Dr Stone - Episode 1 Review

Seasons: 4

Episodes: 69

Genre: Sci-Fi, Action, Adventure

Season Rating: 7/10

In One Word: Spectacular

Available On: Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV

First Impression

Dr. Stone opens with an immediately gripping premise: humanity is suddenly petrified in an unexplained flash of green light, freezing civilization in stone for thousands of years. This high-concept sci-fi hook is bold and intriguing. The episode does a solid job of introducing its two main characters — Senku, the brilliant and pragmatic scientist, and Taiju, the strong-willed but emotionally driven best friend.

Art & Animation

The art and animation are clean and expressive, with good use of color contrast between the pre- and post-petrification worlds. The crumbled remains of civilisation overgrown with nature are beautifully rendered, creating a strong visual identity.

Characters

Senku is a standout, with his eccentric charisma and passionate dedication to science. His “10 billion percent” catchphrase may feel a bit over-the-top, but it quickly establishes his personality and makes him memorable. The show's educational aspect — blending real scientific principles into the narrative — starts off promisingly without being too heavy-handed.

Pacing:

The pacing is relatively fast for a first episode. It begins with an almost slice-of-life tone before flipping dramatically into a post-apocalyptic setup. The time skip of 3,700 years is ambitious and risky, but it’s handled with enough visual storytelling to make it compelling rather than confusing.

However, the quick pacing also means some emotional beats — like Taiju’s perseverance while petrified — might feel a little rushed. The show doesn't linger long on the horror or philosophical implications of humanity's fall, choosing instead to keep the energy high and the tone optimistic.

Room for Improvement:

While the premise is unique, Episode 1 could benefit from more subtlety in its character writing. Senku and Taiju are both somewhat exaggerated archetypes — the genius and the brute — and though their chemistry is solid, it can border on cartoonish at times. A bit more nuance or quieter moments would help ground the story emotionally.

The exposition is also a bit heavy in places, with characters explaining things they already know or speaking unnaturally for the audience’s sake. It’s forgivable in a premiere, but it's something to watch going forward.

Conclusion

Episode 1 of Dr. Stone is a strong opener with a fresh concept, energetic execution, and engaging visuals. It effectively sets the stage for a unique survival-meets-science adventure, even if some of its characters and dialogue could use a touch more subtlety. If it can balance its high-energy style with deeper emotional stakes and development, it has the potential to be something special.