Why I Watched This
Zenshu is an original anime produced by MAPPA—yes, that MAPPA. As any anime fan knows, seeing that name attached to a project usually guarantees stunning animation and top-tier production. That was enough to pique my interest.
But what really drew me in was the premise: a story about an animator struggling to create a storyline for her next series. An anime studio making a show about an animator? I was sold on the meta concept alone. Then I hit play on episode one—and surprise, it’s an isekai.
Plot Mechanics
The story starts off deceptively simple, but it quickly branches out into something far deeper and more compelling.
Natsuko Hirose, our main character, is transported into a world based on her favorite childhood anime film, A Tale of Perishing. Problem is, that movie doesn’t have a happy ending. Despite this, Natsuko makes the most of her time in the world, joining forces with its heroes to battle the “voids” threatening to destroy everything. Along the way, she awakens a unique power granted to her upon arrival.
The first few episodes have an episodic feel—Natsuko helps out, enjoys the world, rinse and repeat. But everything changes around episode 6 or 7. The tone shifts, the stakes rise, and the true threat of the perishing world kicks in. From that point forward, it’s a wild ride of unpredictability and emotional punches.
The plot wraps up beautifully, pulling threads from early episodes to deliver a satisfying conclusion. For an isekai, Zenshu surpassed my expectations in every way.
Plot: 9.75/10
Characters & Character Design
The characters are a standout across the board.
Natsuko is a passionate, borderline chaotic lead—but always true to herself, which makes her incredibly fun to follow. Her design is also refreshingly different: her eyes are often hidden by her hair, but when revealed, the detailed artwork and emotion behind them are breathtaking.
The rest of the cast is just as diverse. From demihumans and dragons to unicorns and NPCs, this world is packed with life. Even side characters have distinct designs and personalities. And the character development? Top-notch—especially the arcs for Natsuko and Luke Bravehart.
The worldbuilding through its characters is rich, and the relationships feel authentic. You’ll root for this ragtag group from start to finish.
Character/Design: 10/10
Aesthetics & Vibes
The vibes in this show are phenomenal.
The early episodes feel fun and adventurous, with Natsuko navigating her relationship with the Nine Soldiers. She’s not fully accepted, but she’s not quite rejected either—an engaging dynamic that adds a lot of charm. The comedy lands when it needs to, and the tension hits when things get serious.
When the show flips its tone in the second half, it does so seamlessly. And let’s not forget the music—especially that ending theme. The way the final song kicks in right as an episode ends (usually on a dark or emotional note) is chef’s kiss.
Aesthetics/Vibes: 10/10
Art & Animation
MAPPA does what MAPPA does best.
Even though Zenshu isn’t packed with non-stop action, the fights it does have are beautifully choreographed. The color palette is striking, and the visual effects—especially during sudden beam attacks—are eye candy.
Natsuko’s eyes deserve a special mention again: the way they’re animated adds so much depth to her character. The world itself is also stunning, transitioning effortlessly between vibrant and desolate settings.
Art/Animation: 10/10
Final Thoughts
I didn’t expect to fall in love with this show. I started watching out of boredom—it just happened to be one of the first anime of the new season. But Zenshu surprised me in the best way.
Between the unpredictable plot, beautiful art, relatable characters, and those final episodes that hit hard, this anime had me completely immersed. Add in a banger ending song, and I knew this was a 10/10 experience for me.
If you’re looking for an anime that’s visually stunning, emotionally impactful, and balances light-hearted fun with serious themes—Zenshu is a must-watch. The shift from an episodic start to a high-stakes, meaningful narrative is handled perfectly.
Overall Rating: 10/10
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