Zenshu Ep. 11 "DESPAIR": Edge Of Despair [Review]

Zenshu Ep. 11 “DESPAIR” really deserves its title. This is an episode that drives all of its characters to the sting of despair, and even past it. And but, it’s due to how darkish the story has change into that any trace of hope turns into one thing you latch onto. Fortunately, within the midst of the darkness, there’s a small however vivid mild that lights the way in which.

Zenshu Ep. 11 “DESPAIR”: Details

Zenshu Ep. 11 “DESPAIR” is the eleventh episode (you possibly can learn my evaluations for Ep. 1, Ep. 2, Ep. 3, Ep. 4, Ep. 5, Ep. 6, Ep. 7, Ep. 8, Ep. 9, and Ep. 10 right here) of this darkish isekai fantasy anime collection. Said anime collection is just not the anime adaptation of any manga, however somewhat, it’s its personal unique anime. MAPPA (Zombie Land Saga, Jujutsu Kaisen, Chainsaw Man) is the animation studio behind this anime collection. Crunchyroll is the corporate licensing this anime for its world launch.

Production Cast

Jun Shishido is the director and storyboarder behind Zenshu Ep. 11 “DESPAIR”, with Kimiko Ueno as the author, and Kayoko Ishikawa, Kazuko Hayakawa, Shuji Takahara, Etsuko Sumimoto, and Zhang Yun all because the chief animation administrators. As for Zenshu as an entire, we do nonetheless know that Mitsue Yamazaki is the director, with Kimiko Ueno because the script author. Yoshiteru Tsujino is chargeable for character design and world setting, with Kayoko Ishikawa additionally doing character design whereas additionally being the chief animation director alongside Etsuko Sumimoto, Kazuko Hayakawa, and Shuji Takahara. Sumie Noro is the assistant director, with Akio Shimada because the artwork director, Ayako Suenaga as the colour designer, Kenta Fujita because the director of images, Mutsumi Takemiya because the editor, Yukari Hashimoto because the composer, dugout because the sound producer, Makoto Tanimura (Sound Wing) because the casting supervisor, and Takahiro Ogawa because the animation producer.

Now as for that music: the opening theme track for Zenshu is “Zen” by Band-Maid. Meanwhile, “Tada, Kimo no Mama de” by Sou is the ending theme track.

Voice Cast

Zenshu Ep. 11 “DESPAIR” options the voices of Anna Nagase (Madeleine Morris in English dub) as Natsuko Hirose, Kazuki Ura (Ryan Negrón in English dub) as Luke Braveheart, Rie Kugimiya (Luci Christian in English dub) as Unio, Minori Suzuki (Alexis Tipton in English dub) as Memmeln, Akio Suyama (Derick Snow in English dub) as QJ, and Romi Park (Corey Wilder in English dub) as Justice.

The different notable character on this episode is Manaka Iwami (Dani Chambers in English dub) as Destiny Heartwarming.

When and Where to Watch

Zenshu Ep. 11 “DESPAIR” made its streaming and airing (aka. simulcast) debut on March 16, 2025. You can watch this episode solely on Crunchyroll. In reality, you possibly can watch this whole anime solely on Crunchyroll on account of it being an unique there.

Zenshu Ep. 11 “DESPAIR”: Synopsis

Alas, Zenshu continues to be an ongoing anime collection, though it’s practically over. In reality, Zenshu Ep. 11 “DESPAIR” solely simply made its debut yesterday as of this writing. Thus, you’ll all get the official synopsis of this anime from Crunchyroll somewhat than a spoiler-filled plot abstract. Here’s that synopsis under:

“Luke suffers more loss and falls into despair while Memmeln comes up with a certain plan with Meg and Sally.”

Zenshu Ep. 11 “DESPAIR”: The Good

Okay, there’s actually little doubt in any respect about what’s the most effective a part of Zenshu Ep. 11 “DESPAIR”. It’s the story. It has all the time been the story, however that story is absolutely hitting a peak on this penultimate episode. Loads of it’s due to simply how totally, despairingly darkish this episode’s story is. It and the episode earlier than it stands in full distinction to the light-hearted enjoyable that was Ep. 1-9. It’s that huge tonal shift that’s what makes this episode such a thrill to observe, particularly as you watch previously joyful characters fall into a really deep despair.

And but, there’s nonetheless a core of hope all through the episode even because the despair rises up. Ironically and fittingly, it comes from Memmeln and Unio’s actions all through the episode. No spoilers, however they’re the characters conserving the story (and us by extension) from falling into complete despair, and making this episode extra of a darkish chocolate somewhat than unsweetened baking chocolate.

Of course, all that is vastly enhanced by studio MAPPA and their animation group’s efforts. Seriously, this episode is a step above even the standard top quality this anime has loved as an entire. Amazingly, it’s used to boost not solely the despair of the episode, however the hope as nicely. It simply goes to indicate what an animation group will go to for a tremendous anime. For actual, this episode made me tear up, and because of this I’m giving it an ideal rating this time.

Zenshu Ep. 11 “DESPAIR”: The Bad

Alas, when you’re solely into motion and nothing else, then Zenshu Ep. 11 “DESPAIR” could also be a bit upset. There is motion on this episode. However, there’s not an entire lot of it, and it’s not the main focus of the episode. The most important focus is unquestionably the emotional battle right here, and in my view, it’s all the higher for it. All on account of how darkish and intense it’s.

Honestly, I’d recommend watching Spice and Wolf, Senpai is an Otokonoko, and/or Blue Box to chill your self down afterwards. They’re all a pleasant technique to relax and loosen up whereas getting ready your self for the following episode of Zenshu, which can nearly actually be the finale.

What do you all suppose? Do you charge this episode of Zenshu as extremely as I do. Do you would like for extra motion as a substitute? Share your opinions under within the feedback part.

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