Manga / Angel Crush

Left to Right: Gale, Faye Willow, Daniel Thace Peregrine, AKA Cupid

Angel Crush is a fantasy adventure comedy Manga about the daily life of a girl named Faye Willow and Gale, an angel who crashed through her roof and into her life. Suddenly she learns that she is tasked by Heaven to teach and guide Gale how to be a normal person so he can achieve his potential to be able to succeed in his secret, unknown mission.

To help keep them safe from outside forces, another angel is sent down to protect them: the rebellious and blunt Cupid. So much for a simple life.

Angel Crush explores themes of friendship, bonding, growth, and getting along with others. There is also a pervading theme of moving on from the past, as most of the characters have endured something sad in their lives that continue to affect them in the present.

Written by Ace Vitangcol, illustrated by Jed Siroy, Ferdenee Mempin, and Mikel Bondoc, with co-writers Ryan Cordova and Glenn Que, and produced by Studio Studio and Alturia Hill Publishing, it is a Filipino comic drawn in a manga style that is safe for young readers.

Angel Crush is currently in production, with five volumes already published and a sixth volume on the way. The comic's Facebook page can be found here.

Alturia Hill Publishing and Studio Studio's website can be found here.

Another series by the same authors is Love Is in the Bag, which is set in the same universe.The third series by the same authors is My Celestial Family, which does not share the same universe as the previous two.

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Tropes employed in this series:

• Action Girl: Marion Hemlock. She is brave and skilled in combat, due to her being an Irin.
• Afraid of Their Own Strength: Gale progressively becomes this as the series progresses, fearing for the safety of those he cares for.
• Angry Eyebrows: Several characters turn very angry throughout the series and in many instances panels focus on their eyes.
  • The usually stoic or arrogant Cupid has a mean look when things get pushed too far and someone challenges him to a fight.
  • The even-more stoic Gale is also prone to this when he is feeling Hot-Blooded.
  • Many Irin seem to have this expression as their default when conversing with their targets.
  • On the other hand, Michael rarely gives in no matter what happens, as he retains his calm demeanor even in combat.
• Arc Number: The number 13 shows up often, as it is the writer's favorite number.
  • Each book's trivia section even has a Hidden Thirteens segment.
  These range from jersey numbers, to having 13 servants, or actions being repeated 13 times.
• Absurdly Sharp Blade: The twin swords, Radalia and Gaelstrom.
• After Action Patch Up: Gale and Cupid have needed some form of bandages after major fights.
  • Faye also required an ankle to be bound to let it heal.
• Alertness Blink: Common in works produced by Studio Studio.
• All Love Is Unrequited: A growing theme as the series progresses. Plenty of characters have crushes on other characters, but alas are either unnoticed, ignored, or rebuffed.
  • In Faye's case, it happens to her twice: when Rafa dumped her prior to the events of the story, and with how Daniel keeps changing the subject whenever things start getting interesting.
• Almost Kiss: Faye and Daniel are frequent offenders. Often just turns into a Longing Look.
• Anthropomorphic Personification: Lady Di is said to possess great power. Most likely because she is actually The Grim Reaper. Alongside Metatron, Lady Di can also be categorized as Moe Anthropomorphism, despite them being older than dirt. Lady Di also has a tiny hat.
• Arc Words:
  • "The Mission" is mentioned numerous times by the angels, but Faye and the other humans are kept in the dark about its nature for most of the series.
  • "The Egg"
  • "The Realm"

• Art Shift: Maria Redwood sees people in 1990's Shoujo manga style when she's in Maria Vision mode.
• Artifact Domination: The Enthrallure allows its user to exert a powerful form of Mind Control.
  • Anyone under Mind Control like Sandy, exhibits Mind-Control Eyes that are gray and lifeless.
  • It turns out to be ineffective against charmed humans with divine protection, such as Faye.
  • Ironically, the Enthrallure is corrupted by the blue energy and also takes over its user's mind.
• Aura Vision: Sandy is able to see if a person "glows" and can thus determine if they are otherworldly or not.
• Back from the Dead: Michael is shocked upon meeting his old "friend" again in Volume 5, as he himself states that they destroyed that person a long time ago.
• Badass Boast: While other characters usually boast about other characters' abilities and accolades, Daniel takes the cake for constantly boasting about his own strength.
  He does sound really cool in Volume 2 though, when he can barely stand as he returns to the battle, and reminds Faye not to worry, because after all... he is the most powerful angel.
• Bash Brothers: Mardy and Marin, AKA the MarMars, always do things together. While they don't literally engage in combat, their attempts at finding dates can be interpreted as going to battle.
• Battle Aura: Many angels and Irin have visible aura when they use their powers.
  • Michael the Archangel even surrounds himself with flames.
• Because I Said So: Often Daniel's main reason when arguing with Faye.
• Belligerent Sexual Tension: Faye and Daniel do not get along, but everyone can infer that there is something developing between them.
  • Due to her past and other urgent matters, something is always preventing Faye from speaking her mind. Thus she is also suffering from Unresolved Sexual Tension.
• Biblical Bad Guy: The being known as Syx from Volumes 5 and 6 is the rebuilt spirit of Lucifer.
• Big Bad: Syx, who is revealed in Volume Five.
• Bishie Sparkle: Michael Finch's locks of blond hair sparkle. Like all the time. Even at night.
• Big Fancy House: The Oak Estate and the Alder Manor.
• Bloody Horror: Averted since Studio Studio books are also read by very young readers. In fight scenes, the authors only use bruises to show damage, and characters spit saliva, instead of blood.
  • The action scenes don't ever reach the level of carnage, but should one do so, expect it to be bloodless, too.
• Blue with Shock: The MarMars are prone to this, as well as Faye.
• Book Ends: Each volume has an opening monologue by Faye that is quoted again at the end of the same volume, but with minor changes to have a different meaning.
• Boss Subtitles: Each character's first appearance is marked with a caption box detailing their full name and relevant titles.
  e.g. Marion Hemlock, the Irin of Balance.
• Brainwashed and Crazy: A twist at the end of Volume 4 has Sandy mind-controlled by Teacher Lucie and commanded to attack Faye, Marion and Michael.
• Bring It: Daniel does this. A lot. Also Trash Talk.
• Breakout Character: Marion Hemlock was just meant to be a Villain of the Week but has since become one of the most popular characters of the series.
  Her budding relationship with Gale may have played a part in this. Fans have affectionately come to call them Gale x Marion or use the portmanteau GaRion.
• Broken Bird: Faye Willow fits this trope. Not only is she struggling with a traumatic past, but she also happens to be mentor to the naive and innocent Gale.
• Brought Down to Normal: As part of Gale's mission, he is given a human form.
  This is taken to another level in Volume 5, when Afriel gives Faye the Charm Pendant that seals Gale's angelic form and powers.
• Butt-Monkey: The MarMars (Mardy and Marin), especially due to Sandy's bad advice.
• Byronic Hero: Daniel Thace Peregrine exhibits many characteristics of such a hero, particularly his disrespect for authority, jaded nature, and his Dark and Troubled Past.
• Calling Your Attacks: Many of the angels' special attacks have names. Often called out or identified by Afriel. Julien does this, too, when he faces off against Cupid in Volume 2 and tells him he knows all his techniques.
• Came from the Sky: Gale comes crashing from the sky into Faye's house.
• Celestial Paragons and Archangels: There are two in the series: Archangel Michael and Metatron, the secretary of Heaven and the highest ranking angel.
• The Centerpiece Spectacular: Every volume has one scene like this.
  • Volume one has the Irin chase between Marion and Faye.
  • Volume two has the big battle between Cupid and Julien.
  • Volume three has two such scenes: Sandy's charity event for the orphanage, and the big Dreg battle near the end.
  • Volume four has the scene with the bag thief.
  • Volume five has the scene at the grocery that also serves to tie in with a scene from Love Is in the Bag Volume 1, created 9 years prior.
• Central Theme: Coming to terms with the past in order to build a better future.
• Character Narrator: Faye serves as the narrator of each book via her opening and closing monologues.
• Character Tics: Plenty of characters have signature actions.
  • Daniel Thace Peregrine AKA Cupid has his signature smirk.
  • Faye's eyes become emotionless when she is calm in public.
  • Mardy's face turns into a weird mask-like grin when he's around women.
  • Sandy points a finger at her lips when someone is raising their voice at her, or when she is about to jokingly ridicule someone.
  • Sandy opens her eyes when things get serious.
  • Maria makes a shocked face whenever she enters Maria Vision.
  • Michael loses his smile whenever Cupid trolls him.
• Character Overlap: Several characters from Love Is in the Bag and Angel Crush appear in each other's series.
• Charge-into-Combat Cut: The series is full of these.
• The Chew Toy: The MarMars again.
• Clean Cut: The twin swords, Radalia and Gaelstrom have exhibited this.
  • The wielder of Radalia, Michael the Archangel], cuts most of his [[Mooks enemies straight down the middle (or across) with ease.
  • In Volume 3, when Cupid is training Gale, the latter is able to slice the top half off the former's Improvised Weapon, causing the severed tip to land on the ground.
• Cliffhanger: Has slowly become a trademark of the series. While the first two books end on a more peaceful note, the succeeding books have ratcheted up the tension:
  • At the end of Volume 3, where Gale blocks with his sword, which is hinted at to be the legendary second divine blade needed to create the True Radalia sword.
  • At the end of Volume 4, when the book ends just before the battle between Michael, Marion, and the Irin tandem of Julien and Teacher Lucie begins.
• Clothing Damage: Alongside bruises, this is used as a replacement for blood during combat.
• Cold Sniper: Cupid often takes out opponents from a distance with a surprise attack and with little or no emotion.
• Combat Commentator: This role is usually performed by Afriel, but Faye, Marion and Julien have had their moments, too.
• Content Warnings: Each book begins with a disclaimer stating that it is not a book on Religion, and that all characters are fictional.
• Continuity Nod: The bridge that was damaged in Volume 1 as a result of the encounter between Marion, Faye, and Cupid is still labeled as "under repair" in succeeding volumes.
• Conveniently Empty Building: The library in Volume 5 was the setting for a big fight. As it happened at night, there are conveniently no bystanders around.
• Conveniently Timed Attack from Behind: Often precedes Big Damn Heroes entrances by Cupid, Michael, Afriel, even Gale.
• Cool Sword: The Radalia. I mean, c'mon; it's the sword of the Archangel!
• Council of Angels: One at the end of Volume 3, and another at the start of Volume 4.
• The Corruption: The black blobs and the blue energy found in the forest grant otherworldly beings with a power boost at the expense of turning them evil.
• Crossover: Plenty of characters from Love Is in the Bag have had guest appearances in Angel Crush.
  In volume 1, Gale accidentally bumps into Mark Spencer on the stairs.
  In volume 2, Mardy and the other main characters watch a basketball game against Saint Xander, featuring Louis Vee.
  In volume 2 again, the main characters attend an event in Saint Xander high school, and are greeted by Chloe Karan, Lorelei Wang, and the pink-haired girl.
  In volume 3, Louis is shown on a TV show hosted by Rick and Tina.
• Curb-Stomp Battle: Cupid disposes of Marion in volume 1 and Michael completely destroys Julien in volume 2 with little or no effort.
• Cynicism Catalyst: Cupid, after his sister was killed and he was punished for avenging her.
• Dark and Troubled Past: Cupid is revealed to have suffered a very sad childhood, which is revealed to Faye via a sequence of Troubled Backstory Flashbacks. This is dialed up given all the horrendous things this character has seen and done, such as his sister and parents being burned alive, his massacre of two whole armies, and constantly being surrounded by death, fatal acts of passion, and failed romances. Later in the story, it is revealed that in the very distant past, he destroyed many rebelling angels and joined Michael the Archangel in the defeat, humiliation, and cursing of his own angelic brother, Lucifer.
  • To a lesser extent, Faye also suffers from this, mostly due to her bad breakup with Rafa.
• Deadpan Snarker: Daniel Thace Peregrine.
• Death Is Dramatic: Faye thinks Cupid is still reeling from the traumatic death of his younger sister so many centuries ago.
• Defeat Means Friendship:
  • Faye offers Marion a truce after her defeat at the hands of Cupid in Volume 1, to which she eventually accepts and they become True Companions by the end of Volume 3.
  • Faye and the gang also gain another powerful ally when they defeat Teacher Lucie in Volume 5.
• Deflector Shields: Cupid's Resistance Bubble.
  However, due to his personality, he doesn't exactly qualify as a Barrier Warrior.
• Determinator: Gale has shown shades of this trait, which has become more and more prominent as he matures through the story.
  Due to his fierce loyalty and sense of chivalry, Gale is also quick to Attack! Attack! Attack! when Faye or any of his friends are in peril.
• Depower: Most angels in the story have their abilities and appearances toned down to allow them to function on Earth without being overkill.
  Cupid suffers the most from this, as it is revealed in Volume 4 that he was stripped of 80% of his power as punishment for what he did during his time as the Egg.
• Discard and Draw: It is implied early in the story—and later revealed to be true—that in order to be the Egg, Gale used to have some sort of power, but lost it along with his memories. In fact, the whole point of the mission is for him to become worthy and strong enough to inherit some newer, greater power.
• Dissonant Serenity: Michael smiles calmly at times before, during, and after combat. Averted in the rare instances where he decides to be serious against an enemy.
• Doppelgänger Attack: This is the signature ability of Julien Alder, the second Irin.
• Dramatis Personae: Each book has one or two pages at the start that gives details and updates about all the characters.
• Dynamic Entry: Numerous characters have done this throughout the series.
  • In Volume 2, Afriel enters the fray via a cool dive from the sky.
  • In Volume 3, Gale surprises the Dreg with a flying broom stab.
  • In Volume 4, Michael makes a dramatic entrance through the library wall.
  • In Volume 5, Syx makes a dramatic entrance by ripping apart several dregs before stabbing Michael with his weapon.
  As all these examples are from combat scenes, they can also be considered as an Attack Hello, in which case you can also count Cupid's first shot at Julien in Volume 2.
• Enemy Mine: Faye and Marion agree to work together to help Gale succeed, and thus remove the source of their conflict.
  • Although this set-up is the source of much teeth-grinding frustration for the latter.
• Exotic Eye Designs: Daniel has pupils that have a "light-burst" look.
  When "powering up," Michael's eyes briefly turn into something similar.
• Eyes Always Shut: Sandy, although she tends to open them when things get serious.
• Face Framed in Shadow: Often used whenever Faye and Daniel talk at night.
• Fake Action Prologue: The opening of Volume 3 which shows a teaser trailer from the movie Driving Machete.
• Famed In-Story: Many angels in the story are famous and well-known.
  Michael the Archangel is widely regarded as the most famous and powerful angel.
  ...although Cupid will always contest that, him being The Angel of Love after all.
  There is also Metatron, the leader of all the angels.
  • Many of the Irin immediately recognize the angels once they reveal themselves in combat.
  Marion is able to recognize Cupid's weapon, Erfyng.
  Julien even knows many of his signature moves.
• Family Eye Resemblance: The female members of the Oak family all have closed eyes.
  • This also applies to Serena Oak's Crossover sister, Lulu Mennella. (Her daughter Kate must have inherited her father's eye traits, as she does not have this feature.)
  • This trait also gives them Magical Eyes with varying powers.
• Flaming Sword: The Radalia.
• Flashback Echo: When Faye sees Daniel calming baby Patty down, she recalls how in her dreams he would do the same for his deceased sister.
• Flat "What": Spoken by Faye.
• Fluffy Cloud Heaven: The few times Heaven is shown, it is portrayed as this.
• Four-Girl Ensemble: Kim and her BFFs, Caroline, Francesca, and Samantha.
• Friendly Enemy: It is implied that Michael and Daniel have worked with each other in the past, though they are clearly not friends.
• Giant Mook: The giant Dreg in Volumes 3 and 4.
• Good Is Not Nice: personified in the brash, cocky, rude, and egotistic Cupid.
• Good Powers, Bad People: Many of the Irin, while granted powers from Heaven, actually want to inflict harm on the protagonists. Some are even downright malevolent. (We're looking at you, Julien!)
• Good Versus Good: Represented by Gale's mission and Michael the Archangel's fears. Both sides have good intentions, but with contrasting ideologies.
  • In fact, the series tagline is, "Choose a side—It's all good."
  • The Irin sort of fit into this trope as well, as their main intention is to preserve balance.
• Gosh Dang It to Heck!: Studio Studio and Alturia Hill Publishing books are safe for young readers, hence there is no strong language.
  • This is the main reason the term "idiot" is used often.
• Guile Hero: Archangel Michael may be a powerful warrior, but he would rather resort to reasoning than force.
• Grey-and-Gray Morality: This is the main lesson that Cupid is trying to teach Gale (and in some ways Faye) throughout the series.
  The most direct example is Gale's dilemma of what to do with the thief and his daughter in Volume 4.
• Happy Flashback: After her charmed powers activate and she begins dreaming of Cupid's past, Faye sees happy moments with his sister.
  • Sadly, that happiness didn't last.
• Hammerspace: Angels and Irin summon their weapons from some otherworldly realm.
  • In fact, the first Irin literally uses a Hammer which she pulls out of Hammerspace!
• Harmful to Minors: Part of Cupid's Dark and Troubled Past has his family, particularly his sickly kid sister, massacred.
• He Who Fights Monsters: Cupid is difficult to deal with, and has a rebellious streak to him. Most probably due to how his sister was killed, and that he took revenge by destroying two evil armies.
  It is revealed later in the story that Gale may suffer from this trope as well.
• Headbutting Heroes: Michael and Cupid do not get along.
• Healing Hands: Afriel has these.
• Heavenly Blue: The robes of all angels are of a sky blue hue.
• Heel–Face Turn: Marion Hemlock eventually becomes an ally due to Defeat Means Friendship.
  • Teacher Lucie also joins Faye's group via the same method, after being freed from Artifact Domination.
• Held Gaze: Common between Daniel and Faye, although only the latter seems to have a Longing Look.
• Helmets Are Hardly Heroic: While the Irin tend to wear some form of headdress (such as Marion's hood, Julien's metal head brace, and Teacher Lucie's Enthrallure.) the main angels don't have any head gear.
  Although Michael wears a very thin band on his head, this hardly counts as protection.
• Hero of Another Story: Sandy Oak seems to have a lot on her plate most of the time. She's often shown on the way to some school meeting as the student council vice president, or a family activity as she is part of the influential Oak clan. Sometimes the main characters join her events, such as the charity day for an orphanage in volume 3.
  Sandy is also a Crossover character in Love Is in the Bag, where she plays a supporting role as Kate Mennella's cousin.
  Some fans have speculated that Sterling Cross from Volume 3 might be a significant character, and could possibly fit this trope.
• Holy Hand Grenade: Nearly all the divine weapons in the series come from Heaven.
  • That should be a bit obvious, because after all, they are divine.
• Horrible Judge of Character: The MarMars yet again, especially when it comes to Sandy.
• Hot-Blooded: Gale shows a tendency to be this, which could be due to his naivety or constantly putting Honor Before Reason.
  • However, because his powers are still unstable, Gale has also been shown to be prone to Unstoppable Rage where he switches to auto pilot mode.
• I Just Want to Be Normal: Faye just wants a regular, mundane, quiet life. Of course, Heaven had other plans for her.
• I Did What I Had to Do: It is often implied that this is Daniel's driving force, despite his attempts to sound cold.
• Ideal Hero: The first phase of Gale's mission is to become this. Since he is also a Blank Slate, he'll need Faye's guidance and help.
• Idiot Hair: Gale's ahoge. Quite fitting, as he's a blank slate who doesn't understand the intricacies of various social practices.
• I Let Gwen Stacy Die: Cupid is still reeling from the fact that he wasn't able to save his sister from being burned alive and, in a cruel twist of Fate, discovers her charred corpse in the rubble of their home.
• Instant Runes:
  • Whenever angels^note Especially Afriel and Cupid access higher-level powers, they create a floating ring of runes. These are in fact, Metatron Cubes, suggesting that they get permission and clearance from Metatron to use their powers^note It is interesting to note that Michael does not make use of Metatron Cubes, perhaps as a sign of protest against the mission.
  • Sometimes there is a larger, stylized ring around the Metatron Cubes. These are unique to the user and the power.
• Implausible Fencing Powers: Michael is shown to be a very talented swordsman, able to unleash multiple attacks in a flash.
  It is also hinted in Volume 4 that Cupid may have some talent with melee weapons, as he easily dodges, blocks, and counters Gale's attacks during training.

  This is confirmed in Volume 5, when it is revealed that Cupid was the former owner of the Gaelstrom.
• Important Haircut: In order for him to fit in, Gale goes to a barber and has his long hair cut short in Volume 1.
• Improbable Weapon User: Since he no longer has a sword of his own, Cupid uses a pipe as a weapon while training Gale.
  • Gale also uses a broom as a weapon against the giant dreg in Volume 3. Not surprisingly, it wasn't very effective.
• Improvised Weapon: The pipe and the broomstick in volumes 4 and 3 respectively.
• Informed Ability: Cupid keeps claiming he is the most powerful angel, yet there is no way of proving that.
  This trope is subverted in Volume 4's prologue, where his punishment was to have 80%—yes, EIGHTY PERCENT— of his powers stripped from him. Given that he is still very formidable in his current state, there might be some truth to his claim.
• Invisible to Normals:
  • The Dregs and the blobs in the forest can only be seen by Angels, Irin, and Charmed Humans. Supposedly.
  • This trope is inverted with the blue energy, which apparently only normals can find.
• Ironic Echo: The Book Ends of each volume are done in this style.
• It May Help You on Your Quest: Faye is often given Cherub Feathers with which to summon her guardians to her side.
• Just in Time: This has happened in every book in the series so far.
  In volume 1, when Cupid arrives just in time to save Faye from Marion.
  In volume 2, when Gale and Afriel arrive to protect Faye and Cupid from Julien and again near the end of the book, when Cupid stops a dreg right before it strikes Faye.
  In volume 3, when Marion leaps out to save Faye from being swatted by the giant dreg's hand and again at the very end of the book, when the famed second holy sword appears so Gale can block the dreg's attack.
  In volume 4, when Michael saves Faye and Marion by blocking the rampaging Gale's attack.
  In volume 5, Mardy makes his presence known just in time to help Faye and Marion stop Teacher Lucie.
• Knight in Sour Armor: Cupid is quite cynical and willing to bend the rules in order to ensure the mission's success. He even wears glasses.
• Lady and Knight: Faye and Gale.
• Lady of War: NOT Marion, but another Irin, Teacher Lucie, AKA the Irin of Dominance.
• Light 'em Up
• Like Brother and Sister: While they have no blood relation and despite some 'ship moments, Faye and Gale pretty much see each other in this light.
• Lonely Rich Kid: Julien Alder is presumed to be this. On the third episode of Sandy Sessions, Sandy teases Julien about him having no friends and no mentor to teach him any Irin skills.
• Long-Haired Pretty Boy: Michael Finch has long flowing golden locks and a gentle smile. Though when push comes to shove, he can be pretty intimidating.
• Longing Look: Faye often catches herself doing this when she and Daniel are alone together.
• Love Hurts: One of the messages of the series.
  • Also something Faye has suffered through, as her last relationship is insinuated to be a very sad one.
• Love Makes You Dumb: It's insinuated in the first three volumes that Faye was often verbally abused by her boyfriend Rafa, but her love for him made her look past such moments.
  • A flashback in Volume 5 shows that she even embarrassed herself by making a scene in school in a failed effort to salvage their relationship.
• Love Martyr: Faye believes herself to be one of these.
  • It is later revealed that Cupid is, as well.
• Lured into a Trap: Cupid is drawn into a trap by Julien Alder in volume 2, when the Irin kidnapped Faye and tied her to a tree in the forest. This allows Julien to surprise the angel with an axe attack In the Back.
  Faye and Marion also fall for a trap in volume 4 that was sprung by Ana Hawthorn, Julien Alder, and Teacher Lucie Caraway.
• Magic Missile Storm: One of Cupid's secret higher powers is Arrow Rain, essentially a rapid-fired hail of arrows.
• Masquerade: The entire Irin system is built on hiding all supernatural things from the rest of the world. This is why the Irin become human when they are dormant, only awakening when they must do their duty to balance things out. Similarly, dregs and other unnatural things are Invisible to Normals.
  • Gale's mission also upholds this Masquerade as he and his guardians must de-power and act as humans. In Gale's case, he inherits a fully human body. In his guardians' case, they take on the appearance of humans.
  • Even Michael, who is not part of Gale's mission, abides by this rule and pretends to be human.
• Master Swordsman: Michael the Archangel.
• Meaningful Look: Faye and Daniel share these frequently, though Faye commits this more often, and towards multiple characters.
• The Medic: Afriel has grown into this role, as he constantly uses spell tags to patch Gale up after every battle as Gale often collapes.
  This also happens to Faye in volume 2, where she collapses soon after touching Cupid's wound.
• Mook Horror Show: It is implied via flashbacks that this is what Daniel did to the Roman legion during the time of Nero as revenge for the slaughter of his village and the murder of his sister.
• Mr. Exposition: Afriel, though Daniel, Michael and Metatron have played this part, too.
• Mr. Fanservice: Pretty much all the angels (Cupid, Michael, Gale, and Afriel)
• Mr. Imagination: Maria Redwood has a very interesting imagination often involving other characters in romantic or risque scenarios. This also makes her a bit of a Covert Pervert.
  Often lampshaded: Maria Vision
• My Name Is Inigo Montoya: Most Irin introduce themselves to their targets by stating their name, title, and sometimes even mention the name of their weapon.
• My Nayme Is: Syx
  "I am Julien Alder, and this is Umbralon, the Axe of Shadows."
• Named Weapons: Michael's sword is called the "Radalia, Sword of Light", while Cupid's bow is "Erfyng, the Bow that Moves the Universe." Marion wields Yphastion, while Julien Alder wields the Umbralon. Gale's weapon is named the Gaelstrom, while Teacher Lucie is revealed to possess the Enthrallure.
• Nitro Boost: In the Driving Machete, the two heroes press a Big Red Button to activate "Drive B" and give the Machete Drive B Vehicle a momentary boost in speed and drifting ability.
• No-Sell:
  • Cupid's Deflector Shields and Michael's Transformation Sequence render them immune to attacks.
  • Cupid shrugs off an Irin's Charged Attack in Volume 1.
  • Another Irin's melee attack bounces off Michael as he transforms in Volume 2.
• Nominal Hero: Marion is initially portrayed as this, but as the story progresses, it is revealed that she may actually have some elements of an Ideal Hero.
• Non-Lethal K.O.: Whenever an Irin is defeated, they don't actually die. They just lose their powers for a lengthy amount of time.
• Oblivious Younger Sibling: Kim, Faye's younger sister. Either she is sheltered from it, or she doesn't realize how heavy the situation is.
  She is also a Plucky Girl.
• Odd Friendship: Cupid and Lady Di, AKA Death.
• On the Next: A staple of books by Studio Studio. Each volume ends with a teaser of the next book's contents.
• The Only Way They Will Learn: This is what Metatron tells Faye when she asks too many questions. The only way for Gale (and Faye) to learn is through experience.
  • This is also Cupid's stance, although he states it in a more blunt manner.
• Ordinary High-School Student: Faye literally just wants to be this—study hard, go to college, and find a good job. Yet circumstances force her to be something a bit different.
• Otherworldly and Sexually Ambiguous: Syx is alternately portrayed as female and male, sometimes from panel to panel.
• Our Angels Are Different: Angels in this series do not behave like their Bible counterparts. Daniel is the ultimate antithesis of how heavenly angels should act.
• Painting the Medium: Faye's Book End monologues include a different, ornate font for the first letter of each dialogue box.
• Perpetual Frowner: While she is also considered stoic, Marion never smiles. Often her frown is her only expression.
  She also doesn't react to jokes or warm greetings, which may qualify her as an Emotionless Girl.
• Person of Mass Destruction: Most of the angels (save maybe for Afriel) can level city blocks when they get serious enough. Metatron is the best example, as the very presence of his true form is said to be enough to destroy the Earth. Michael is able to destroy an army of dregs, while Cupid has a powerful blast attack that destroys anything in its path. Fortunately, many of the angels consciously limit the use of their powers.
• Pillar of Light: Often precedes the arrival of angels or Irin.
• Post-Victory Collapse: After helping to defeat the Irin in Volume 2, Cupid collapses from his wounds.
• Power Crystal: Faye is given a special pendant in Volume 5, which has the ability to lock in Gale's power.
• Power Glows: Many of the angels have a sparkly glow around their wings at night.
• Power Incontinence: Michael fears that Gale will not be able to handle the power that the mission will bestow upon him.
  • He is proven right when Gale goes berserk at the start of Volume 4.
• Power Limiter: In Volume 5, Faye is given a pendant that controls Gale's power.
  • The downside to this is that Gale is unable to transform at will, even if the situation calls for it.
• Pragmatic Hero: Cupid.
• Precocious Crush: In Volume 5, Kim Willow appears to have developed a crush on Gale, or at least is very possessive and thus jealous of Marion Hemlock.
• Prepare to Die: Mostly delivered by an Irin before they attempt to destroy their targets and restore balance to the world.
  • Cupid also has his moments with Pre-Asskicking One-Liners.
    "Know your place!"
    "You went after the two people I'm sworn to guard. Big mistake."
  • Even Gale gets in on the fun.
    "For harming Lady Faye, you will fall this night, Irin."
  • Not to be outdone, Michael the Archangel has his own gems.
    "Punishment first, then."
    "Hurt her... and you won't live."
  • Most of the time, though, the angels prefer to just say hello.
• Previously on…: A staple of books by Studio Studio. Each volume shows a brief recap of the last event in the previous book.
• Promotion to Parent: Since Faye and her sister Kim live away from their parents, Faye is responsible for her. And Gale...and Afriel...and Daniel...
• Proper Lady: Serena Oak
• Punch-Clock Villain: The Irin have their powers activated only when they sense something otherworldly in the area. Otherwise, they are normal people with normal lives.
• Purple Is Powerful: Cupid and his human form Daniel have bright purple eyes. Fits with his boasts that he is the most powerful angel.
• Reaction Shot
• "The Reason You Suck" Speech: Daniel points out why Gale is a horrible "Egg" in volume 3 and lambastes his fighting prowess in volume 4.
• Religious Bruiser: Although he doesn't quote scripture or give sermons, Michael does claim to represent the classic views of Heaven. Needless to say, you don't want to mess with this guy.
• Reverse Arm-Fold: Michael Finch, when he's in his office.
• Reverse Harem: Almost all the male leads gravitate towards Faye.
  They are also all Pretty Boys or Bishōnen.
• Running Gag: There's a guy that appears in every volume who gets "pwned" everytime. Just before he gets pwned he says "What the - ". It's a Homage to a friend of the author.
• Scary Shiny Glasses: Cupid often hides his eyes behind his glasses when he is uncomfortable with the topic of a discussion, or when he isn't revealing the whole truth.
• School Festival: The S.E.E. Club visit the Saint Xander School Festival in Volume 2.
• Secret Identity: Many of the angels assume regular student identities. Gale takes on the surname Willow and introduces himself as Faye's cousin from Finland. Apparently, this disguise also includes the ability to cook a foreign delicacy: Karelian pies.
• Seer: Serena Oak, Sandy's mom, displays some ability to predict the future.
• Shout-Out: Daniel wonders why Faye is "acting like some red-head in denial" and notes that he isn't a "blond basketball player," a nod to the Tsundere Kara Francesco and her love interest Mark Spencer, two characters from the studio's other series, Love Is in the Bag.
• Shirtless Scene: Both Gale and Daniel often have these moments at home, much to Faye's displeasure/pleasure.
  • This also happens due to Clothing Damage.
• Show Within a Show: Many of the characters watch shows by the in-universe actors Conrad Allan and Atom Lambert, most notably their upcoming movie Driving Machete.
• Shower of Awkward: Faye walks in on Gale and Daniel in the bath in Volumes 1 and 2, and played with in Volume 3.
  Faye also shouts this to Daniel in Volume 3.
• Significant Anagram: Cupid, the Angel of Love, goes by the human alias of Daniel Thace Peregrine. Fitting his jaded personality, the first two names of the alias is an anagram of Cheat and Lie.
• Sliding Scale of Silliness vs. Seriousness: While the series is billed as a Fantasy Comedy, the general tone is dramatic and moody. So it is pleasantly surprising when a scene turns light and the characters get to breathe for a while...until things turn dark once again.
• Smug Smiler: Daniel Thace Peregrine
• Stab the Sky
• The Stoic: Faye at the start of the series, and when she's in study-mode. Marion also fits this trope.
• Stop Motion Lighting: When an especially violent blow is thrown and blocked/absorbed, or when Michael mows down Julien's shadows in Volume 2. Mostly used to tone down the level of violence and keep the series appropriate for younger audiences.
• Student Council President: Michael Finch. Sandy is the Vice President.
• Super Window Jump: To escape the battle at the start of Volume 5, Julien leaps through the large, circular, stained-glass window of the library.
• Supernatural Aid: At the end of Volume 3, Metatron answers Gale's plea for help, causing the second Holy Sword, Gaelstrom to appear. With it, Gale is able to defeat the giant Dreg.
• Superpowered Evil Side: Once Julien and Teacher Lucie begin consuming the blue energy, they gain a considerable increase in their otherworldly powers. However, it slowly erodes their morality.
  • There is concern in Volume 4 that Gale's second form is in fact this type of power-up, prompting Afriel and Metatron to come up with a way to temporarily seal Gale's powers.
• Super-Power Meltdown: Shortly after unleashing the divine sword Gaelstrom, Gale starts vomiting cosmic energy, and eventually goes berserk.
• Sword Beam: Gale uses the Holy Sword Gaelstrom to fire off a powerful stream of wind to slice the giant dreg's shoulder off.
• Sword Plant
• Sword Pointing
• The Teaser: Each book starts off with one of these.
  They also usually end with a Cliffhanger.
• Terms of Endangerment: Syx refers to enemies as "dearies" and Michael specifically as "dear".
• Theme Naming: Characters either have surnames based on trees, or on birds.
  For example, Willow, Birch, Oak, and Finch, Peregrine.
• Titled After the Song: Every chapter and segment in the Angel Crush series uses the title of a song.
• Trademark Favorite Food: Metatron is very partial to cake and bemoans its absence during his visits to Earth if he isn't offered any.
• True Sight: Sandy's Magical Eyes give her a limited version of this because her eyes have not yet fully matured. It allows her to see people for who or what they really are. High level illusions are still a bit beyond her reach, though.
  • Her mother Serena can look into someone's eyes and see what they will see a short distance into their future.
• Twisted Echo Cut: Played straight in Volume 3, as the entire final segment is done in this style.
• The Unseen: The blobs and the Dregs are all meant to lampshade the eventual appearance of Syx, who is only hinted at in the early volumes. This character is also The Dreaded.
• Upbringing Makes the Hero: This is Heaven's hope for Gale, as his eventual role requires that he understand not only light and dark, but also the gray area of morality, as well. What better way for him to learn this than to be with people with ambiguous pasts?
• Wait Here: Faye is repeatedly instructed to do this, but rarely does so.
• The Watson: Faye tends to play this role to allow the angels to explain key plot points to the reader.
• What the Hell, Hero?: Gale and Faye call out Cupid about his decision not to go after the giant dreg in volume 3.
• White Magic: Many of Afriel's abilities are of the healing variety, complete with Healing Hands.
  • Also qualifies him as The Medic of the group.
• Will They or Won't They?: Common throughout the series, but none more prominently than Faye and Cupid, whom the authors continue to Ship Tease with interesting moments, but often leave the readers hanging.
  • See also Belligerent Sexual Tension and Unresolved Sexual Tension.
• Willfully Weak: Michael purposefully keeps his powers in check, as his abilities as The Archangel have the potential to destroy worlds.
  • This is especially significant in his fight against Julien in Volumes 4 and 5, as Michael stays in his human form for much of the fight so he doesn't accidentally hit Julien's hostage.
• Wise Beyond Their Years: Metatron. While it's hinted he's very old, he resembles a small child.
• With Great Power Comes Great Insanity: Basically what Michael and everyone else from Heaven is worried about. If Gale does succeed in his mission and inherits a massive amount of power, there is always a chance that it may drive him to insanity.
  • This has precedence, given that the first egg turned completely evil, while the second one abused it for his own interests.
• Wolverine Claws: Although they're not claws so much as they are three needle-like knives knives in each hand, wedged between his/her knuckles, the preferred weapon of the mysterious being known as Syx act like claws. They also double as throwing knives.
• Word Salad Title: The title Angel Crush has not been given any contextual meaning five volumes into the series. There is a chance the meaning behind the title will be revealed in the sixth book, as it has been announced to be the conclusion of the series.
• The Worf Effect: Julien Alder benefits from this with his surprise back-stab on Cupid in volume 2.
  • In a similar way, the mysterious character from Volume 5 benefits from this by stabbing Michael in the chest.
• Wreathed in Flames: Fire is the element of choice of the Radalia and its user, Michael the Archangel.
• You Can Barely Stand: Cupid in Volume 2, Gale in Volume 3, and Marion in Volume 4.
  Cupid showed great Heroic Resolve but had to resort to desperate means.
  Gale gained his Heroic Second Wind.
  Marion managed to muster enough energy to defeat Teacher Lucie by destroying her vulnerable spot.

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