Zero kara Hajimeru Mahou no Sho, also known as Grimoire of Zero, is an anime adaptation of the popular light novel series by Kousuke Baba. Aired in 2017 with 12 episodes, it follows the white witch named Zero as she searches for the 'Grimoire of Zero,' a spellbook that allows anyone to use magic and could disrupt the world's balance. She meets a half-beast mercenary who is being hunted, and they join forces on an adventure. The series presents a world where witches are hated, exploring the conflict between humans and magic users in an engaging way.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
In a world where only witches can use magic, the kingdom of Venias suffers a plague blamed on the witch Sorena. After Sorena's death, witch hunts begin. A half-beast (half-wolf) mercenary named Yohei is pursued by magic users and is saved by a mysterious white witch named Zero. Zero appears as a young girl but is actually a witch born from a spellbook. She seeks the stolen 'Grimoire of Zero,' which contains basic magic usable by anyone. If it falls into the wrong hands, it could change the world. Zero makes a contract with Yohei: she will turn him fully human if he helps her find the grimoire. They journey with Albus, a young priest, and 13-Ban, a mysterious young witch. Along the way, they face dangers and uncover a conspiracy by a group seeking to use the grimoire to create chaos.
Performance and Characters
The characters are charming and distinct. Zero (voiced by Yumiri Hanamori) is a white witch who looks childlike but is mature and intelligent, with a playful yet serious demeanor. She believes 'magic should belong to everyone,' making her a compelling character. Yohei (voiced by Tsuyoshi Koyama) is a silent, loyal, and strong half-wolf mercenary. The development of his relationship with Zero is the heart of the story. Albus (voiced by You Taichi) is a young priest who upholds righteousness but has a comedic side. 13-Ban (voiced by Takehito Koyasu) is a cold young witch with secrets. Holdem (voiced by Masayuki Katou) is a villain with depth, not purely evil. The voice acting is excellent, especially Zero's, conveying a wide range of emotions.
Direction, Visuals, and Music
Director Soichi Masui (from Maria the Virgin Witch) helmed the series. Studio White Fox (Steins;Gate, Re:Zero) handled the animation. The visuals are beautiful, especially magic scenes with vibrant colors and impressive effects. Character designs by Kenta Suzuki (from Kino's Journey) are unique; half-beast characters look cool and cute. Music by Yoshiaki Fujisawa (from Log Horizon). The opening theme 'Kimi to Boku no Mahou' by Pile has a lively rhythm fitting the story. The ending theme 'Hajimari no Shirushi' by Chima feels warm. Overall production is good, though not outstanding, with no major flaws.
Editorial Analysis
Zero kara Hajimeru Mahou no Sho tackles the theme of 'access to knowledge' in a fantasy setting. The Grimoire of Zero represents knowledge that, if made accessible to all, could change everything. The series questions who should have the power to use magic and whether monopolizing knowledge by a few is right. Zero believes magic should be for everyone, while opponents fear misuse. This theme mirrors real-world issues like the internet and education.
Additionally, the series blends comedy and character relationships seamlessly, not too heavy. However, the 12-episode run feels rushed at times, especially in world-building and character depth for some, leading to quick resolutions. But the friendship between Zero and Yohei is heartwarming, and the conclusion offers good insights.
Verdict
Zero kara Hajimeru Mahou no Sho is an enjoyable and meaningful fantasy anime, suitable for those who like adventure stories of mismatched partners with thought-provoking themes. Though a bit short, it's worth watching for a relaxing time. If you like witch-themed anime, fantasy politics, and cute characters, don't miss this one.
Screenshots
👍 Pros
- +Charming characters, especially Zero and Yohei
- +Interesting theme of magic accessibility
- +Beautiful visuals and catchy music
- +Comedy fits the atmosphere without dragging
👎 Cons
- −12 episodes are too short, causing some parts to be condensed or skipped
- −Some villains lack depth
- −Character relationships develop too quickly in some cases
Top Cast
FAQ
The series has 12 episodes, concluding in one season.
It is available on streaming platforms such as Muse Thailand (YouTube) or Crunchyroll (in some countries).
No direct connection, but both are fantasy series with witches and similar names. Re:Zero is another work by Studio White Fox.
Zero is a white witch born from a spellbook, possessing high magical power but appearing as a young girl. She is playful yet intelligent and wants everyone to have access to magic.
