Overview
- MAPPA’s Zenshu offers a unique meta perspective on the Isekai genre.
- Natsuko Hirose’s struggle with writer’s block leads her into a captivating fantasy journey.
- Episode 1 sets an exciting foundation for diverse story arcs ahead.
| Title | Zenshu |
|---|---|
| Director | Mitsue Yamazaki |
| Studio | MAP |
| Episode Release Date | January 5, 2025 |
Note: The following review contains spoilers from the first episode of Zenshu, titled “First Stroke,”which is currently streaming on Crunchyroll.
MAPPA’s latest anime, Zenshu, chronicles the journey of an aspiring animator whose battle with writer’s block catalyzes an unexpected dive into a fantastical adventure. Although the premiere episode unfolds slowly, the investment pays off splendidly by the third act.
In “First Stroke,”the story unfolds within the confines of a mundane office. Animator Natsuko Hirose is beset by the weight of impending deadlines and the pressure of high expectations. A sudden food poisoning episode inadvertently transports her into the vibrant realm of her beloved anime feature. To rescue the cherished characters she once adored, Hirose must rekindle the creative fire that fueled her passion for animation, setting the stage for an unpredictable season.
Millennial Burnout Kills the Anime Star
From the outset of “First Stroke,”we are introduced to Natsuko Hirose (voiced by Anna Nagase in Japanese and Madeleine Morris in English), an exceptionally talented anime creator whose career took off right after high school. Following her recent directorial success in a magical girl series, she is now tasked with leading a romantic film project. Sadly, the production faces significant delays.
Dull Office Vibes Amplify Writer’s Block
The first act of Zenshu poignantly illustrates Hirose’s creative struggles. The image of the young animator slumped over her desk, her disheveled hair a testament to neglect, resonates deeply with anyone in a creative field. Overwhelmed by her own perfectionism, she’s confined to a cramped cubicle, tearing pages from her storyboard in frustration. Meanwhile, a relentless executive checks in, their cheerfulness hiding a focus on monetary gain as not-so-subtle whispers of the project’s precarious state circulate among the staff.
This workplace scene surprisingly encapsulates the episode’s tension better than the more dramatic battle that ensues later. Viewers witness Hirose’s gradual slide into procrastination as every social media notification on her phone intensifies the pressure to deliver a successful film—flattering messages from fans juxtaposed with disparaging remarks from trolls.
Her hyper-critical tendencies foster a bitter atmosphere among her colleagues. When a subordinate submits keyframes for the film’s teaser, Hirose coldly demands a total redo, leading to a heated exchange with another coworker who cautions her against her self-imposed isolation. The moment she swivels her chair to glare at him is striking, reminiscent of iconic horror tropes, amplified by her promise not to cut her hair until the storyboard is complete.
Unclear Food Poisoning Sparks Questions
Hirose’s world is upended when she learns of the death of industry icon Kamataro Tsuruyama due to food poisoning, foreshadowing her own misfortune. After the initial shock, she unwittingly consumes spoiled clams while binge-watching Tsuruyama’s cult classic, A Tale of Perishing.
As the tension of her mundane workplace gives way, Hirose slips into unconsciousness, surrounded by concerned coworkers, and the last image frozen in the scene is her eyes rolling back in anguish.
While it’s ambiguous whether the spoiled food is actually responsible for her situation, what unfolds next appears as a surreal flashback, showing Hirose’s childhood joy watching A Tale of Perishing, which transitions into her awakening in a desolate, ancient wasteland.
Familiar Tropes Encountered by Natsuko Hirose
As the second act begins, Hirose finds herself reincarnated within the realm of A Tale of Perishing. As she reunites with beloved characters, she is haunted by a foreboding instinct regarding their fate. Ultimately, she must assume the role of the protagonist in her narrative, striving to prevent impending doom.
Upon facing a formidable insect-like beast, she is rescued by the dashing knight, Luke Braveheart (voiced by Kazuki Ura and Ryan Negron), who swiftly subdues the foe. However, the narrative quickly falls into familiar territory. Hirose navigates the expected disbelief typically characteristic of an Isekai storyline. Initially suspecting she is part of an expertly crafted cosplay event, Hirose eventually realizes she has been thrust into the Last City, the final refuge against monstrous foes.
As the plot thickens, she recalls a tragic sequence where an army of void monsters besieges the Last City. While the city ultimately prevails, it results in the heartbreaking loss of the endearing unicorn mascot, Unio (voiced by Rie Kugimiya and Luci Christian), plunging Braveheart into despair. Hirose becomes determined to alter this tragic trajectory.
Despite her urgent warnings, her concerns fall on deaf ears. The performances by Nagase and Morris splendidly convey Hirose’s blend of quiet cynicism and geeky enthusiasm, particularly effective as her character remains largely concealed for the bulk of the episode.
It becomes increasingly frustrating to witness Hirose dismissed, yet it also feels quite monotonous. The tropes depicted in this dark fantasy setting and the recurring “Groundhog Day” concept feel all too familiar. Nevertheless, the episode’s genuine allure remains to be discovered.
Empowerment Reinvigorates the Final Act
As events unfold predictably, the void army invades, the heroes gear up for battle, and Unio selflessly orders Braveheart to retreat, accepting his fate. Immobilized by frustration, Hirose watches as despair descends, feeling helpless to intervene. However, a surprising revelation jolts her into action:
Natsuko! New fates must be drawn.
This empowerment unlocks a new level of excitement. Hirose races into the fray, brandishing her peg bar, and enters an exhilarating magical girl transformation sequence. In a burst of creativity, she uses her artistic vision to conjure a formidable ally, an animated paper monster that obliterates the threats in a spectacular papercraft explosion, ultimately saving Unio in the process.
The climactic scenes of Zenshu’s first episode illustrate why this anime holds so much promise. A diverse cast of characters—noble knights, diverse animals, and magical beings—pales compared to the extraordinary capabilities of an artist who embraces her imagination. As Hirose’s true potential emerges, audiences eagerly await what unfolds next in episode 2.
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