Edens Zero Embraces its Dark Undertones to Deliver an Unforgettable Journey

Highlights

Edens Zero surprises fans with its dark and grim undertones, featuring macabre scenes and traumatic backstories.

The series delves into new depths of seriousness through the deaths of its characters, including the main protagonist, and intense, visually descriptive scenes. It effectively examines the themes of trauma and despair by delving into the characters' past experiences, creating a pervasive dark and heavy tone.

Edens Zero, created by Hiro Mashima, the mastermind behind Fairy Tail, is a new addition to the realm of shonen series. Fans were initially anticipating a lighthearted and adventurous experience, as Mashima often incorporates familiar themes into his works.

Surprisingly, Edens Zero has taken a darker and more somber approach, gradually revealing its haunting undertones as the story unfolds. The series is not afraid to delve into macabre scenes and explore harrowing backstories, setting a significant precedent for the overall atmosphere. Recent developments in Edens Zero have solidified its divergence from its predecessor, leaving fans to brace themselves for even more intense events to come.

Character Deaths

Mashima's previous works often disappointed viewers due to the absence of character deaths, making the narratives seem less impactful and significant. However, in Edens Zero, fans were pleasantly surprised by the unexpected death of Valkyrie. Despite not being formally introduced as a main character, her deep backstory had built anticipation for her eventual role. The revelation of her demise not only shocked the audience but also showcased the show's commitment to seriousness.

Furthermore, Edens Zero doesn't stop at Valkyrie's death, as several more characters meet their demise, including the protagonist, Shiki Granbell. Drakken Joe mercilessly kills Shiki in a brutal manner, leaving a lasting impression on the viewers' minds. Although Shiki is eventually revived through Rebecca's Cat Leaper power, the tragic scene of his death remains haunting.

Macabre Scenes

In Edens Zero, it has been unveiled that Rebecca has faced multiple deaths. However, thanks to her powers, she managed to escape her inevitable demise each time by creating an alternate timeline. Additionally, Drakken Joe has been responsible for the deaths of numerous characters, although they were only considered side-characters. This marks a departure from Mashima's previous no-death policy.

Continuing with the dark and eerie themes, Edens Zero showcases a plethora of graphic moments. Ranging from dismembered limbs to pulverized bodies, the series has pushed the boundaries of the macabre. In Season 1, there were unsettling scenes like Kurenai Kogetsu subjecting young male escorts to tormenting acts. However, Season 2 elevates these underlying tones significantly, plunging us into a world of disturbing and unforeseen events.

Drakken Joe's merciless nature, already familiar to fans, was undoubtedly shocking when witnessed in action. The screams of agony from Weisz, who had his arm severed by one of Drakken's henchmen, marked the first of many disturbing scenes. This was followed by Shiki taking a bullet straight to the head, leaving viewers in a state of disbelief and horror, as it defied any expectations. The Foresta arc is also noteworthy for its graphic depictions, with piles of corpses strewn across the streets, showcasing the devastating consequences of Ziggy's plans on a smaller scale.

Edens Zero has unveiled a cosmos filled with entities even more cruel than Drakken Joe, exemplified by Poseidon Nero's adoptive son, Shura. Unlike Drakken, Shura, the unhinged heir to Nero's empire, kills indiscriminately, eliminating anyone he sees as an inconvenience. His chilling introduction involved using gravity manipulation to send two escorts hurtling to their deaths, their bodies splattering against the ceiling. However, this was merely a glimpse into his twisted mind, as countless others are destined to become victims of his sadistic nature.

Traumatic Backstories

The series is filled with trauma and despair, with each character's backstory deeply affected by it. Among the numerous characters who have experienced tragic incidents, Kleene and Jinn arguably have the most traumatic backstories. Jinn had to endure the horrific dismemberment of his limbs, while Kleene, at a very young age, witnessed the entire gory scene, leaving her unable to process the incident and resulting in her being afflicted with an emotionless state due to illness.

Hermit also has a highly traumatic past, contending for the most distressing backstory in the entire series. Being held captive and tortured by Dr. Muller for almost two years shattered her, leading to Hermit's descent into depression and developing a deep hatred for humanity. Weisz and Rebecca also faced perilous times, having to fend for themselves since childhood. Weisz lost his mother at a young age and had to take care of himself, while Rebecca was abandoned and left with no one to look after her.

Elsie Crimson's past remains a mystery, but the series has hinted at a potential tragedy occurring on her home planet. Despite holding the title of princess in a strong kingdom, she found herself entangled in a calamity that resulted in the downfall of her kingdom and numerous other nations. Ziggy eventually discovered her, implying that she had endured countless atrocities before ultimately finding refuge aboard the Edens Zero. Trauma and abuse appear to be common themes within various characters' backgrounds, adding depth to the series.

Catch Edens Zero on Crunchyroll for streaming.