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Shinzo
Japanese cover of the Shinzo DVD featuring the main characters
マシュランボー
(Mushurambo)
GenreAction[1]
Created byIzumi Todo
Anime television series
Directed byTetsuo Imazawa
Produced byTarō Iwamoto (TV Asahi)
Kōichi Yada (Toei Advertising)
Kōzō Morishita (Toei Animation)
Written byMayori Sekijima
Music byKatsumi Horii
StudioToei Animation
Licensed by
Original networkANN (TV Asahi)
English network
Original run February 5, 2000 – September 23, 2000
Episodes32 (List of episodes)
Manga
Written byYoshihiro Iwamoto
Published byKodansha
ImprintBomBom Comics
MagazineComic BomBom
Original runJanuary 2000 – August 2000
Volumes2

Shinzo, known as Mushrambo (マシュランボー, Mashuranbō) in Japan, is a Japanese anime television series produced by TV Asahi, Toei Advertising, and Toei Animation. It was directed by Tetsuo Imazawa, with Mayori Sekijima handling series scripts, Sachiko Kamimura designing the characters and Katsumi Horii composing the music.

In the series, genetically altered creatures known as Enterrans take over Earth and rename it in their own image called Enterra. Now three Enterrans have to protect the last human in order to find the hidden sanctuary called Shinzo and restore the human race.[2] The anime focuses primarily on the adventures they undergo while working to accomplish this task, though battle action becomes the main focus in the middle of the series. Due in part to the popularity of Hunter × Hunter in some areas in the competing timeslot, the series struggled with an average viewership of 3.5%, and was cancelled.

In the United States, the anime was licensed and dubbed by Saban Entertainment & Buena Vista Television[3] with the original Japanese musical score and sound effects replaced with an original American-made musical score and sound effects, as with all of Saban Entertainment's other edited anime dubs.

Plot

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In the distant past, the Guardian of the Milky Way galaxy named Lanancuras began to harbor a desire for more power. Because of his connection to the galaxy, he was able to absorb parts of planets and add them to his strength. As a result, he began invading the worlds he was assigned to protect. In the wake of his destruction, a following of creatures from across the galaxy pledged allegiance to Lanancuras and became known as the Kadrians. Taking notice of his ever-growing power and followers, the other Celestial Guardians confronted him; however, he had become too powerful, and they were defeated. Unable to subdue Lanancuras, the Celestial Guardians each gave up a part of their power and combined it into a single new Guardian, Mushra. In a final desperate attempt, they used Mushra's core by transforming it into a powerful card with which to seal Lanancuras in a prison. The prison was created from the remains of planets that had suffered under Lanancuras' tyranny. Because planets are themselves large beings, their combined strength (along with the power of the card) was able to restrain him. Thus Lanancuras was successfully sealed in a large meteorite.

The meteorite was sent off into the galaxy to be sealed forever. Meanwhile, the way Lanancuras had increased his strength had consequences on the planets of the Milky Way. On Earth, around the 22nd century, it was in the shape of a virus that merged with human DNA and destroyed the humans that way. In order to eliminate the virus, scientists worked on combining human DNA with the DNA of animals and other creatures immune to the effects. They succeeded and created a sentient race known as Enterrans (a race of engineered Earthlings) which are based on humans, insects, reptiles, birds, sea creatures, wild beasts, and phantom beasts. Eventually, a cure was found and the human race survived.

However, due to Lanancuras' influence, the Enterrans fought their human creators as well as the robots that worked with the humans, driving the human race to a near extinction state. Luckily, a scientist named Dr. Daigo Tatsuro placed his 4-year-old daughter Yakumo in a sleep chamber in hopes that she would save the human race and find the human sanctuary Shinzo and bring peace back to Earth which was then renamed to Enterra. When the meteor that Lanancuras was imprisoned in struck Earth during the earlier parts of the Human-Enterran War, its fragment had struck an infant Yakumo giving her abilities that she would later discover.

First season (episodes 1–21)

[edit]

Upon waking up 300 years later at the age of 17, Yakumo Tatsuro stumbled upon her soon to be companion Mushra while he is strung above a waterfall for impersonating a king. After Yakumo rescues Mushra, they soon run into their other companions Sago and Kutal.

Mushra, Sago and Kutal are then shown to be Hyper-Enterrans, Enterrans who can transform into stronger powered-up versions of themselves; these forms allow them to fight the various Enterrans that come after them. Throughout the first season the main characters fight a collection of Enterrans known as the Seven Enterran Generals, and various independent Enterrans where these Enterrans were either minions of the Seven Enterran Generals or bounty hunters that target Yakumo for the bounty on her head. Each of these Generals rules a region that the gang travels through, which have different types of Enterrans, such as King Daku's land having a majority insect based Enterrans. The defeated Enterrans become En-Cards, which are card-like structures that can be used to increase power in both Enterrans and several machines such as Yakumo's sentient vehicle Hakuba.

Second season (episodes 22–32)

[edit]

When the timeline was altered due to events caused by Rusephine removing Mushrambo from the past. The Human-Enterran war never occurred with the two species eventually settling their differences and peacefully coexisting. The ultimate cause of the Enterran genocide during the war in the original timeline was revealed. The Kadrians had devised a plan to free their master: they believed that crashing the meteor into Earth would destroy the seal, thus allowing Lanancuras to escape. The Guardians eventually discovered this plan, but it was too late. With the meteorite already redirected and heading towards Earth, the Guardians held a vow that they would not directly intervene. They reasoned it was the duty of the planet and its inhabitants to defeat Lanancuras. In a stroke of luck, the Kadrians' plan was not a complete success. At impact, the seal holding Lanancuras merely ripped due to the impact; therefore, the Kadrian King was still trapped by the planetary pieces.

In the first timeline, Lanancuras used up a lot of energy to influence the Human-Enterran War when his meteor struck Earth, therefore remaining completely dormant. As this there weren't means to cause the war in the second, he was energized and about to break free from his imprisonment there.

Characters

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Main article: List of Shinzo characters

Media

[edit]

Manga

[edit]

A two-volume manga version by Yoshihiro Iwamoto predating the show was serialized monthly from January[4] to August 2000[5] in Kodansha's Comic BomBom. The plot is completely different from the anime version; it is more tragic, and has a happy ending where Mushra and Yakumo get married and raise a daughter. The complete DVD of the anime comes with a "Comic Book Version Mushrambo 3D Sound Special Drama" (audio drama), which includes a digest of the main story and later developments. The voice of Yakumo's father Daigo was provided by Ayumi Miyazaki, who sang the anime's theme song, and the voice of Ganchan in the later part was provided by Yoshihiro Iwamoto, who drew the manga.

Anime

[edit]

Season 1

[edit]
No. Title / English Title Directed by Written by Original air date English air date
1"The Explosive Roaring Soldier's Sudden Raging Transformation" / "Awakening"
Transliteration: "Gōbaku senshi ikinari dohenshin" (Japanese: 轟爆戦士いきなり怒変身)		Tetsuo ImazawaYukito NonakaFebruary 5, 2000 (2000-02-05)July 6, 2002

In the 27th century, a human child named Yakumo awakens, with the mission to find the other humans, and bring peace between them and the mutant Enterrans ruling earth now. After Yakumo's first meeting with Mushra and their ordeal with the Enterran bounty hunter Katris at the remains of the Statue of Liberty, Sago and Kutal will eventually join with them too.

Note: Unlike the Japanese dub, this episode of the English Dub has mixed up with the start of second episode, which it's confusing before the next episode and onward continues the story where it was previously left off.
2"Ten Billion Force! The Crazy Powerful Angry Clenched Fist!" / "Bee-Ware The Hunters"
Transliteration: "100 Oku-riki da!! Suggee zo dotekken!" (Japanese: 100億力だ！！スッゲェぞ怒鉄拳！)		Noriyo SasakiKenichi YamadaFebruary 12, 2000 (2000-02-12)July 7, 2002
Yakumo and her new friends land in a nest of Enterran bees ruled by the Queen Bee-Ing as Katris starts to catch up to them. Hyper-Mushra manages to card them where they are regressed back to Enterran cards which are claimed by the group.
3"Rage Down! The Heinous Spider Brothers, Gold and Silver" / "Web of Evil"
Transliteration: "Dotō!! Gokuaku kumo kyōdai kin to gin" (Japanese: 怒倒！！極悪クモ兄弟・金と銀)		Tetsuji NakamuraYoshimichi HosoiFebruary 19, 2000 (2000-02-19)July 13, 2002
A bunch of Enterran spiders kidnap Yakumo in believing a legend that eating a human will make the eater immortal. At the end, when Mushra slashes them after they turned into Enterran cards, Yakumo slaps his face and tearfully throws him out of the group. Thus Yakumo is going with Sago and Kutal by leaving Mushra behind, who was devastated. In another location, the Insect Enterrans' ruler King Daku begins his plot to obtain Yakumo.
4"Mushra Riots at the Amusement Park?!" / "Day at the Park"
Transliteration: "Mashura, yūenchi de ōabare!?" (Japanese: マシュラ、遊園地で大暴れ！？)		Mitsuo HashimotoMayori SekijimaFebruary 26, 2000 (2000-02-26)July 14, 2002
Yakumo, Sago and Kutal are invited to join a festival, while Mushra still roams about. When he gets the chance to do a little revenge for being sent away, he takes it as some Insect Enterrans work on hatching Tombo.
5"Too Strong! Dokkak, the Insect King!" / "Kiri"
Transliteration: "Tsuyo sugiru! Konchū-ō Dokkaku!!" (Japanese: 強すぎる！昆虫王ドッカク！！)		Harume KosakaKenichi KanemakiMarch 4, 2000 (2000-03-04)July 20, 2002
Mushra stumbles into a young human girl named Kiri, who is terrified of Enterrans, but promises to show Yakumo the way to Shinzo as King Daku begins his plot.
6"The Final Battle! Mushra vs. the Insect King" / "Battling Daku"
Transliteration: "Saishū kessen! Mashura VS konchū-ō" (Japanese: 最終決戦！マシュラＶＳ昆虫王)		Tetsuo ImazawaHiroyuki KawasakiMarch 11, 2000 (2000-03-11)July 21, 2002
In an attempt to save Yakumo and Kiri from King Daku, Sago comes up with the plan to be captured themselves. Of course Kiri is not who she seems to be.
7"Thrust into the New World! The Mysterious Person in the Jungle" / "Into the Jungle"
Transliteration: "Shintairiku totsunyū! Janguru ni hisomu kaijin" (Japanese: 新大陸突入！ジャングルにひそむ怪人)		Noriyo SasakiKenichi KanemakiMarch 18, 2000 (2000-03-18)July 27, 2002
Arriving in another land roaming with Reptile Enterrans, Kutal's niece and nephews show up and throw the gang on an unexpected adventure. As Mushra accidentally stumbles upon Yakumo bathing, they are ambushed by some Crocodile Enterrans as the Lizard King Waru makes his plans to take out Mushra.
8"Mushra Clash! School Wars!" / "Reptiles"
Transliteration: "Mashura gekitō! Sukūru uōzu!!" (Japanese: マシュラ激闘！スクールウォーズ！！)		Tetsuji NakamuraKenichi KanemakiMarch 25, 2000 (2000-03-25)July 28, 2002
As Mushra battles Waru, another Enterran named Gyasa, the King of the Snake-Enterrans, appears with the intention of taking out the gang and kidnapping Yakumo.
9"Defeat! Kutal and Sago Dead!" / "Gyasa"
Transliteration: "Haiboku! Kūtaru, Sāgo shisu!" (Japanese: 敗北！クータル、サーゴ死す！)		Mitsuo HashimotoKenichi YamadaApril 1, 2000 (2000-04-01)August 4, 2002
After turning Yakumo into stone by throwing her into the water, Gyasa uses dirty tricks to take out Sago and Kutal, leaving Mushra by himself. Can he find a way to defeat Gyasa? Not unless he obtains a new form by taking Sago and Kutal's Enterran Cards into him.
10"Invincible Super Warrior Mushrambo" / "Mushrambo, the Ultimate Samurai"
Transliteration: "Muteki no chō senshi Mashuranbō" (Japanese: 無敵の超戦士マシュランボー)		Tomoharu KatsumataYoshimichi HosoiApril 8, 2000 (2000-04-08)August 5, 2002
While Kutal's niece and nephews are making an attempt to rescue Yakumo and prevent her petrified form from being shattered, Mushrambo is able to defeat Gyasa in his first form, but what will happen when he transforms?
11"Threatening Power! Gyasa's Defeat!" / "Clash of the Hyper-Enterrans"
Transliteration: "Kyōi no chikara da! Gyaza funsai!" (Japanese: 脅威のチカラだ！ギャザ粉砕！)		Tetsuo ImazawaYukito NonakaApril 15, 2000 (2000-04-15)August 10, 2002
Mushrambo is overpowered by the Hyper Gyasa. Can he find a way to turn the tide of the battle around?
12"Introduction to Mushra's Mystery Lao Tzu?!" / "The Test"
Transliteration: "Mashura nazo no Rōshi ni nyūmon ka!?" (Japanese: マシュラ・謎の老子に入門か！？)		Harume KosakaMayori SekijimaApril 29, 2000 (2000-04-29)August 11, 2002
Darba, the supposed wizard of Shinzo, appears with a proposition for the team. But what are his real intentions even when the bounty hunter Huntari makes use of some man-eating plants?
13"Friend or Foe? Mushrambo, the God of Destruction" / "Ryuma, Lord of the Reptiles"
Transliteration: "Teki ka mikata ka? Hakai-shin Mashuranbō" (Japanese: 敵か味方か？破壊神マシュランボー)		Noriyo SasakiHiroyuki KawasakiMay 6, 2000 (2000-05-06)August 17, 2002
The group arrives at another forest after going through the desert, but when Grandora the 3-Headed Ice Dragon attacks the village under Ungra and Ryuma's control, it means trouble for the entire team even when Yakumo runs into the Reptile Enterrans' ruler Ryuma who plans to make use of a black card.
14"Non-Stop Rampage! The Dark God of Destruction" / "The Dark Spirit of Destruction"
Transliteration: "Nonsutoppu bōsō! Kuroi hakai-shin" (Japanese: ノンストップ暴走！黒い破壊神)		Tetsuji NakamuraHiroyuki KawasakiMay 13, 2000 (2000-05-13)August 18, 2002
Mushrambo has been turned evil and is now Dark Mushrambo. In the meantime, Ryuma tries to solidify his power by making Yakumo his bride. His wedding gets the most unlikeliest of wedding crashers in the form of Dark Mushrambo.
15"Robot Kingdom of the Sky Mechano City" / "Mechano City"
Transliteration: "Tenkū no robotto ōkoku mekanoshiti" (Japanese: 天空のロボット王国メカノシティ)		Mitsuo HashimotoKenichi KanemakiMay 20, 2000 (2000-05-20)August 24, 2002
The group arrives in a city full of robots, but what will they do when the cops begin to pursue them as their ruler King Nipper is working for the Bird Enterran Caris?
16"Giant Robot Launch! The Mysterious Card Factory" / "The Giant Robot"
Transliteration: "Kyodai robo hasshin! Nazo no kādo kōjō" (Japanese: 巨大ロボ発進！謎のカード工場)		Tomoharu KatsumataKenichi YamadaMay 27, 2000 (2000-05-27)August 25, 2002
What will the robots do when they learn that Yakumo is a human? Later, Sago and Kutal eventually get killed by falling into King Nipper and Caris' traps and ended up turning into Enterran cards.
17"No Weaknesses?! Devil's Invention Egg Card" / "The Great War"
Transliteration: "Jakuten nashi!? Akuma no hatsumei eggu kādo" (Japanese: 弱点なし！？悪魔の発明エッグカード)		Tetsuo ImazawaKenichi KanemakiJune 3, 2000 (2000-06-03)August 31, 2002
Mushra and the robots find out about Yakumo's past and the truth about the robot king, but what happens when Mushra battles Caris to the end in a one-on-one battle?
18"The Secrets of the Seven Commanders-In-Chief!" / "The Secrets of the Seven"
Transliteration: "7 Daishōgun no himitsu!" (Japanese: ７大将軍の秘密！)		Noriyo SasakiKenichi KanemakiJune 10, 2000 (2000-06-10)September 1, 2002
As a machine is using the egg card's power to revive Mushra, Sago, and Kutal, King Nipper sacrifices his life in an attempt to stop Caris and prevent him from killing Yakumo.
19"Defeat Lucifène, the Strongest King of Wildlife!" / "The Feathered Fiend"
Transliteration: "Taose! Saikyō no chōjū-ō Rushifēnu" (Japanese: 倒せ！最強の鳥獣王ルシフェーヌ)		Harume KosakaHiroyuki KawasakiJune 17, 2000 (2000-06-17)September 7, 2002
Mechano City has been destroyed by an attack by Caris' boss Queen Rusephine, so Mushra and company decide to get revenge by attacking the Bird Enterran colonies. What they find is a new challenge, but can they be successful at overcoming it as Rusephine takes in the cards of King Daku and Emperor Ryuma as well as the Enterran cards of Franken: King of the Sea Enterrans, Diehanger: King of the Wild Beast Enterrans, and Kimylas: King of the Phantom Beast Enterrans?
20"The Great Clash! Mushra vs. Mushrambo" / "The Two Mushrambos"
Transliteration: "Dai gekitotsu! Mashura VS Mashuranbō" (Japanese: 大激突！マシュラＶＳマシュランボー)		Tomoharu KatsumataHiroyuki KawasakiJune 24, 2000 (2000-06-24)September 8, 2002
Now that the original Mushramo has been brought to the present and has absorbed the Enterran Cards of the Seven Enterran Generals to become a more monstrous version of him called Dark King Mushrambo, Mushrambo must battle his evil self to prevent the young Yakumo from being killed, but can they succeed without gaining some new powers?
21"At the End of the Fight..." / "The Battle of One"
Transliteration: "Tatakai no hate ni..." (Japanese: 戦いの果てに・・・)		Mitsuo HashimotoKenichi KanemakiJuly 1, 2000 (2000-07-01)February 7, 2005
The final battle between Mushrambo and Dark King Mushrambo's is at hand, but which side will prevail?

Season 2

[edit]
No. Title Directed by Written by Original air date English air date
22"I am Mushra, the Mightiest King!" / "A New Beginning"
Transliteration: "Ore wa saikyō-ō Mashura-sama da!" (Japanese: オレは最強王・マシュラさまだ！)		Tetsuo ImazawaMayori SekijimaJuly 8, 2000 (2000-07-08)March 1, 2005
Because of the defeat and destruction of the original evil Mushrambo and the Seven Enterran Generals, the timeline is altered to where humans and Enterrans co-exist in peace. Mushra is trapped at the waterfall once again, but freed by the mysterious girl named Binka, who was using her Bazooka. Later on, when Lanancuras' servant Garizani attack them, can they survive without hyper power, or is there another way for Mushra to go hyper?
23"The Hyper Form of the Hero's Resurrection!" / "Bear Claws"
Transliteration: "Yūsha fukkatsu no haipā fōmu!" (Japanese: 勇者復活のハイパーフォーム！)		Tetsuji NakamuraKenichi YamadaJuly 15, 2000 (2000-07-15)March 2, 2005
Binka and Mushra search for Sago and Kutal so Mushrambo can be reformed, but what troubles await them in route? How about two seemingly-friendly furballs.
24"The Messenger of Hell Named Eilis!" / "Nightmare Dream Center"
Transliteration: "Jigoku no shisha, sono na wa Airisu!!" (Japanese: 地獄の使者、その名はアイリス！！)		Noriyo SasakiHiroyuki KawasakiJuly 22, 2000 (2000-07-22)March 3, 2005
After discovering a village they had stopped at previously has been ravaged by the Kadrians, leaving Binka severely traumatized, the gang are invited to an amusement park, unaware of it being a trap by Kadrian Commander Eilis to prevent Mushrambo's return. Sure enough, Eilis decides to target Mushra to prevent Mushrambo from ever being reborn. Can the team overcome him and keep Mushra alive?
25"Awaken, Mushrambo!" / "Eilis of the Storm"
Transliteration: "Mezame yo! Mashuranbō" (Japanese: 目覚めよ！マシュランボー)		Harume KosakaKenichi KanemakiJuly 29, 2000 (2000-07-29)March 4, 2005
Eilis tries again to take out Mushra, Sago, and Kutal while leaving Binka alive before they can once more fuse to become Mushrambo and prevent Lanancuras' revival. But who will be the victor?
26"A Reunion Too Late" / "Reviving Yakumo"
Transliteration: "Oso sugita saikai" (Japanese: 遅すぎた再会)		Mitsuo HashimotoKenichi YamadaAugust 12, 2000 (2000-08-12)March 5, 2005
With Eilis carded, the group gets trapped in two different never-ending maze created by Lunaria where one maze contains a Kadrian Pixie and another contains a Kadrian Troll. Their only hope of escape is Yakumo. Can they succeed?
27"The Last Hope" / "Lanancuras Arises"
Transliteration: "Saigo no kibō" (Japanese: 最後の希望)		Tetsuo ImazawaKenichi KanemakiAugust 19, 2000 (2000-08-19)March 7, 2005
Following Lunaria being carded, Yakumo rejoins the Mushrambo trio and Binka to head to Lanancuras' crash site to try and stop the Kadrian King's revival, but who has the bigger desire to win?
28"Yakumo Dies at Sunset" / "Lanancuras Unbound"
Transliteration: "Yakumo rakujitsu ni shisu" (Japanese: ヤクモ落日に死す)		Toshiaki KomuraHiroyuki KawasakiAugust 26, 2000 (2000-08-26)March 8, 2005
Lanancuras gains his full power and continues the battle against Mushrambo. Who will end up being the victor, especially when it appears that Yakumo is killed.
29"Endless Death Struggle" / "Mushrambo Meets His Match"
Transliteration: "Hateshinaki shitō" (Japanese: 果てしなき死闘)		Tetsuji NakamuraHiroyuki KawasakiSeptember 2, 2000 (2000-09-02)March 9, 2005
Mushrambo continues his battle against Lanancuras, but does he stand a chance without the help of Yakumo and Binka? Unfortunately, Lanancuras is free, and makes his move to ensure that Mushrambo won't be a threat to him, now or ever, with Yakumo having died.
30"Mushra's Mission!" / "Mushra's Mission"
Transliteration: "Mashura no shimei!" (Japanese: マシュラの使命！)		Mitsuo HashimotoHiroyuki KawasakiSeptember 9, 2000 (2000-09-09)March 10, 2005
Lanancuras's apparent death was unexpected and he appears to be headed toward being the ruler of the world. With help of the hyper forms of Sago and Kutal, Mushra eventually slays Lanancuras with the sword, but it gets broken anyway. After the Celestial Guardians lost their powers and Mushra getting killed with his Enterran card taken and destroyed by Lanancuras, Mushra refuses to give up and calls on a new power source to assist him. Will it be enough to defeat Lanancuras in the end?
31"Emotional Conflict" / "Soul Survivor"
Transliteration: "Kokoro aru tatakai" (Japanese: 心ある戦い)		Harume KosakaKenichi KanemakiSeptember 16, 2000 (2000-09-16)March 11, 2005
With all hope lost, Mushra vows to destroy Lanancuras one last time, and with the guardian powers revealed he may just succeed, while Binka, Sago and Kutal make an attempt to bring Yakumo back from Lanancuras. What will happen next?
32"Farewell, Mushrambo" / "Long Live Yakumo"
Transliteration: "Saraba Mashuranbō" (Japanese: さらばマシュランボー)		Tetsuo ImazawaMayori SekijimaSeptember 23, 2000 (2000-09-23)March 12, 2005
The battle between Mushra and Lanancuras comes to its exciting conclusion, but whose lives will it cost between them, Binka, or the other Celestial Guardians?

Background

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The series is an adaptation of the 16th-century Chinese novel Journey to the West by Wu Cheng'en, transplanting the events to a far-future science fiction setting. Tang Sanzang becomes Yakumo, a girl tasked with reviving the human race rather than retrieving sacred scriptures. Sha Wujing becomes Sago, Zhu Bajie becomes Kutal (who transforms into a liger, and Sun Wukong becomes Mushra (retaining the character's golden headband and telescoping staff).[6]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Shinzo

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Shinzo (Japanese: ムシュランボー, Mushuranbō) is a Japanese anime television series produced by . It was directed by Tetsuo Imazawa, with series composition by Mayori Sekijima, character designs by Sachiko Kamimura, and music composed by Katsumi Horii. The series originally aired on from February 5, 2000, to September 23, 2000, spanning 32 episodes. In , it was localized and dubbed by Saban Entertainment under the title Shinzo and broadcast on starting July 6, 2002. The story is set in a post-apocalyptic future where humanity has been nearly eradicated by a deadly and subsequently exterminated by the Enterrans, a genetically engineered race created to the virus. One scientist places his , Yakumo, in cryogenic stasis with the hope she will awaken to find the hidden human sanctuary called Shinzo and restore humanity. Centuries later, Yakumo awakens and allies with three benevolent Enterrans—Mushra, , and Kutal—to journey across Enterra in search of Shinzo, battling the tyrannical Enterran king Lanancuras and his forces along the way.

Plot

Premise

In the post-apocalyptic world of Shinzo, has been renamed Enterra following a catastrophic between humans and the Enterrans, a race of genetically engineered humanoid beasts created by humans as servants to combat a deadly but who rebelled and nearly eradicated humanity five centuries earlier. The Enterrans now dominate the planet, viewing humans as existential threats and systematically hunting down any survivors, while a foretells the awakening of Shinzo—a hidden said to house advanced technology capable of restoring human civilization and fostering coexistence between the two species. This central conflict pits themes of domination and prejudice against the possibility of harmony, embodied in the quest to unlock Shinzo's secrets. The story centers on Yakumo, the last known human survivor, who emerges from cryogenic stasis in an underground shelter to embark on a perilous journey across Enterra in search of , guided by an ancient prophecy that positions her as the key to humanity's revival. Accompanying her are three loyal Guardian Enterrans—Mushra, , and Kutal—who possess the ability to transform into powerful Hyper forms and merge into the ultimate warrior, Mushrambo, to shield her from Enterran aggressors. These guardians represent a counter to the broader Enterran society's hostility, including threats from the seven powerful Enterran Kings who seek to maintain their dominance. Shinzo draws inspiration from the classic Chinese tale , reimagining its structure in a context: Yakumo parallels the questing monk , while her Enterran protectors echo the mythical disciples like Sun Wukong, adapting their roles as fierce yet devoted companions in a dystopian landscape. This framework underscores the series' exploration of redemption and alliance amid enmity, emphasizing the prophecy's promise of a unified future over endless conflict.

Season 1 (episodes 1–21)

The first season of Shinzo follows the young human girl Yakumo as she awakens from cryogenic stasis in an underground on a quest to find the legendary sanctuary of Shinzo, aiming to restore peace between humans and the dominant Enterran species. Early in her journey, Yakumo awakens three ancient guardian Enterrans—, , and Kutal—from slumber within mystical orbs embedded with elemental gems, forming the core of her protective team. Joined by the loyal horse-like Enterran , the group sets out across the transformed landscapes of Enterra, beginning with the treacherous region, where they confront environmental hazards and initial foes while beginning to collect powerful elemental amulets that enhance their abilities. As the protagonists traverse further into Enterra, including the ruins of Taika (a post-apocalyptic version of New York City), they engage in a series of targeted battles against individual members of the seven Enterran Kings, a ruling council intent on locating and conquering Shinzo to eliminate any remnants of humanity. Throughout these encounters, the guardians achieve their first Hyper transformations, unlocking immense power boosts tied to their elemental affinities—Mushra's wind, Sago's water, and Kutal's earth—allowing them to turn the tide in desperate fights and fostering deeper bonds through shared victories and moments of vulnerability, such as Yakumo sharing stories of human-Enterran coexistence. Mid-season arcs heighten the stakes, introducing the broader conspiracy of the Enterran Kings' council, who view humans as a existential threat and mobilize combined forces to intercept the travelers. The narrative escalates with partial revelations about the apocalypse's origins, linking the Enterrans' rise to the ancient demon Lanancuras, a malevolent entity whose influence corrupted the guardians' power in the past, sparking the war that nearly eradicated humanity. By the season's later episodes, the group faces trials that echo their origins and hint at Shinzo's true nature, strengthening their determination amid growing threats from the Kings' coordinated assaults. The season builds to a climactic confrontation in episodes 19–21 at the Enterran Kings' fortified stronghold, where the protagonists battle a coalition of remaining Kings and their elite warriors. Despite their Hyper forms and amulet-enhanced strategies, the team is overwhelmed, leading to Yakumo's capture by the Kings, who seek to use her as leverage to uncover Shinzo's location. This finale underscores the escalating peril, setting up future conflicts while highlighting themes of and unity, as the guardians vow to her and expose Lanancuras's lingering shadow over Enterra.

Season 2 (episodes 22–32)

Following the defeat of Mushrambo at the end of the first season, the Oracle Key's power activates a time rewind, transporting Yakumo and her companions approximately five hundred years into the past to avert the Enterran rebellion and prevent the release of the demon lord Lanancuras from his sealed meteorite prison. This shift resets the timeline, placing the group in a pre-war era where humans and Enterrans coexist uneasily under a fragile , allowing them to intervene before the apocalypse unfolds. In this altered history, the Celestial Guardians—, , and Kutal—are reincarnated as young children with nascent powers: as an impulsive, fire-wielding boy, as a clever mud manipulator, and Kutal as a timid cub-like figure. They encounter Binka, a resourceful human orphan girl who becomes their steadfast companion and develops a romantic interest in the youthful , providing emotional support and aiding in their quest to unite the divided . Together, the team navigates conflicts in the past, battling juvenile versions of the tyrannical Enterran Kings who sow seeds of discord, unraveling royal intrigues that exploit prejudices between humans and Enterrans, and clashing with the sinister Sentinel—a manipulative enforcer—and minions of Lanancuras seeking to hasten his freedom. The season unfolds across 11 episodes with pivotal arcs that build toward resolution. Episodes 24–26 center on the Celestial Guardians' trials, where the reincarnated trio undergoes spiritual tests to awaken their full Hyper Form potentials and forge unbreakable bonds amid visions of potential futures. In episodes 28–30, the group infiltrates the opulent , exposing corruption and allying with sympathetic nobles to sabotage a that could unleash Lanancuras, while evading Sentinel's traps and Enterran insurgents. The finale in episode 32 culminates in a desperate confrontation where Yakumo, empowered by the , leads the unified team in sealing Lanancuras back into his prison through a sacrificial , averting the prophesied cataclysm and glimpsing a restored future of harmony. Throughout, the narrative delves into themes of and redemption, illustrating how individual acts of can dismantle cycles of , as the protagonists confront their past selves and redeem former enemies through rather than destruction. This prequel structure contrasts the original timeline's despair by emphasizing prevention over pursuit, resolving the series' central with collective sacrifice and hope for coexistence.

Characters

Main characters

Yakumo Tatsuro is the 12-year-old and the last surviving in a world dominated by Enterrans, awakened from cryogenic sleep to seek the hidden city of Shinzo. Brave yet initially naive, Yakumo is driven by an amulet left by her mother, which symbolizes her quest to restore humanity and foster peace between humans and Enterrans. Throughout her journey, Yakumo develops greater leadership skills and empathy toward the Enterrans, evolving from a sheltered individual reliant on her guardians to a figure who actively promotes unity amid conflicts with antagonistic forces. Mushra is a fire-elemental Phoenix Enterran and one of Yakumo's primary guardians, characterized by his hot-headed and impulsive personality that often leads to rash decisions in battle. He wields a staff for close combat and unleashes powerful flame-based attacks, such as fireballs and explosive bursts, to protect the group. In his Hyper form, activated during intense confrontations, gains enhanced speed, agility, and fiery power, embodying passion and representing the southern direction in Enterran lore. His arc involves tempering his fiery temperament through bonds with Yakumo and his fellow guardians, highlighting themes of controlled emotion and loyalty. Sago serves as the water-elemental Enterran guardian representing the , contrasting Mushra with his calm, strategic mindset that emphasizes planning over brute force. He employs twin blades for precise strikes and manipulates and to create defensive barriers, freeze enemies, or launch chilling projectiles. His Hyper form bolsters defensive capabilities and precision, allowing for more calculated assaults while symbolizing the eastern direction. Sago's development focuses on building trust within the team, using his intellect to navigate challenges that test their collective resolve. Kutal is the earth-elemental feline Enterran representing the , known for his laid-back, gluttonous demeanor that provides but masks a dependable core. He utilizes claw weapons and earth manipulation techniques, such as generating tremors or erecting stone shields, to support frontline combat. In Hyper form, Kutal's strength and endurance surge, enabling him to withstand heavy assaults and deliver devastating blows, aligned with the western direction. His growth arc reveals increasing responsibility, as his initial reluctance gives way to steadfast protection of Yakumo and the group. Mushra, Sago, and Kutal can combine their powers using the Orb of Fusion to form Mushrambo, the ultimate armored warrior who serves as their most potent defense against overwhelming threats. This fused entity excels in advanced swordplay and energy blasts, drawing on the elemental strengths of its components for unparalleled versatility and power in battle. Representing a harmonious unity, Mushrambo's role underscores the guardians' narrative function in overcoming division through collective effort. Hakuba functions as the loyal horse Enterran companion to the group, primarily providing reliable transportation across Enterra's vast landscapes. As a sentient hovercraft-like entity, offers minor support in evasion and scouting, enhancing the team's mobility during their quest. His steadfast presence reinforces the bonds of companionship without dominating the action.

Antagonists and supporting characters

The primary antagonists in Shinzo are the Seven Enterran Generals, a hierarchy of powerful Enterrans who rule over distinct territories and orchestrate the extermination of humans to preserve Enterran dominance on the planet. The group consists of Daku, the Insect King who gains powers; Ryuma, the Reptile who controls reptilian forces; Rusephine, the Bird Queen specializing in time and space manipulation; Franken, the commanding aquatic threats; Diehanger, the Beast King leading wild beasts; Kimylas, the Phantom King excelling in illusory tactics; and the Original Mushrambo, a corrupted influenced by dark forces. Their motivations stem from a deep-seated supremacy , viewing humans as inferior invaders who must be eradicated to prevent any resurgence. Overarching their schemes is Lanancuras, the ancient demon lord sealed within a on the , serving as the manipulative force behind the Enterran . Once a Celestial Guardian by his lust for absolute power, Lanancuras embodies chaos and destruction, wielding galaxy-shaking abilities that corrupt Enterrans and unravel cosmic balance. His influence subtly drives the Generals' actions, aiming to shatter his prison and unleash devastation across Enterra and beyond. Among supporting characters, Binka is a resourceful human girl introduced in the altered timeline of season 2, acting as Yakumo's steadfast ally and inventive companion with her gadgetry and determination. The functions as a mystical guide, delivering cryptic prophecies that hint at cosmic threats and the path to resolution. Additionally, the Celestial Guardians represent ancient protectors who impose elemental trials to test worthiness, their ethereal presence underscoring the larger battle against corruption. Internal dynamics among the antagonists reveal rivalries, such as territorial disputes among the Generals, all overshadowed by Lanancuras's corrupting sway.

Production

Development and background

Shinzo was conceived by , a collective pseudonym employed by staff for original productions, as a science fiction reinterpretation of the classic Chinese novel . In this adaptation, the protagonist Yakumo functions as a counterpart to (also known as Tripitaka), while her guardians—Mushra, Sago, and Kutal—parallel the mythological figures Sun Wukong, , and , respectively, all transposed into a post-apocalyptic world dominated by bio-engineered beings called Enterrans. Development of the series took place at , targeting a shōnen demographic with elements of adventure, transformation sequences reminiscent of mecha , and themes exploring environmental collapse and rebellion against human creators. The project originated in 1999, blending Chinese mythological motifs with to emphasize a -driven quest amid ecological ruin. Key creative decisions included incorporating a time-travel mechanism in the narrative to address the central , heightening dramatic tension through temporal shifts. Originally titled Mushrambo in , the series was retitled Shinzo for global distribution to prevent market confusion with unrelated properties. The series comprises 32 episodes. The adaptation, illustrated by Yoshihiro Iwamoto and based on the original concept by , was serialized in Kodansha's from January to August 2000, collected in two volumes. The features a completely different plot that is more than the , culminating in a where Mushra and Yakumo marry and raise a daughter, while the incorporates a darker atmosphere, amplified in parts, and an altered resolution involving a time-travel twist.

Staff and animation

The anime series Shinzo, known in Japan as Mushrambo, was directed by Tetsuo Imazawa, who oversaw the overall vision and episode direction for several installments. Series composition was handled by Mayori Sekijima, responsible for scripting and narrative structure across the 32 episodes. Character designs were created by Sachiko Kamimura, whose work emphasized vibrant, anthropomorphic Enterran forms with expressive features suited to the series' action-adventure tone. The production was led by Toei Animation, a studio renowned for its contributions to shonen anime during the early 2000s. In the original Japanese version, key voice roles were filled by prominent seiyū: provided the voice for the fiery protagonist (who also transforms into the powerful ), Yasuhiko Kawazu voiced the water-based Enterran , portrayed the earth-elemental Kutal, and Yūko Minaguchi brought to life the human character Yakumo. The English dub, produced by Saban Entertainment for its North American release, featured a cast including as , as and the combined form , Bob Papenbrook as Kutal, and Peggy O'Neal as Yakumo; this adaptation incorporated additional sound effects to heighten action sequences and replaced the original score with a new, rock-oriented composition by composers such as , Glenn Scott Lacey, and Jeremy Sweet. Toei Animation employed traditional cel-based techniques for much of Shinzo, blending hand-drawn frames with emerging digital compositing for enhanced effects in transformation and battle scenes, resulting in fluid Hyper Enterran evolutions and dynamic combat choreography that highlighted the series' colorful character designs and Enterran world-building. Despite these strengths, the production faced typical budget limitations for mid-tier Toei projects of the era, leading to occasional reuse of footage in later episodes to maintain consistency in combination sequences and environmental animations. The original soundtrack was composed by Katsumi Horii, featuring energetic orchestral and electronic elements to underscore the sci-fi adventure themes. The opening theme, "Power Play," was performed by , while the ending theme, "Enjoy Punk," was delivered by the band Jet's, both contributing to the series' upbeat, exploratory atmosphere.

Release

Broadcast

Shinzo, known in Japan as Mushrambo (マシュランボー), premiered on TV Asahi on February 5, 2000, and aired weekly on Saturdays at 6:30 p.m. JST until the series finale on September 23, 2000, completing all 32 episodes despite low ratings stemming from intense competition in its timeslot. The broadcast was divided into two seasons, with the first season encompassing episodes 1–21 from February to June 2000, followed by the second season of episodes 22–32 from July to September 2000. In the United States, Saban Entertainment's English-dubbed version debuted on ABC Family on July 6, 2002, initially airing the first 17 episodes through August 31, 2002, before the remaining episodes aired on the block (on and ABC Family) from January 17 to March 12, 2005; the dub featured edits to censor violence and other content for a younger audience. Internationally, the series broadcast on and later Disney channels across from 2003 to 2006, on in starting in 2001, and in Australia; some regions, particularly in and , aired it under the original Japanese title Mushrambo. The Saban English dub modified dialogue to appeal to children, excising religious references and incorporating additional humor.

Home media and distribution

In , Toei Video released the series on rental tapes during its original broadcast period from February to September 2000, comprising eight volumes with four episodes each. A limited edition complete DVD box set followed on January 21, 2009, containing all 32 episodes across six discs, remastered from new prints, along with a bonus disc featuring an original audio drama titled "Comic Mushrambo 3D Sound Special Drama" and other extras like net radio episodes. As of 2025, no official Blu-ray edition has been released. In the United States, ADV Films licensed and distributed the series on DVD from 2003 to 2004, issuing four volumes that covered the full 32 episodes in an uncut format with an option for the original Japanese audio track alongside the English dub. These releases went following ADV Films' closure in 2009, with licenses expiring shortly thereafter, and no official streaming availability exists on major platforms such as or as of 2025. The original Japanese version is available for streaming on Apple TV in as of 2025. Internationally, region 2 DVDs were available in , including a French edition released in multiple volumes covering 16 episodes in the first set alone. In , Madman Entertainment handled some distribution rights tied to broadcast, though physical releases were limited; digital rentals have appeared sporadically on in select markets. A two-volume adaptation by Yoshihiro Iwamoto, predating the and featuring a divergent storyline, was serialized in Kodansha's Comic BonBon magazine in 2000, with an English-language release by ADV Manga in 2004. Merchandise was sparse, including Bandai's Carddass trading card sets from 2000 such as the 42-card Gobaku collection, limited figures of key guardian characters, and no major video game adaptations; fan interest has sustained availability through unofficial bootleg DVDs and digital copies.

Reception

Viewership and commercial performance

In Japan, Mushrambo (the original title of Shinzo) aired on TV Asahi from February to September 2000 and faced competition from popular series like Hunter × Hunter, Pokémon, and Digimon in overlapping timeslots. This performance resulted in the 32-episode series concluding without extension, ending TV Asahi's Saturday evening anime slot that had been active since the 1980s. In the United States, Shinzo debuted with moderate viewership on in 2002 under Saban Entertainment's licensing, but ratings dropped significantly when it shifted to ABC Family in 2005 following Disney's acquisition of Saban. The series' struggles contributed to Saban curtailing its dubbing and distribution efforts, as dominated the market with higher-profile titles like Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh!, limiting Shinzo's overall reach. Globally, Shinzo performed stronger in , where it aired on the block, outperforming its reception in outside . Merchandise sales, including lines tied to the characters, reflected limited long-term commercial viability despite initial international distribution deals. Key commercial challenges included budget overruns from producing extended episode runtimes and heavy localization edits, as well as Saban's licensing agreements executed just before Disney's 2001 acquisition. Additionally, the , 2001, attacks prompted broader shifts in children's programming toward less violent content, indirectly affecting imports like Shinzo by increasing scrutiny on action-oriented series during a period of heightened sensitivity. As of 2025, Shinzo has seen no revivals, remakes, or major re-releases, positioning it as a cult favorite among early 2000s anime enthusiasts rather than a sustained commercial success.

Critical reception and legacy

Upon its release in 2000, Shinzo (known as Mushrambo in Japan) received mixed reviews from critics and audiences, with praise centered on its adventurous plot and action sequences blending post-apocalyptic sci-fi with mythological elements inspired by Journey to the West. User reviews on platforms like IMDb highlighted the series' engaging story of humanity's remnants seeking sanctuary amid a war with genetically engineered Enterrans, awarding it an average score of 7.3 out of 10 based on over 300 ratings. Similarly, on MyAnimeList, it holds a 6.93 score from nearly 9,000 users, with reviewers commending the cool character designs, strong audio, and heartfelt narrative of redemption and coexistence. However, the series faced criticism for repetitive battle formats and a perceived rushed conclusion. The English dub produced by Saban Entertainment drew particular scrutiny for its heavy editing and subpar , which altered the original tone and pacing to suit Western broadcast standards on networks like and ABC Family. Critics noted the dubbing felt "noticeably off," with unnatural delivery that detracted from emotional depth, leading many fans to prefer the subtitled version for greater fidelity to the source material. In contrast, the accompanying adaptation was often viewed as superior, offering deeper character exploration and a more satisfying resolution where protagonists and Yakumo marry and foster lasting human-Enterran peace. Thematically, Shinzo explored prescient ideas of creator-created rebellion, with Enterrans—bio-engineered beings turning against their human makers—mirroring early 2000s anxieties about artificial life and environmental collapse, though these elements were not deeply analyzed in contemporary reviews. Its legacy remains modest, with no major awards or direct adaptations, but it has influenced niche fan works, including Enterran-themed fiction and tributes in online communities. As of 2025, the series enjoys cult status among Toei Animation enthusiasts for its unique twist on Journey to the West, evidenced by active discussions on Fandom wikis and TV Tropes pages, alongside unofficial streaming of episodes on various platforms. Retrospective analyses, such as a 2022 CBR article, position it as an overlooked shōnen original, hampered by poor visibility rather than lack of merit. Comparisons often draw parallels to through its team of guardian companions aiding a protagonist, and to Yu-Gi-Oh! via the card-based power system (Encards) driving merchandise and battles, yet Shinzo stands out for its darker, more mature tone focused on and redemption over lighthearted duels. This blend of elements has cemented its place in lists of underrated shōnen series, appealing to fans seeking adventure beyond mainstream blockbusters.

References

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