MAPPA’s Original Anime Zenshu. Sparks Buzz with Classic Anime Homages – A Breakdown
MAPPA’s original TV anime Zenshu. has been gaining attention for its frequent tributes to past anime masterpieces. In this article, we break down the homages featured in each episode.
Synopsis: Zenshu
Natsuko Hirose discovered her talent as an animator after graduating high school and quickly rose to fame, debuting as a director in record time. Her first directorial work became a societal phenomenon, earning her the title of a genius director. For her next project, she takes on a feature-length romantic comedy exploring the theme of first love. However, Natsuko has never been in love, leaving her unable to grasp the concept of first love and halting her progress on the storyboards. One day, while struggling with her work, she loses consciousness. When she wakes up, she finds herself inside the world of A Dying Story, an anime film she adored as a child.
Episode 1 – Studio Ghibli Inspirations, Including Giant Warrior References
Luke from Zenshu EP1
In the world of A Tale of Perishing, an elite squad known as the Nine Soldiers fights to defeat the enemy known as the Void. The protagonist, Luke Braveheart, and his comrades engage in constant battles to protect the world from destruction.
In Episode 1 of Zenshu., a massive swarm of Voids invades the city, overwhelming Luke and his allies.
At that moment, an animation peg bar (a tool for securing animation paper) in Natsuko’s pocket speaks to her, urging her to "Draw!"
Upon seeing the countless enemies approaching from the horizon, Natsuko resolves to draw the perfect countermeasure. A glowing animation desk appears before her, and she instinctively begins sketching.
What she creates is reminiscent of the Giant Warrior from Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. The colossal figure breathes fire, obliterating the enemy. Notably, instead of flames erupting from its mouth, they shoot from its eyes. This led to viewers humorously commenting,
“Is it safe because the fire came from the eyes…?”
“This is dangerously close to copyright infringement! (lol)”
Another reference appears when Unio, the protagonist’s close friend, prepares to cast a self-destruct spell. As he begins the incantation with the syllable “Bal…,” the scene unmistakably evokes Laputa: Castle in the Sky’s “Spell of Destruction.
Episode 2 – The Revolutionary Missile Choreography: Itano Circus
from Zenshu EP2
■Recreating the Legendary Itano Circus
Episode 2 of Zenshu. sparked excitement by recreating the legendary animation technique known as the Itano Circus. This dynamic style, famous for its distinctive missile trajectories, was first popularized in anime such as Super Dimension Fortress Macross and Gunbuster.
■Natsuko’s Battle with the Void
Natsuko Hirose, now an active animator within A Tale of Perishing, fights alongside Luke despite their frequent clashes. Realizing she cannot return to the real world, she resolves to protect the exquisite meals she had long admired in A Tale of Perishing.
On the day of the Harvest Festival, Natsuko anticipates a massive Void invasion. As the attack begins, she initially plans to summon the giant warrior once again. However, her animation peg bar informs her that she can only create new animations, forcing her to rethink her strategy.
After much deliberation, Natsuko decides to overwhelm the Void with an unprecedented barrage of missiles. The fluidly animated projectiles fill the sky, annihilating the enemy in spectacular fashion.
■Itano’s Official Involvement
The Itano Circus technique is renowned for influencing not only anime but other forms of media as well. Fans who checked the Episode 2 credits were astonished to find:
"Itano Circus Part – Storyboard & 3D CG Supervision: Ichiro Itano."
This revelation confirmed that the legendary animator himself supervised and directed the breathtaking missile sequences in Zenshu.
Episode 3 – Tiger Mask Tribute
Natsuko from Zenshu EP3
■A New Twist in the Story
Thanks to Natsuko’s actions, the city is saved. However, because she is altering the original storyline, even she—despite knowing the plot inside out—finds herself facing unexpected developments.
In Episode 1, Unio originally sacrificed himself in battle against the Void, which should have led to his funeral. However, since the Harvest Festival took place instead, an event that was supposed to happen later—“The Void disguises itself as a priest and attacks the city”—occurs earlier than expected.
■The Arrival of Serval Cat Mask
As the disguised Void reveals its true form and attacks Destiny, Natsuko responds by sketching a new hero: a masked wrestler known as Serval Cat Mask.
This pro-wrestling champion unleashes signature moves such as the Mongolian Chop, Dragon Suplex, and Explosive Void Bomber, securing victory.
The main homage of this episode is to Tiger Mask, a classic manga series written by Ikki Kajiwara and illustrated by Naoki Tsuji, which debuted in 1968.
■A Tribute Deeply Tied to the Story
This episode’s homage is particularly well-integrated into the storyline.
In the original Tiger Mask series, the protagonist was an orphan who became a wrestler to inspire and support children at his orphanage, often making donations to help them.
In Zenshu., Natsuko hears Destiny’s dream of establishing an orphanage in the city. Inspired by this, she envisions and creates Serval Cat Mask, embodying the same spirit of justice and support for orphans as Tiger Mask.
Episode 4 – Singing & Dancing Idols: Uta no☆Prince-sama♪ Tribute
Memmeln & Sir Exister from Zenshu EP4
■A Musical Twist
For Episode 4, the production team took a playful approach, transforming the episode into a full-fledged musical.
This time, the story revolves around Memmeln’s betrayal of the Nine Soldiers. It is revealed that she has been secretly working to resurrect a powerful Void known as the Ultimate Void.
■Memmeln’s Secret Plan
Suspicious of Memmeln, Luke and Natsuko follow her as she heads to a choir practice. However, they soon discover that the so-called Void Church, including Memmeln, has been secretly worshiping the Ultimate Void.
When confronted, Memmeln reveals her reasoning:
“As an elf with an almost eternal lifespan, I can no longer bear the pain of losing my comrades in this endless war against the Void. I just want it to end.”
■The Idol Who Saves the Day
To stop the summoning ritual, Natsuko sketches a new character—Sir Exister (JP: 超実在エグジスト).
Sir Exister appears as a dazzling male idol, captivating Memmeln and her followers through song and dance. Enchanted by his charm, Memmeln decides that she will forever be a devoted fan of Exister, who, as Natsuko’s creation, will never die.
■The Uta no☆Prince-sama♪ Connection
This episode’s main homage is to Uta no☆Prince-sama♪, a popular male idol franchise. In Zenshu., it is referenced through Uta☆Men (Singing Men’s Idols), a fictional series that Natsuko had previously worked on.
■Additionally, the tribute extends to voice actors:
Mamoru Miyano, a key figure in the Uta no☆Prince-sama♪ series, is widely recognized as a singer and stage actor, having played Tony in the musical West Side Story. His strong presence in both anime and live performances makes this parody particularly effective.
Minori Suzuki, who voices Memmeln, is also well known for her singing ability, especially for her role as Freyja Wion in Macross Δ.
With this combination of elements, Episode 4 stands out as a clever and entertaining parody.
Source : Zenshu official