Warning: This article contains spoilers for Zenshu Episode 1, “First Stroke.”
MAPPA, the studio behind popular anime series like Hell’s Paradise, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Attack on Titan, is starting 2025 with an original project, Zenshu. Mitsue Yamazaki (who directed four episodes of Attack on Titan) is the director of the series, with Kimiko Ueno (who most recently worked on Ranma 1/2) as the writer. If you’re new to the anime world and looking to find an easy jumping-on point without the baggage of manga to read up on, Zenshu is the series for you.
Zenshu Episode 1 wastes no time establishing its lead characters and the interesting premise the show will follow. It’s a pleasant reminder of how our childhood memories can guide us through life, no matter how much we think we outgrow them. The series may appear to be this one story, but it throws its main character (and the audience) on an adventure they were not expecting. Follow along with our Zenshu Episode 1 “First Stroke” recap & review for all the details.
The ‘Zenshu’ Series Premiere Shows the Struggles of Being an Artist
The Zenshu series premiere opens with Natsuko Hirose (Anna Nagase) at her desk as she prepares to draw storyboards. Through narration, she explains that she started working at an anime studio after high school and instantly rose from animation director to lead director on her own TV series. The show became such a huge hit that she’s already working on an original rom-com animated film. However, she’s struggling to finish the first half of the storyboards.
Natsuko is a very hands-on director that chooses to handle most of the artwork, instead of delegating it to the rest of the animation team. She keeps her hair long as motivation to finish all her work first. The studio is starting to worry that the new film won’t hit its original release date. After reading online that one of her favorite animators passed away from food poisoning, she watches A Tale of Perishing, a fictional fantasy show done by the animator. As she reminisces about how much she watched it growing up, Natusko eats expired seafood and seemingly dies.
Natsuko Awakens in a Strange, yet Familiar World in ‘Zenshu’ Episode 1
After her life flashes before her eyes, Natsuko wakes up in a desert when a giant bug-like creature called The Void attacks her. A group of warriors protect her and easily defeat the creature. Natsuko recognizes them as the characters from A Tale of Perishing: Luke Braveheart (Kazuki Ura), Unio (Rie Kugimiya), Memerun (Minori Suzuki), and QJ (Akio Suyama). Confused by her clothes and references to the future, the warriors head to a nearby city, but leave Natsuko alone in the desert.
The townspeople celebrate the team — officially called the Nine Warriors — when Natsuko makes her way to the city. After being able to directly quote a speech from one of the city leaders since she watched the show multiple times, she notifies Luke that an army of Voids will attack the city that same night. Luke and Unio dismiss her since QJ’s sensors don’t indicate a potential threat. She watches them from a distance as they celebrate and remembers that Unio will sacrifice himself to defeat the Voids.
The Nine Warriors Face An Army of Voids in ‘Zenshu’ Episode 1
Luke, Unio, and Memerun are struggling to battle hundreds of Voids, as Natsuko yells at them to stop. Unio puts Luke, Memerun, and QJ in a magic shield as he plans to use a self-destruct spell to defeat the Voids. Natsuko’s animation peg bar begins to glow and tells her to start drawing. As she brainstorms what to draw, the magical energy from her peg bar blows her long black hair back and reveals her face for the first time.
In a Sailor Moon meets Power Rangers sequence, Natsuko summos her animation desk to create something to defeat the Voids. Natsuko rapidly draws a giant being that is reminiscent of Ultraman that fires a blast of energy at the Voids, easily wiping them all out. The episode ends with Luke questioning where Natsuke came from before she passes out from exhaustion. Misinterpreting her words, he believes she’s an “aneemator” from a country called the “Real World.”
‘Zenshu’ Shows the Pen Is Mightier Than the Sword
Zenshu Episode 1 is a great introduction to the series as it wastes no time diving into the action. The premise of an artist using their work to defeat their enemies is an interesting choice that celebrates the power of animation and artistry. Considering that Natsuko was tired after creating such a giant being, it already establishes the limits to her abilities. She won’t always be able to draw something up to fix a problem. That being said, the Nine Warriors are capable fighters with their own unique powersets. It’ll be fun to see the team’s dynamic grow throughout the show.
Zenshu is an anime-only series so every viewer will be on the same page watching the show. There’s no prior material to follow along with or get ahead on. The animation is top-notch, as to be expected from MAPPA. It’s an accessible show for fantasy enthusiasts, artists, or casual anime fans. If you’re looking for a new anime to watch this year, Zenshu is already off to a good start.
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'Zenshu' Episode 1 "First Stroke" Review
'Zenshu' Episode 1 "First Stroke" ReviewThe Good
- MAPPA never misses with their beautiful animation.
- The series is shaping up to be a great celebration for artists and their work with its unique premise.
- The foundation is set for a fun dynamic between the main characters.
- The show is easily accessible for many types of viewers, even those who aren't into fantasy stories.
The Bad
- The series premiere moves so quickly without much moments to breathe.
