Overview
- Zenshu, a fresh original anime from MAPPA, dives into the challenging realities of anime production, addressing both physical and mental health implications.
- The narrative centers around Natsuko, who finds herself reincarnated into her beloved childhood anime, A Tale of Perishing, allowing her the chance to alter the storyline and reshape her destiny.
- With a compelling premise and a talented team led by director Mitsue Yamazaki, Zenshu stands out as a unique contribution to the isekai genre, making it a must-watch.
Recently, MAPPA has made remarkable strides in adapting popular manga series, delivering hits like Jujutsu Kaisen, Chainsaw Man, and the reboot of Ranma 1/2, solidifying its reputation as a leader in the anime industry. While manga adaptations have become the norm, with original works taking a backseat, MAPPA is poised to change the narrative with Zenshu. This groundbreaking series goes beyond the typical storytelling, venturing into the often-overlooked world of anime production itself. The early buzz surrounding this 12-episode series is palpable, especially with its trailer garnering over 800,000 views—an impressive feat compared to other Crunchyroll offerings.
What Is Zenshu About?
An Anime Director Struggles with Writing About This Topic
The title Zenshu translates to “to redo everything”and uniquely captures Natsuko’s journey as she steps into the anime industry post-high school. Her initial project achieves commercial success, but her next assignment—a romantic anime—poses a significant challenge due to her lack of personal experience in love. Faced with mounting pressure and looming deadlines, Natsuko succumbs to writer’s block, compromising her mental health and creativity.
In her own words, “My first anime became a massive hit, sparking a social phenomenon and earning me recognition as an up-and-coming genius director.”
Tragically, Natsuko’s relentless pursuit of success leads to her demise in the real world. However, this sets the stage for her remarkable journey as she awakens in the fantastical realm of A Tale of Perishing, the anime that inspired her career. Initially shocked to live the story she once adored, she soon discovers she possesses the power to alter the script and transform her destiny within this beloved fictional universe.
Who Is Behind It?
Director of Monthly Girl’s Nozaki-kun and More
The talent assembling for Zenshu is notable. Mitsue Yamazaki, acclaimed for directing the popular series Monthly Girl’s Nozaki-kun, is at the helm. Her experience spans various successful titles, including The Sleepy Princess in the Demon Castle, as well as significant roles in episode direction and storyboarding for fan-favorites like Attack on Titan, Noragami, and Bleach. This impressive resume ensures her capability to navigate the complexities of anime production.
Working alongside her, main scriptwriter Kimiko Ueno brings a wealth of experience, having contributed to acclaimed series like Dungeon Meshi and Carole & Tuesday. With over 20 credits to her name, Ueno’s expertise in crafting compelling narratives is sure to enrich Zenshu.
The lead character Natsuko will be voiced by Anna Nagase, known for her roles in Summer Time Rendering and Suicide Squad Anime. The anime also features a strong supporting cast, including Kazai Ura, Rie Kugimiya, Romi Park, and Manaka Iwami, who bring their characters to life in this intricate tale.
How Is It Unique Compared to Other Anime About Anime?
We’ve Seen This Before… Right? (Wrong)
While previous anime like Shirobako and Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken have highlighted the creative struggles of the anime and manga industries, Zenshu takes a more somber approach. It addresses the harsh realities of physical and mental health challenges faced by creators in an often brutal industry. The anime directly tackles the prevalent issue of “karoshi”(過労死), or death by overwork, an alarming phenomenon within Japan’s work culture, particularly in non-unionized sectors like anime and manga production.
Each year, an estimated 10,000 individuals succumb to conditions exacerbated or caused by overwork in Japan. Though Zenshu maintains an underlying lightness—evidenced by Natsuko’s reincarnation into her cherished anime—the series does not shy away from depicting the stark realities of stress-induced health crises.
While MAPPA’s new project is unadapted from existing material, the trailers hint at a captivating narrative that distinguishes itself within the saturated isekai genre. This innovative take, focusing on an anime director and her journey through the heart of the animated world, promises to renew interest, even for those fatigued by formulaic isekai narratives.
Zenshu is set to premiere on January 5th, 2025, exclusively on Crunchyroll.
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