1.Introduction

“Zenshu” is a fantasy anime produced by Mappa and premiered in the winter of 2025. The series follows the protagonist who dies and is transported to another world that she once saw as an anime.

In this article, I’ll share my thoughts on the first episode, covering its plot, animation, characters, and overall impressions.

2. Plot summary

The first episode introduces us to Natsuko Hirose, a famous animation director who is transported to another world upon her death. Set in a common Japanese children’s fantasy anime, the story begins when the much-suffering Natsuko eats food that causes food poisoning. I laughed at how predictable the development was when Hamaguri Bento appeared on my screen. The hamaguri looked very sinister. I haven’t decided whether it’s staged or foreshadowing something.
Anyway, Natsuko then moves to another world, one that many Japanese children have seen before. There is a blonde-haired man swinging a sword, a blue-haired girl who can use multiple magic spells, and there is even a marketable unicorn character! I’ve seen it all somewhere and most Japanese people would probably feel the same. More to the point, that battle scene is clearly a parody of Ghibli! Needless to say, that is a scene directed by Hideaki Anno, who worked on Neon Genesis Evangelion, in Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. It’s almost puzzling why Natsuko didn’t shout, “Burn them all!” at the moment.
Anyway, that’s how the story begins.

3. Animation & Art Style

The animation quality in “Zenshu” is good, with MAPPA making use of old-fashioned techniques. I found that this anime was intentionally made in dull shades. This also makes me nostalgic. When I was about seven years old, I used to watch these anime after coming back home from school. The coloring enhanced that nostalgic feeling.

4. Characters

I’d like to talk about Natsuko Hirose. She has long hair that hides her face. Sometimes I can’t read the emotion in her expression. I found this technique impressive. When enemies attack a town Natsuko visited, I can hear her monologue, but I can’t see her face because it’s covered by her long hair. I thought this method would continue for the rest of the anime, but it was revealed early by the end of the first episode.

But maybe her face will be covered again in the next episode.

5. Overall Impressions & Final Verdict

The first episode of “Zenshu” leaves a good impression with its animation direction. If you enjoy original animation without any source material, this anime is worth checking out. I’m looking forward to the next episode and seeing how the story unfolds. Will I continue watching? For now, yes!