Edens Zero

Edens Zero is an exciting 2021 series broadcast on the Nippon Television Network Corporation (NTV). The show is an animated adaptation of the Japanese manga of the same name, written and illustrated by Hiro Mashima. Mashima is widely recognized for creating the popular fantasy series 'Fairy Tail.' Straying a bit from the common fantasy storyline in previous narratives, Edens Zero introduces fans to a space-faring adventure that beautifully combines elements of science fiction, adventure, and fantasy.

Set in the cosmos's sprawling expanse, the show's universe is dotted with numerous planets, each possessing unique features, inhabitants, and cultures. In this widespread cosmic society, the B-Cubers, colloquial for video bloggers, have an essential role in keeping planet-dwelling individuals connected. They travel across galaxies, documenting different worlds and their experiences.

The anime kicks off on the amusement park planet Granbell, where we meet the show's main protagonist, Shiki Granbell. Mysteriously, Shiki is the only human resident of this entire planet, sharing it with a group of friendly, abandoned theme park robots. Shiki has lived his entire life with these robots, considering them his family and friends. He possesses an unusual but highly intriguing power of manipulating gravity, an ability allowing him the freedom to float and manipulate his surroundings in such a way to simulate flight. Living a hectically monotonous life, Shiki longs for companionship from other humans and exhibited a tremendous drive to explore other galaxies.

Enter Rebecca Bluegarden and her talking, blue cat Happy. Rebecca is an adventurous B-Cuber who, together with her partner Happy, arrives at the Granbell Kingdom to make engrossing content for her viewers. Shiki’s interaction with them marks the beginning of his journey beyond Granbell. Shiki joins them in worldwide exploration, orbit hopping, and intergalactic adventures, breaking free from his confined life at Granbell.

From here, Edens Zero takes us on a wild ride into a plethora of space encounters. The trio embarks on a quest to locate the cosmic goddess known as 'Mother', the largest known celestial body in the cosmos's unbounded regions. They travel across different cosmoses in the spaceship Edens Zero, formerly belonging to the legendary adventurer, Ziggy.

In their journey, they make powerful allies like the humanoid Witch Regret and androids like Sister Ivry and Hermit Mio, each with their unique set of skills and traits. They bring together a diverse group of warriors who are exceptionally skilled in their respective areas. Together, they navigate through the volatile territories of space, battling space pirates, and encountering various forms of extraterrestrial entities, all while piecemeal unravelling mysteries about Mother’s existence.

Incorporating Mashima's signature style in Edens Zero, viewers get a comprehensive delivery of suspense-filled buildup, topped with satisfying climaxes in each story arc. The series features impactful visual contrasts, from celestial bodies glowing against the space backdrop to the ultra-modern spaceship. Lighting effects and color shades effortlessly translate the emotional dynamics of the scenes, heightening the enjoyment of the viewer's experience.

This adventurous galactic voyage brings together diverse characters, each sporting unique and colorful designs that are a delight to the eyes. These characters exhibit a broad range of personalities that add a variety of nuances to their interactions, infusing the narrative with humor, suspense, and intense moments.

Character development is a strong attribute of Edens Zero, with the main character, Shiki, growing and evolving emotionally from a naive and inexperienced boy to a gallant and trustworthy leader. Each character has their story and development that intrigues the viewer and keeps them invested in the storyline. The plot gradually unfolds with complexity, hinting at deeper connections, undeclared alliances, and hidden truths waiting to be discovered.

Edens Zero masterfully blends genres to create a unique universe that teems with life, vibrancy, and the paradox of the unknown. It excellently provides a roller-coaster ride of emotions, from laughter and excitement to anxiety and deep thought. The anime engages the viewers through its skillful storytelling, compelling characters, and impressive aesthetics. It is genuinely a series that fans of the science fiction or adventure genre will love. It stands as a testament to Hiro Mashima's creative versatility and is a magnificent addition to the library of anime from NTV.