This cycle of killing and searching leads the two closer together, revealing Ichi's psychological manipulation and Kakihara's obsession of pain and torture.

[19] Chris Beveridge from AnimeOnDVD called the OVA "an interesting look into the mind and how it deals with violence, pressure and the mix of sex into everything."

"[20] Reviewing the OVA, Bamboo Dong from Anime News Network called it "nothing but an excuse to fit as much sex and violence in a 47 minute excursion as possible", adding that there was potential to use the psychological aspects of the story and explore the human mind, but that "[t]hey were too busy satisfying their testosterone levels".

[21] Theron Martin from the same website felt that the story is "perfectly believable" and "convince[s] the viewer that Ichi's lethal tendencies didn't come from nowhere" because it follows the "common elements you hear about in the backgrounds of true killers".

He dismissed the "substandard animation" as problematic but praised the music of "heavy driving techno themes" that provide an "edgy mood and tone for the series".

"[23] Chris Feldman from Animation World Network highlighted the writing of the OVA, commenting that "[a]lmost no familiarity with either the manga or movie is required to fully understand what is happening."

He added that the OVA would appeal to "anyone looking for an anime that would never get on American TV", commenting that "[a]fter the edit, there wouldn't be enough to fill a half-hour on Adult Swim", and concluded: "for the fans of the movie and manga Ichi the Killer: Episode Zero is a must see".