REVIEW: ‘Dr. Stone Science Future’ Episode 1 — “ Ryusui vs. Senku”

Dr. Stone Science Future Episode 1 quickly reminds us why we love these oddballs. Following the events of Dr. Stone New World, the series finds its Kingdom of Science characters aboard their ship as they embark on their treacherous journey to the U.S. Based on the manga written by Riichiro Inagaki and illustrated by Boichi, the story continues to follow Senku Ishigami (Yûsuke Kobayashi) and friends as they try to rebuild civilization after humanity was petrified 3,700 years ago.

Looking at how far these characters have come from their humble beginnings is staggering. From creating fire and ramen to weapons and now ships that endure forty days of travel, their mission is strong. But it’s never once felt sped up for the sake of plot continuity. Instead, the growth is shown to be painstaking, even when corners can be cut, such as their ocean voyage.

This start of the journey takes up the majority of the runtime in Episode 1. “Ryusui vs. Senku” indicates the primary source of tension. While Ryusui (Ryōta Suzuki) wants to take a path from Japan to the U.S. that will be longer but ultimately safer for their crew, Senku is determined to cut the travel time nearly in half, with a route that will bring the 70 days of sailing to 40. He reasons that if they’re too late, there will no longer be corn to harvest, which is why they’re journeying in the first place.

Dr. Stone Science Future Episode 1 reestablishes the core group.

Season 3 ends with the group realizing they’ll need more revival fluid and vast amounts of corn to do so. One of the most substantial aspects of Ryusui and Senku’s “fight” (because it’s a stretch to call it as much) is how both are right. We understand why Ryusui prioritizes the safety of their crew, especially since many of them have never been on such a long journey or have traveled by boat. While characters like Ginro (Ayumu Murase) may suffer from the tedium and boredom of so much elapsed time, others, like Gen (Kengo Kawanishi), are happy to be safe.

But we understand Senku’s logic, too. If they don’t make it in time, that’s a year extra, and they’ll be stuck so far away from home. It makes for a strong point of contention for the two, especially as both have leadership roles in their community. But how they duke it out makes for the most fun as they play poker, deciding that whoever wins the game can choose which route to take.

The poker game is an easy way to remind us of these characters and their personalities beyond Senku and Ryusui. Gen is quick to offer Ryusui a hand in the poker game, something Senku is wary of. Gen is a notable cheat, good at deceiving others and using sleight-of-hand. It won’t be a clean game with him involved, so Senku enlists Kohaku’s (Manami Numakura) help, whose intimidation tactics and good eyesight will help them call Gen on any misdoings.

Senku and the Kingdom of Science are always on the move.

Of course, as to be expected, Senku wins the game. The series finds fun in this inevitable outcome by showing how it was partially an excuse to allow their team to let loose and relax to keep the tides of fatigue at bay. Ryusui equips the ship with gambling, good food, and drinks to keep their team entertained and happy. Because while 40 days is shorter than 70, it’s still grueling. But these little beats within the heightened silliness remind us of how many of these characters are driven by an innate sense of good.

There’s not a lot of actual drama in the premiere, as it acts mainly as a table setting for what’s to come. But it’s fun and a good reminder of the series’ greatest strengths — beyond the strong characterization. So much of the thrill of the series is how it’s in constant motion, and the characters are always working towards some goal. An added bonus is that it allows the characters to hang out and develop without life-and-death circumstances. This will never be a hang-out comedy or a slice-of-life drama. Dr. Stone, forever and always, is a singular project.

Dr. Stone Science Future Episode 1 is a boisterous return as it embarks on its final season. The characters remain charming as their underdog status perseveres, making them unlikely but easy to root for protagonists. With bold, strong line work and artistry that sticks to its own striking, jarring, even aesthetic, Dr. Stone reminds fans why it’s so consistently addictive. While we understand their motives, we, along with most surrounding Senku, can’t quite work out just how they’ll succeed.

Dr. Stone Science Future Episode 1 is out now on Crunchyroll.