MAPPA has earned a reputation among anime enthusiasts as a go-to studio, boasting an impressive collection that includes shows like “Jujutsu Kaisen”, the revamped “Ranma 1/2” and “Chainsaw Man”. While they’ve primarily adapted existing properties such as these, they’re gradually venturing into original creations. One of their latest endeavors, “ZENSHU“, scheduled for release during the Winter 2025 anime season on January 5, is an example of this new direction. The first episode suggests that it will set a high standard for the entire year.
In addition to highlighting the skills of the MAPPA animators and crew, the series ZENSHU openly displays its emotional depth right from the start, and in its initial episode, it becomes evident that it’s not merely a labor of love – it’s a production that aspires to portray the intricate dynamics between creators and their work, and with the sources that motivated them. The show cleverly uses aspects from the popular isekai genre to its benefit to delve into these topics, focusing on an animator who has lost their creative drive after their initial significant commercial success.
There’s something truly captivating about the debut episode of ZENSHU, and it’s all because the anime masterfully delves into the journey of a storyteller losing touch with their original inspiration, and the immense liberation that comes from rediscovering those initial passions. As a fellow enthusiast, I find myself deeply drawn to the story of Natsuko, an animator and director who, after her breakout success with a magical girl anime, is now grappling with the creative blocks hindering her next animated masterpiece.
Although finding motivation to create storyboards for her movie proved challenging, Natsuko stubbornly refused outside help, believing in her ability to complete the task due to her established reputation. Re-watching her cherished animated film, “A Tale of Perishing,” which ignited her passion for anime production, triggered an unexpected event: Natsuko found herself transported into the movie’s world. Confronted by the grim reality of the storyline, Natsuko was overwhelmed with a profound affection for the characters. Realizing that she could alter the destinies of these characters using her creative prowess and writing skills, she saw an opportunity to make a difference.
ZENSHU Masterfully Explores the Importance of Artists Reconnecting With & Embracing Their Roots
In the story ZENSHU, what sets Natsuko apart as an engaging protagonist is that she’s initially presented as a struggling artist rather than at the height of her success. Although it’s clear that she’s admired within her industry and respected by her studio, we first meet Natsuko when she’s grappling with burnout on a project she isn’t enthusiastic about but could secure her future in a field she cherishes. This struggle resonates with many real-world creators, and despite her unkempt appearance, overgrown hair, and casual demeanor, Natsuko’s struggles make her relatable and endearing to audiences.
In Episode 1, Natsuko’s appearance signifies her present professional struggles. Towards the end of the episode, ZENSHU offers viewers a peek at Natsuko’s true visage in a poignant scene where she embraces her connection with the world of A Tale of Perishing fully and is granted the creative liberty to illustrate something she truly cherishes. Although this unfolds during an action-packed segment that playfully satirizes isekai conventions, it also hints at how ZENSHU intends to delve into the mind of an artist who yearns, though perhaps unconsciously, for the innocence and creativity they once possessed before their work became a means of financial gain.
When Natsuko recognizes the need to act, she feels a mix of innocent wonder and dread. This isn’t due to any hidden agenda to transform into a super-powered hero in a world where she fully comprehends every twist and turn. Instead, it’s because she understands the devastating repercussions the predestined events in the story will have on the protagonist of “A Tale of Perishing“. As a child, these characters were significant to her, and she feels compelled to intervene to potentially change their destinies. Natsuko’s heroism stems from a deep-seated love for artistry and storytelling that resonated deeply within her, sparking her journey towards becoming an artist—a feeling that remains poignant amidst today’s creative industry dominated by commercialization and mass consumption.
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2025-01-05 21:09