ZETMAN Review: The charm of a dark hero and a profound story

"ZETMAN": A dark hero story where justice and destiny intersect

■Overview of the work

"ZETMAN" is a TV anime series based on the manga of the same name by Masakazu Katsura, which aired on Yomiuri TV from April 2 to June 25, 2012. It consists of 13 episodes, each 30 minutes long, and was animated by TMS Entertainment. It is directed by Osamu Nabeshima, with series composition by Atsuhiro Tomioka and character design by Hirotoshi Takaya. Copyright belongs to Masakazu Katsura, Shueisha, and the "ZETMAN Production Committee."

■ Story

The story of "ZETMAN" revolves around two childhood friends from different backgrounds: Jin, a poor boy, and Kouga, the heir to a large company. Jin makes a living day to day using his high physical abilities and lives with an old man under a bridge. Meanwhile, Kouga grew up in a wealthy family and aspires to be a hero. A few years after an incident, the two meet again at the scene of a fire, but Jin has taken on a strange form called "ZET". Jin was born to fight monsters called players, and he accepts his fate and fights to defeat evil. Meanwhile, Kouga, while struggling with the nature of justice, decides to become a hero himself. This is a story of destiny and justice where the two intersect.

■Cast

The voice actors for the main characters are as follows: Namikawa Daisuke plays Jin, and Park Romi plays Jin as a child. Miyano Mamoru plays Kouga, and Kaida Yuki plays Kouga as a child. Other voice actors include Hanazawa Kana as Amagi Koba, Yusa Koji as Haitani Masatsugu, Ise Shiori as Tanaka Hanako, Hayami Lisa as Kawakami Akemi, Fujimura Ayumi as Hashimoto Mayu, Suzumura Kenichi as Hayami, Senda Mitsuo as Kanzaki Goro, Iizuka Shozo as Amagi Kouga, Hirose Masashi as Amagi Seizo, Koyama Rikiya as the cleaner, and Endo Kenichi as the narrator.

■ Main staff

Many staff members were involved in the production of ZETMAN. The project was planned by Ryota Kato, Masahiko Ibaraki, Junichi Shinsaka, Shinya Koishikawa, and Yoshihiko Shinoda. The character design was by Hirotoshi Takaya, the player design was by Tsutomu Suzuki, the art director was Shunichiro Yoshihara, the color design was by Fusako Nakao, the director of photography was Takeshi Katsuyama, the editor was Tomoki Nagasaka, the sound director was Takeshi Takadera, the sound production was by HALF H・P ​​STUDIO, the music was by Gabriel Roberto, suble, Yasushi Sasamoto, Yu Yanagiura, and Memi Sasano. The chief producers were Yasumichi Ozaki, Satoshi Adachi, and Norihiro Ito, the producers were Yosuke Tsurugi, Takano Takashi, Furusawa Yoshihiro, Shuichi Kitada, and Junichi Hatano, and the animation producer was Ippei Takemura.

■ Theme songs and music

The opening theme, "dots and lines," was used from #2 to #13. It was sung by Hitoto Yo loves Mummy-D (Rhymester), with lyrics by Hitoto Yo and Mummy-D, and composed and arranged by Kobayashi Takeshi and Mummy-D. The ending themes, "dots and lines" (#1), "Tomeru" (#2-12), and "The World of Zetman" (#13), were sung, composed, and arranged by Hitoto Yo, Hitoto Yo, Kobayashi Takeshi and Takebe Satoshi, and Gabriel Roberto, respectively.

■ Appeal and evaluation of the work

"ZETMAN" is a work that delves deeply into the issues of justice and destiny through the two main characters, Jin and Kouga, in the dark hero genre. Jin's character leaves a strong impression on viewers, as he is portrayed with the strength to live in poverty and his determination to accept his fate as a ZET. Meanwhile, Kouga's character is portrayed realistically as someone who is troubled by the gap between his aspirations to be a hero and reality, evoking sympathy from viewers.

The action scenes are also worth watching, such as the fight against the monster that is the player and Jin's transformation into ZET. The technical capabilities of TMS Entertainment, the animation production company, shine through, and the powerful battle scenes capture the hearts of viewers.

Music is also an important element in enhancing the atmosphere of the work, and the opening theme "dots and lines" by Yo Hitoto loves Mummy-D is a perfect fit for expressing the dark worldview. In addition, Yo Hitoto's beautiful singing voice in the ending theme "Tomeru" enhances the afterglow of the story.

The cast is also impressive, especially Daisuke Namikawa as Gin and Mamoru Miyano as Kouga, who express the emotions of their characters so realistically that they stir the emotions of the viewers. The other cast members also play unique characters, raising the quality of the work as a whole.

■ Recommendation points

"ZETMAN" is a work that I would especially recommend to those who like the dark hero genre and those who are looking for a work that depicts a deep theme. The story of Jin and Kouga's fate and justice intersects, and provides the viewer with many things to think about. In addition, the action scenes and music are also impressive, making it a work that can be enjoyed visually and aurally. Furthermore, the performances by the luxurious cast are not to be missed. Please give it a watch.

Related information

The original manga for "ZETMAN" was serialized in Shueisha's "Weekly Young Jump" magazine by Masakazu Katsura. The anime adaptation faithfully reproduced the worldview of the original while also incorporating unique elements. If you're interested, we recommend reading the original manga as well. Blu-ray and DVD versions are also available, so be sure to pick one up to deepen your impressions after watching.

Conclusion

"ZETMAN" is a work that delves deeply into the issues of justice and destiny within the dark hero genre. The story of Jin and Kouga provides viewers with many things to think about, and the action scenes and music are also worth watching. Don't miss the performances by the gorgeous cast. Please give it a watch.