On paper, Dr. Stone is a lackluster idea. A show where the main protagonist relies on science sounds boring. In real life, science isn’t always exact, and it takes a lot of time to get results. The answer? Throw in an apocalypse. When the world is thrown back into the Stone Age via petrification, it marks the end of modern human life. 

Well, not really. The year is now 5737. With the people of the 21st century encased in stone, the knowledge from that time and before are lost. By some stroke of luck, there are human civilizations. Unfortunately, they lack the knowledge from the 21st century and live in a new Stone Age. 

A glimmer of hope lights up as Senku, a scientist, is freed from his stone prison. Immediately upon his release, he implements his knowledge to survive in the wilderness. In his travels, he stumbles upon a little town where he makes his mark in this new world.

As a shonen show, Dr. Stone has its share of action. As Senku and company free more people, the risk of freeing someone who wants to rule the world increases. This happens right off the bat, and it takes a spin on the nerd vs jock troupe. While it would be easy for the show to hype up the nerd side, it takes a more realistic approach. Where the Empire of Might rules, the Kingdom of Science struggles, and vice versa. 

Overall, the core of the show is man vs nature. While there are antagonists that have differing ideologies, the true antagonist is nature. Nature petrified the world. Nature freed Senku. However, Senku’s knowledge fast-forwards man’s fight against nature. Of course, his scientific prowess is not some shonen protagonist god-mode plot armor. 

How True Is the Science?

Science, as a whole, is a collaborative process. Most scientists build upon known knowledge and rely on other scientists to fill in knowledge gaps. Dr. Stone’s cast is no different. While Senku is the face of the series, viewers quickly see Senku acknowledge his weak points. He relies on experts in negotiation, sailing, and many other skills to move the Kingdom of Science forward. 

Source: Crunchyroll

Each of these specialists provides viewers (and readers) with insight into their fields. We learn about winds and what it takes for a boat to sail, negotiation, and manipulation skills. We learn what it takes to make a plethora of items with the barest of items. In one episode, we learn how to make a flash grenade. In others, we learn how to make soda, antibiotics, and a steam tank. The fun part? You don’t question it. It all makes sense despite Senku sounding like a mad scientist when he proposes his ideas. 

Dr. Stone is the perfect show for Shonen fans, science nerds, and anyone who likes some level of believability in their shows. The third season started last week, but it is a rather quick binge with 36 episodes available. Dr. Stone is currently airing on Crunchyroll.

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