Juni Taisen: Zodiac War
Oshimeter
Synopsis
Stranded in an abandoned city, twelve warriors, each named after a Chinese zodiac animal, are forced to kill each other. The catch: they've all swallowed a poisonous gem that'll kill them in twelve hours unless they collect every other warrior's gem. The last one standing gets any wish they want. That's the setup for Juuni Taisen, a 12-episode TV series from Graphinica based on a novel by Nisio Isin (the Monogatari guy). What makes it more than just a straightforward death match is how much time it spends inside each fighter's head. You get backstories for characters like Ushii, a pacifist who became the deadliest swordsman alive, and Tora, a drunk martial artist whose fighting style is genuinely unhinged. The show peels back who these people were before the tournament, which makes watching them tear each other apart hit differently. The tone is dark and pretty bloody, think psychological warfare layered on top of brutal combat. It's less about who's the strongest and more about who outthinks everyone else. Nezumi, the Rat, barely fights at all and that's kind of the point. If you liked the servant dynamics in Fate/Zero or the desperate survival tension of Battle Royale, this scratches a similar itch. Fans of Deadman Wonderland's gore and high-stakes arena setup will feel at home too. It's compact at 12 episodes, one per fighter, and doesn't waste your time.
Episode Guide
Characters
Usagi
Insane, bunny-eared killer in stilettos; cunning and lethal with blades.
Jewell Jerry
Nezumi
Nezumi, the Rat, employs overwhelming numbers to achieve victory through attrition and swarm tactics.
Mills Daman
Tora
Kanae Aira, the Tiger warrior of Juuni Taisen, is a formidable fighter.
Clinkenbeard Colleen
Ushii
Ushii, the Ox, is a ruthless and efficient killer in the Juuni Taisen.
Sinclair Ian
Sharyuu
Sharyuu, the Monkey, is a peaceful yet deadly 150cm warrior.
Glass Caitlin
Inounoshishi
Inounoshishi, the Boar, is a prolific killer in the Juuni Taisen.
Young Stephanie
Niwatori
Ryouka Niwa, aka Niwatori, uses her spading fork, 'Cockscomb', to peck enemies to death.
Rial Monica
Tatsumi Kyoudai Ani
Dragon warrior Nagayuki Tsumita, robbing foes as he slays them.
Chapin Clifford
Tatsumi Kyoudai Otouto
Snake warrior Takeyasu Tsumita, a cunning robber who kills for profit.
Shipman Matt
Dotsuku
Daycare teacher Michio Tsukui, also known as Dotsuku, is a lethal biter who meets his end in the second episode.
Huber Chuck
Community Feed
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Studio Graphinica doubles down on psychological warfare and biological trickery in a phenomenal second episode. In "Tricks Both Mongrel and Fowl," the narrative shifts its deadly lens to Dotsuku, the cynical Warrior of the Dog. While publicly feared for his lethal "Mad Dog's Vise" bite, the episode brilliantly reveals his true trump card: a sinister ability to synthesize and secrete various toxins and antidotes from his own body. In a tournament where every single participant has been forcefully poisoned from the starting line, Dotsuku’s hidden trait instantly shifts the power dynamic, turning him into a chess master looking for a pawn. The episode thrives on intense, dialogue-heavy tension, exploring how trust is weaponized and broken in a matter of minutes, culminating in a jaw-dropping clash of wits.
The lucky winner of the zodiac war can ask for whatever they want. I hope they wish is good and for the good of everyone. The story of this anime is about Love, Frienship, Money and Wish for life.
In this episode if Nezumi doesn't cooperate with Duodecuple no matter where he goes or runs he will still die. He remembered Sharyu and what she said to him when they were still together. I really misses having that kind of friend like Sharyu :( .
In this episode Ushii mistook Tora for being a civilian. Ushii is kind and gentleman. He advised Tora to be good. It's nice to be friends with someone like Ushii.
A good wrapping up episode of the series..A unique ability of the character that make him formidable in the competition...nice strategy to win..good visual and nice storyline pacing..
A nice pace of the storyline with a good visual of fighting scene...great dialogue and character development throughout the series...A nice show and episode to enjoy
An unexpected turn of fighting conclusion...A distraction that make the fight ended in a bad way...good visualization of the anime..great dialogue and nice pace of the storyline..
A nice action filled episode with a good visualization of the anime...a unique style of fighting lash with each others...good characters developments thorugh the series..nice pace of storyline progress.
A less action episode..good visual and nice storyline pacing...A recap of past life that make up the character personality..good character developments and bonds..
A nice dialogue and good storyline pacing..great character development with each of individual unique personality..great fighting action with a nice visual
Kanae got drunk. There is a little left in the battle. The episode is getting better and better, Make sure you watch until the end.
A great filled action packed epiode...good pacing of story progress..An unexpected turn of fight...great character development and a nice dialogue..
Even though the Tatsumi brother's do bad things, On the other hand, They still manage to help, Specially to the sick and poor. When helping, There's no need to steal, If you can just give what you can, That's ok.
A nice visual of action episode..great storyline pacing and good character developmnets and bonds...A clash of philosophy in each of the characters goals..
A great characters development with a nice story background...good dialogue and storyline pacing...A level headed character in facing a dangerous situation..cool visual and fun episode
A nice backstory of a character..A look can deceived others..a nice dialogue with a good visual of action filled episode...great pace of the storyline and characters development thoroughout the series
A great dialogue and backstory of a characters..nice visual and pacing of the storyline..great characters developments and bonds...A death royale match that put a fighter in a tight spot.
A great kind of anime story..An unique storyline based on chinese zodiac as a characters..a great character personality and developments...nice storyline pacing..good action with a nice visual..
Tatsumi brother is good, The police don't catch them. Their tandem is good i like them for being kind and smart. If I had a lot of money, I would also help, It would be nice to help people in need.
In this episode there are only few left in the zodiac war battle. They've already made bets on who will win the battle. If i were to bet, My bet would be on Sharyu :) .
Juni Taisen: Zodiac War
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