Shonen Jump's Black Cat

I was one day flipping through the channels, now inspecting the new channel lineup we got with our latest cable installation, when I happened upon the Funimation Channe.

The series that was on, was an anime that I had never heard of or seen. I could tell by the title "Shonen Jump" that it must have started out as a manga series. Although I have not read the manga series myself, the anime makes we want to go pick up a few copies.

The series takes place in a world full of chaos and lawlessness. The only ones upholding any form of "law" are "Sweepers" and "Erasers" from an orginization called Chronos.

Chronos employs assassins called erasers, all who are called "The numbered" because of the roman numerals branded into their bodies. They must undergo harsh training in order to be given the privelige of carrying the mark. Once taken in by the Numbers, the eraser is given a special weapon that suits their fighting style.

Train Heartnet, also known as the "Black cat", is number XIII. His weapon is a large revolver called "Hades". Not ony is it powerful, but it doubles as a shield and a bludgeon. Not only is he agile and quick, but he's a crackshot capable of making well aimed shots from a distance while running. He doesn't talk much, rarely shows any emotion, and wears all black garb. He is a ruthless, cold hearted killer, until he meets Saya.

Saya is a sweeper, or a bounty hunter. They take on bounties for various rewards in cash. Although she carries a gun herself, she never uses it to kill. She happens upon Train while singing from a rootop late at night. The two hit it off and Train starts to soften up as he begins to fall in love with her.

Sven, another sweeper, is constantly running into Train while on his missions. He carries a briefcase that houses various weapons like a net, gas, etc. He also smokes heavily, is always hungry, and can't seem to get a break because Train keeps killing his bounties!

But the most distinguishing trait and abilty of Sven, is that he has to wear an eyepatch over his right eye. The patch covers this eye because the eye holds the ability to see into the future and give Sven premonitions of things to come While train depends o strength, speed, and agility, Sven uses his brain as well as strategy. He also has a deep sense of chivalry.

Elena is a mystery, not being from Chronos, a sweeper, nor an eraser. She just happens upon Sven, masquerading as a desperate damsel in distress. In reality, she hires him so that she could learn of the plans for an ultimate weapon, a little girl named Eve.

Eve is quite possibly, the most advanced and deadliest weapon on the planet. When not forced to fuse with nanomachines(ability enhancing microchips)she is a very shy and soft spoken girl. While looking no older than 11, she has the killer instinct of a well honed blade. When fused with nnomachines(against her will), she changes into an unstoppable weapon that can form her body into any shape or form that she pleases. Even her long hair becomes razor sharp blades. When Elena and Sven happen upon her, along with Train, who is there to kill her for an assignment, all realize she is nothing more than an imprisoned little girl. She ends up escaping with Sven and Elena.

The show mixes intense action, brutal emotion, and enough goofy comedy to please all types of viewers. Keep in mind this series isnt meant for little kids, that's why it gets a hardy TV14 rating.

If you get a chance, or even the channel, check it out.
It's worth the half hour of your time.