MAPPA is known for having a diverse collection of anime that can be a hit or a miss, depending on the plot. Zenshu is one of MAPPA’s most ambitious projects as it celebrates animators but also does that in a very unconventional way.
Rather than showcasing the struggles of animators and how they do things, the makers take a more fantastical approach. The protagonist in question gets transported to the world of anime, and that is where her adventure begins.
Zenshu was definitely a wild ride that tried to do many things, but it felt overwhelming at times. Even though it was a messy start, the journey was good, and the conclusion indicates a more hopeful outcome.
Zenshu is a love letter to anime
The overarching theme of Zenshu is essentially as simple as an animator’s love for anime and nothing else. These animators who overwork themselves and try their best to present great works are, in the end, all fans of the medium.
This is why, the journey of Natsuko finding out about why she fell in love with her profession in the first place felt so close to home. As anime fans, we ourselves felt that spark the moment we watched something that inspired us to be more involved with anime from then on.
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Thus, when Natsuko gets to be in love with her actual anime crush, the whole sentiment is heartfelt and surreal. Who does not dream of getting transported to their favorite show or being with their most beloved character?
Natsuko not only gets her anime crush but even steps into the role of a hero, fighting to save the world and the characters she loves. This entire plot feels like it is pulled straight from an anime lover’s fantasy, and that is exactly what Zenshu delivers.
A story that took risks for better or worse
What stops this anime from being the best version of itself is the fact that it never knew where it would go in the beginning. The anime tried to incorporate and tap into too many things that, at times, felt unnecessary.
It first started out as a show that would depict the reality of the animation industry but then it switched to Isekai. The world-building of this new world did not feel as compelling, with its confusing power structures and lack of information.
In between, we also saw bursts of Shonen with Luke being the hero who saves the day. But Natsuko’s evolution as a character reminded us of Shojo as well. Plus, the budding romance between them, again shifted the genre from just an Isekai adventure to something more.
The romance segment is where Zenshu got hold of itself and came back on track with a clear focus. However, its ending, depicting a reverse Isekai where the characters come to the real world, also demands a second season.
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If we do not get one, the conclusion that we got would feel lacking and haphazard. Hopefully, they will expand on this franchise because Zenshu has tremendous potential, and an abrupt ending does not do it justice.
Watch Zenshu on Crunchyroll.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
