Zuihou De Zhaohuan Shi

THE LAST SUMMONER

Characters

Sitan

MAIN

Dora

MAIN

Miaowu

MAIN

Ajie

MAIN

Hana

MAIN

Halun

SUPPORTING

Huanxin

SUPPORTING

Yanqiang

SUPPORTING

The Last Summoner Season 1: A Deep Dive into a Fresh Fantasy Epic

The Last Summoner (Zuihou de Zhaohuan Shi), a 2022 Chinese anime adapted from a web manhua, arrived on the global stage with a bold promise: to deliver a fantasy narrative that blends culinary arts, supernatural summoning, and high-stakes adventure. Season 1, animated by ASK Animation Studio and streamed on platforms like Crunchyroll and Bilibili, has sparked discussions among anime fans for its ambitious world-building and unconventional protagonist. This article explores the series’ strengths, weaknesses, and unique contributions to the fantasy genre, drawing on critical reception and narrative analysis without veering into promotional fluff. Let’s dissect what makes The Last Summoner Season 1 stand out, what it fumbles, and why it’s worth your attention.

A Fresh Premise with Culinary Roots

At its core, The Last Summoner follows Ah Jie, a young cook with a knack for crafting delectable ramen, whose life takes a fantastical turn when he accidentally summons Dora, a goddess-like spirit who declares him her master. Unlike typical fantasy protagonists who are warriors or mages, Ah Jie’s passion for cooking grounds the story in a refreshingly human perspective. The narrative unfolds in a world where summoners wield the power to call forth spirits, and Ah Jie is thrust into a conflict between the Guardians and the Destroyers, two factions vying for control of this mystical art.

The show’s premise is one of its strongest assets. By centering a cook in a supernatural conflict, it subverts the “chosen hero” trope, offering a protagonist who’d rather perfect a broth than battle cosmic forces. This culinary angle isn’t just a gimmick; it’s woven into the storytelling, with Ah Jie’s cooking skills occasionally influencing his summoning abilities or defusing tense situations. For example, in one episode, he prepares a meal to bond with allies, showcasing how his human talents complement his reluctant heroism. This blend of mundane and magical creates a narrative texture rarely seen in fantasy anime, distinguishing it from genre staples like Black Clover or Fairy Tail.

World-Building: Ambitious but Uneven

The Last Summoner Season 1 builds a sprawling world filled with summoned spirits, ancient prophecies, and warring factions. The lore draws inspiration from Chinese mythology and manhua traditions, with summoners using magical artifacts to call forth creatures ranging from ethereal goddesses to monstrous beasts. Settings like the Black Rose Castle and the Demon Furnace trials are visually striking, with ASK Animation Studio delivering vibrant, detailed backgrounds that evoke a sense of grandeur.

However, the world-building can feel overwhelming at times. The show introduces a dense array of characters, factions, and magical rules in its 12-episode run, often leaving viewers scrambling to keep up. For instance, the distinction between Guardians and Destroyers is initially vague, with their motivations only clarified in later episodes. This pacing issue is a common critique, as noted in reviews on MyAnimeList, where some users felt the show “throws too much at you without enough explanation”. While the ambition to craft a complex universe is admirable, Season 1 occasionally sacrifices clarity for spectacle, leaving some plot threads—like the origins of the Destroyers—frustratingly underdeveloped.

Characters: Relatable Yet Underutilized

Ah Jie, voiced by Nobuhiko Okamoto, is the heart of the series. His reluctance to embrace his summoner role, paired with his dry humor and grounded personality, makes him a compelling lead. Unlike the bombastic heroes of shonen anime, Ah Jie’s motivations are simple: he wants to cook and live a quiet life. This everyman quality resonates, especially when he’s forced to confront enemies far beyond his skill set. His relationship with Dora, voiced by Atsumi Tanezaki, adds emotional depth, as her divine loyalty clashes with his skepticism, creating a dynamic that’s both humorous and heartfelt.

Supporting characters, however, are a mixed bag. Hana, a fellow summoner, and her grandfather provide crucial exposition about the summoner world, but their development feels rushed. Moduo, a Destroyer with a tragic backstory, hints at complexity, but his arc is sidelined in favor of action sequences. MyAnimeList reviews echo this sentiment, with one user noting, “The side characters have potential, but they’re often reduced to plot devices”. The show’s focus on Ah Jie is understandable, but it misses opportunities to flesh out its ensemble, which could have elevated the emotional stakes.

Animation and Sound: A Visual Feast with Sonic Flair

ASK Animation Studio delivers a visual experience that’s both a strength and a point of contention. The character designs are expressive, with Dora’s ethereal glow and Ah Jie’s unassuming charm standing out. Battle scenes, particularly in the Demon Furnace arc, are kinetic and colorful, showcasing summoning spells with dazzling effects. However, some viewers have criticized inconsistent animation quality, especially in less pivotal episodes, where character movements can feel stiff or backgrounds lack detail.

The soundtrack, blending traditional Chinese instruments with modern orchestral elements, is a highlight. It enhances the show’s atmosphere, from serene moments in Ah Jie’s kitchen to the chaotic battles at Black Rose Castle. The voice acting, particularly Okamoto’s portrayal of Ah Jie’s exasperation and Tanezaki’s ethereal Dora, adds layers to the characters. The opening theme, a high-energy track, sets the tone for the series’ blend of action and whimsy, though some fans on forums like Reddit have called the ending theme “forgettable”.

Themes and Symbolism: A Subtle Social Commentary

One of The Last Summoner’s most intriguing aspects is its understated exploration of choice versus destiny. Ah Jie’s accidental summoning of Dora forces him to grapple with a role he never wanted, raising questions about free will in a world governed by ancient prophecies. This theme resonates with modern audiences, reflecting the tension between personal desires and societal expectations.

The series also touches on class dynamics, as Ah Jie, a commoner, navigates a world dominated by powerful summoners. While not as explicit as in Taran Matharu’s Summoner series, this element adds depth, hinting at broader societal inequalities. However, these themes are often overshadowed by action-heavy episodes, leaving some viewers wanting more introspection. As one Reddit user put it, “The show has smart ideas, but it doesn’t always know how to explore them”.

Reception and Impact

The Last Summoner Season 1 has garnered a polarized response. On MyAnimeList, it holds a moderate score of around 6.5/10, with fans praising its unique premise but critiquing its pacing and character development. Some viewers appreciate its departure from typical anime tropes, with one reviewer calling it “a breath of fresh air for fantasy fans tired of the same old chosen-one stories.” Others, however, find its ambition outstrips its execution, pointing to rushed plotlines and uneven animation as drawbacks.

Compared to contemporaries like Black Summoner (Kuro no Shoukanshi), which also explores summoning but leans heavily into isekai tropes, The Last Summoner feels more grounded and culturally distinct. Its Chinese roots shine through in its aesthetic and storytelling, offering a perspective that’s still rare in global anime markets. Yet, it struggles to match the polish of bigger-budget series like Demon Slayer, which may leave some viewers wanting more.

The Verdict: A Promising Start with Room to Grow

The Last Summoner Season 1 is a bold, if imperfect, entry into the fantasy anime landscape. Its unique protagonist, culinary-infused narrative, and Chinese mythological influences set it apart, while its ambitious world-building and vibrant visuals keep viewers engaged. However, pacing issues, underdeveloped side characters, and occasional animation hiccups prevent it from reaching the heights of genre titans.

What makes the series truly next-level is its willingness to take risks—centering a cook in a summoner’s world, blending humor with high-stakes drama, and drawing from manhua traditions to create something distinctly non-Western. For fans of fantasy anime seeking something outside the Japanese or Western mold, Season 1 offers a compelling, if flawed, journey. As Ah Jie himself might say, it’s not a perfect dish, but it’s got enough flavor to keep you coming back for seconds.

Where to Watch: Available on Crunchyroll and Bilibili, with English subtitles. Check platforms like Amazon Prime Video for additional availability.

Final Note: Season 1 lays a foundation that could lead to a more refined Season 2. If ASK Animation Studio tightens the pacing and deepens character arcs, The Last Summoner could become a standout in the genre. For now, it’s a tasty appetizer with the potential for a main course.