The final episode of ZENSHU is here! In the face of absolute despair, Natsuko manages to give everyone a happy ending. It felt like it was missing a bit of impact, but that doesn’t detract from the artistry and passion on display. As one of the few original anime that aired this season, it does a commendable job.
SPOILER WARNING for episode 12. Rated 14+ for Profanity and Violence.
One Last Chance
With the help of Memmeln, Natsuko and Unio break free of the Void’s grasp. Luke has transformed into the Ultimate Void and is laying waste to the Last Town. The barrage of attacks is nigh unstoppable, but Natsuko gets to work to avert disaster.
It’s incredibly poetic that her answer to defeat the Ultimate Void is drawing Luke himself. Every time one of her animations gets destroyed, she draws another one, again and again. It’s as if Luke has become her symbol of determination and gives her the courage to keep going.
Alone in the Darkness
Despite their best efforts, our heroes are consumed, one after another, by the Void. Natsuko is alone in the darkness. Then, QJ returns, having been resurrected by Memmeln’s companions. He provides light, as well as the last push Natsuko needs, to draw one final version of Luke.
Coincidentally, it’s the version from the hot springs episode, the moment she fell in love with him.
The Ultimate Void is defeated, a new Soul Future is born, and the world and everyone in it is revived. Natsuko’s power is drained and she has to return to the real world. She disappears with Luke swearing he’ll find her again.
Back in reality, Natsuko has become much more cooperative. Her hair no longer hides her face and she’s more willing to rely on others. As the sun sets, she catches one final glimpse of Luke and her friends.
Final Thoughts
The Japanese word “zenshu,” in the context of animation, roughly translates to “redo everything.” The title perfectly encapsulates Natsuko’s story of reinvention.
This applies not only to the edits she makes to “A Tale of Perishing,” but it also applies to herself. She has to “redo” her approach to her work and rediscover what inspired her in the first place.
Episode 12 does a great job of rounding out her character arc, though something did feel lacking.
Tsuruyama’s final words were “A happy ending does not a good ending make,” and I’m inclined to agree to some extent. The solution to destroying the Ultimate Void felt too simple and weakened the impact of the final blow. The subsequent revival of QJ and the rest of the world felt like it undid a lot of emotional investment.
That said, ZENSHU’s perfect happy ending was totally earned. For all the suffering the characters endured, the series couldn’t have ended on a better note.
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