- Susanne von Skorzeny (Codename: Red Baroness): (Does not appear in the anime)
- Caterina Sforza: She joined the order after AX was dissolved by Francesco di Medici. This part of the story is not in the anime, though.
- Tres Iqus: He joined the order along with Caterina Sforza after AX was dissolved. (See story note above)
Other characters
- Mary Spencer (also known as Bloody Mary): She is a colonel of the Albion Navy and a master of the sword. As Esther Blanchett's half-sister, she tried to kill Esther at one point to gain the throne.
- Jane Judith Jocelyn (also known as Calamity Jane): She is a lieutenant-general of the Albion Navy, a master of the whip, and has gone through seven marriages. Originated from Erin (Ireland). She does not appear in the anime.
Methuselah (Vampire)
The Methuselah (based on the Biblical Methuselah) are a group of humans that have been infected by a virus that drives them to feed on human blood. Before the symptoms manifest, contact with sunlight does not harm them, and they age at the same speed as uninfected human. But once the symptoms start to make themselves evident, an "awakening", the virus will prolong the lifespan of its host, in addition to bestowing superior strength and healing ability. In turn, it feeds on its host's red blood cells, and when they become depleted, the virus will cause its host to crave blood, thus earning them the name "vampire". Common perceptions associated with the undead monster of mythology do not, however, hold true with regards to them: they can procreate (offspring inherit the condition), and they can consume normal food.Once exposed to UV radiation, the virus will become overactive and consume the host's body. This gives the impression that the Methuselah's body is being burned up by sunlight and smoking - the latter effect being, in truth, water vapor.
The term "Methuselah" in the context of the series is what most vampires in general and Imperial nobles in particular prefer to be referred as; to call them "vampires" to their faces is often construed as a vulgar insult.
Crusniks
The Crusniks (based on Krsnik) are vampires who feed on the blood of other vampires. They possess immense power and destructive potential, easily able to overwhelm even the most powerful of Methuselahs and with enough strength to raze a whole city. Their lifespan is longer than that of normal vampires. However, whereas normal vampires in this series are born or infected, Crusniks are a result of an experiment, "expendable goods for the Mars Colonization project", according to Abel. Cain states at one point that he and Abel have identical DNA.
When a Crusnik's nanomachines are activated, he or she undergoes a change in appearance:
- Cain, Crusnik 01: when his Crusnik powers are activated, he grows white wings, his eyes become red, and a black lance materializes in his hands. In this state, he can generate destructive red energy. When not in Crusnik form, he appears to have the power to launch a destructive and invisible force from his hands, perhaps being composed of sound waves.
- Abel, Crusnik 02: with 40% of Crusnik nanomachines activated, his eyes become red, and a gigantic scythe made of blood materializes in his hands. At 80%, he grows black wings and can generate massive amounts of electricity. At 100%, he turns into a creature with dark skin, black bat-like wings and blue markings along his body. When not in Crusnik form Abel appears fairly weak, and fights with a pistol containing silver bullets.
- Seth, Crusnik 03: when her Crusnik powers are activated, her eyes turn red, and a trident-like weapon made of blood materializes in each of her hands. In this state, she can almost instantly disintegrate her enemies. Similar to Cain, this power appears linked to the manipulation of sound waves.
- Lilith, Crusnik 04: the mother figure to Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Comparisons
- Hellsing
- *Caterina/Integra: The backstory behind Caterina's first meeting with Abel and the backstory behind Integra's first meeting with Alucard shares certain resemblances: in both cases, Caterina and Integra were young teens at the time they suffered peril of death, then saved by Abel and Alucard respectively.
- *Abel/Alucard: Their need to unlock their power by stages (as well as the tendency to proclaim it aloud), as well as the fact that they are both non-humans working for a Christian organization and their ancient origins, are the two most obvious similarities.
- Trigun
- *Vash the Stampede/Abel: Many viewers find the personality and antics of these characters somewhat familiar, particularly with Abel's tendency to make a fool of himself. He also resembles Vash in that they both had an older woman they held dear killed by their brother. For this, they both hated that brother: Vash hates Knives and Abel hates Cain.
- Equilibrium (2002 film)
- *Grammaton Cleric Preston/Tres Iqus: In the second episode, Witch Hunt, it is possible to watch a scene with Tres Iqus that is clearly inspired by the opening scenes of the Equilibrium movie, in where Grammaton Cleric Preston attacks a group of thieves using what in the same movie is called Gun Kata.
- The Terminator
- *T-800/Tres Iqus: Both characters have multiple striking similarities, since both are androids disguised as normal humans, e.g. their (initially) rather limited vocabulary, preference for firearms, and the eventual ability to value human lives. It should also be mentioned, that both characters even resemble each other visually, for example, the red glow that appears in both of their left eyes if seriously damaged.
Trivia
Many seiyū who voiced characters in Godannar also voiced characters here.- Noto Mamiko
- Kosugi Juurouta
- Kaida Yuko
- Minagawa Junko
- Honda Takako
- In both animes, Takako voices strong willed women who are also leader figures. (Aoi Kiriko in Godannar and Catherina Sforza)
- Also, Junko voiced young men in both animes. (Saruwatari Shinobu in Godannar and Ion Fortuna)
The choice of seiyu for William Walter Wordsworth and Isaak Fernand von Kämpfer may be an insider joke: Ohkawa Toru and Fujiwara Keiji also voiced colleagues in Full Metal Alchemist (Roy Mustang and Mae Hughes).
Also, the choice of Matsuoka Yuki as the seiyu of Seth Nightroad may be a nod to Yuki's role in Negima.
- Both Evangeline and Seth are "vampires" who look like little girls.
- Also, Evangeline's robot servant is a member of the school's tea society (while Seth disguises herself as a tea seller).
Broadcast
Trinity Blood is currently running on Canadian specialty station Razer Thursdays at 6:00pm EST and 1:00am EST, Fridays at 1:30pm EST, Saturdays at 10:30pm EST and 1:30am EST, and Sundays at 11:30am EST.
At the July 2006 Television Critics Association, it was officially announced by Adult Swim that they had acquired Trinity Blood, scheduled to follow the September 9th, 2006 premiere of Bleach and was set to air every Saturday at 12:00am EST.
See also
- Trinity Blood (novel)
- Trinity Blood (manga)
- Trinity Blood Canon
External links
- [トリニティ・ブラッド Trinity Blood Community]
- [FUNImation's Official Trinity Blood website]
- [Anime News Network Trinity Blood page]
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