MAPPA Unveils New Anime Featuring Studio Ghibli Easter Egg by Miyazaki

Warning: Contains spoilers for Zenshu episode #1. The much-anticipated anime Zenshu from MAPPA has premiered, and it is already captivating audiences with a remarkable reference to Studio Ghibli. The narrative follows Natsuko Hirose, an exceptionally talented animator, who finds herself transported into her favorite anime, A Tale of Perishing, after her untimely death. Despite the anime’s grim premise, where tragedy is expected, Natsuko is determined to rewrite the story’s fate and engineer a happy ending.

Following the trend prevalent in isekai anime, Natsuko discovers she possesses extraordinary abilities upon entering the universe of A Tale of Perishing. Notably, her skills allow her to animate her drawings into reality. This power is showcased powerfully in the premiere episode when she rescues a pivotal character. What makes this moment particularly striking is its homage to the Giant Warrior from Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind, adding both visual and narrative depth to the scene.

Zenshu’s Nausicaa Reference Completely Transforms Its Darkest Moment

The homage to Studio Ghibli in Zenshu is compelling not only for its stunning animation but for how it effectively reinterprets the original scene. In Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind, the Giant Warrior ultimately succumbs and fails to save anyone from the Ohm, leaving viewers with a sense of despair. However, in Zenshu, Natsuko’s animated creation symbolizes her determination and hope, successfully rescuing Unio and preventing protagonist Luke Braveheart from succumbing to hopelessness. This transformative element marks a significant departure from the original narrative’s darker tones.

Zenshu’s Studio Ghibli Reference Clearly Establishes Its Thematic Direction

Why Zenshu Is Set to Become a Favorite

The narrative of Zenshu inherently carries a meta quality, as it revolves around an animator striving to reshape their cherished anime’s fate. The explicit reference to Studio Ghibli, combined with the exaggerated personalities within the cast, reinforces that the series serves as a heartfelt tribute to the world of anime. This perfectly aligns with Natsuko’s character journey, suggesting exciting potential for more clever references as the story progresses. If this initial episode is any indication, Zenshu promises to be an engaging and enjoyable watch from beginning to end.

Zenshu airs new episodes every Sunday on Crunchyroll.

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