Exploring the Reasons for the Necessity of Zenshu Season 2

Zenshu Season 2 has emerged as a potential continuation that many fans may not even realize they desire. The first season concluded rather abruptly, leaving several plot points unresolved and fans searching for clarity. As anticipation builds, the pivotal question remains: could a second season of Zenshu actually come to fruition?

As an anime-original series without existing source material, Zenshu has a higher chance of receiving a sequel compared to adaptations that rely on pre-existing works. Currently, with only a few projects on the horizon, the positive reception from its audience suggests that a second season could be feasible, possibly arriving as early as 2026 or 2027.

Disclaimer: The following article includes potential spoilers and reflects the author’s views.

Potential for Zenshu Season 2

Natsuko in the anime (Image via MAPPA)
Natsuko in the anime (Image via MAPPA)

On March 22, 2024, the renowned animation studio MAPPA, known for its work on Jujutsu Kaisen, excited fans by announcing a new anime-original series about the unique experience of an animator, raising questions about the studio’s reputation for overworking talent. The speculation remained quiet until January 5, 2025, when the debut episode of Zenshu was unexpectedly released, captivating viewers with its unconventional narrative.

The premiere episode exceeded fans’ expectations, establishing Zenshu as a standout favorite of the Winter 2025 Anime Season. The series concluded with its twelfth episode on March 23, 2025, yet left numerous questions unanswered.

Natsuko in the anime (Image via MAPPA)
Natsuko in the anime (Image via MAPPA)

Fans criticized the series finale as feeling rushed, particularly lamenting the lack of a dedicated episode to Natsuko’s transition back to the human realm. Moreover, mysterious appearances of characters like Luke and the Nine Soldiers called for greater exploration, igniting calls for Zenshu Season 2.

Written and created by Mitsue Yamazaki, who has an impressive background as a storyboard director for notable series such as Yosuga no Sora, Noragami, and Eromanga Sensei, Zenshu benefits from its creator’s vision, free from the constraints of existing source material. This independence allows for creative freedom, provided the creator is allotted sufficient time to develop the next exciting chapter of the series.

Natsuko and Luke in the anime (Image via MAPPA)
Natsuko and Luke in the anime (Image via MAPPA)

Looking ahead, MAPPA has a number of projects lined up that could potentially open up slots for a sequel. Upcoming titles include Chainsaw Man: Reze Movie, Hell’s Paradise Season 2, and Dorohedoro Season 2. While the first two projects are expected to launch before mid-2026, the timeline for the latter remains unclear.

Overall, Zenshu received favorable reviews, exhibiting superior ratings compared to many other anime from the Winter 2024 season. On various platforms, it scored impressively: 7.60/10 on MyAnimeList (MAL), 7.79/10 on Livechart, 4.7/5 on Crunchyroll, and 73/100 on Anilist. Based on these indicators, a sequel may reasonably be anticipated in mid-2026 or early 2027.

Conclusion

As of now, there has been no official announcement concerning Zenshu Season 2 from the anime’s production team. While it may not achieve the iconic status of other series like Yuri on Ice due to its somewhat underrated reception, Zenshu certainly holds the potential to rank among the best anime of 2025.

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